Cover Kärcher uses low-pressure, high-temperature steam to clean the bronze Gomburza National Monument while preserving its green patina formed by oxidation, which shields the metal from corrosion (Photo: CID Communicatiions)
Kärcher uses low-pressure, high-temperature steam to clean the bronze Gomburza National Monument while preserving its green patina formed by oxidation, which shields the metal from corrosion (Photo: CID Communicatiions)
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October 2025 marked a monumental achievement in cultural preservation, as Kärcher Philippines, the celebrated German leader in cleaning technology, formalised its partnership with the National Museum of the Philippines with a milestone project
More than just a cleaning project, the Kärcher Philippines collaboration with the National Museum of the Philippines was a crowning jewel of the premier German cleaning technology’s 10th anniversary in the country. For its 10th conservation project, delivered in the 10th month of its 10th anniversary year, Kärcher Philippines selected Solomon Saprid’s Gomburza National Monument across the National Museum of Fine Arts, a symbol of resistance and heroism that ignited the minds and hearts of the heroes that came after the martyred Filipino priests.
Above Kärcher strengthens its commitment to heritage conservation with the turnover of advanced cleaning equipment to the National Museum of the Philippines, supporting long-term preservation of national treasures. In photo (L–R): Valerio Perucci, regional president for ASEAN, South Korea, Taiwan and Bangladesh, Kärcher; Atty. Ma Rosenne M Flores-Avila, deputy director-general for administration, National Museum of the Philippines; and Darwin Banez, general manager, Kärcher Philippines (Photo: CID Communications)
Kärcher strengthens its commitment to heritage conservation with the turnover of advanced cleaning equipment to the National Museum of the Philippines, supporting long-term preservation of national treasures. In photo (L–R): Valerio Perucci, regional president for ASEAN, South Korea, Taiwan and Bangladesh, Kärcher; Atty. Ma Rosenne M Flores-Avila, deputy director-general for administration, National Museum of the Philippines; and Darwin Banez, general manager, Kärcher Philippines (Photo: CID Communications)
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Held at the National Museum of Fine Arts’ Old Senate Session Hall last October 22, the two institutions emphasised an eloquent testament to their shared vision: safeguarding the nation’s historical treasures. Director-general Jeremy Barns of the National Museum of the Philippines graciously welcomed the generous donation of state-of-the-art cleaning equipment and invaluable technical support from Kärcher. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the latter’s colossal global commitment, which includes the 90 Global Cleaning Projects and the broader Cultural Sponsorship Programme.
Globally, Kärcher has already revitalised over 180 monuments, including international landmarks such as Mount Rushmore in the United States and Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. Now, the revered Gomburza National Monument proudly joins the distinguished list. Locally, the said project is Kärcher’s 10th monument initiative, cementing its reputation as a responsible and dedicated private partner. Other Filipino landmarks that benefited from Kärcher’s expertise include the San Agustin Church, the Rizal Monument and Fort Santiago.
Read more: Fort Santiago preserves its historic walls with the help of Kärcher
Above Kärcher, in collaboration with the National Museum of the Philippines, conducts conservation-safe cleaning of the Gomburza National Monument as part of its 90th-anniversary goal to complete 90 projects worldwide in 2025 (Photo: CID Communications)
Kärcher, in collaboration with the National Museum of the Philippines, conducts conservation-safe cleaning of the Gomburza National Monument as part of its 90th-anniversary goal to complete 90 projects worldwide in 2025 (Photo: CID Communications)
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The subject of this meticulous effort, the Gomburza National Monument, holds a pivotal place in Filipino history, commemorating the martyred priests Mariano Gómez, José Burgos and Jacinto Zamora. These clergymen championed the rights of the secular priests at the height of the Spanish Colonial Period and were executed in 1872 following the Cavite Mutiny, for allegedly orchestrating it. The bronze statue is the creation of Filipino sculptor Solomon Saprid and was officially recognised as a National Monument by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2021.
Preserving the monument’s integrity was paramount, as general manager of Kärcher Philippines Darwin Banez affirmed. He highlighted Kärcher’s philosophy that “technology should serve memory and meaning,” ensuring that the public can appreciate the artwork as its creator intended.
Above The Gomburza National Monument becomes Kärcher PH’s 10th conserved heritage site in the Philippines, joining Fort Santiago, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Silang Church, San Sebastian Basilica, Plaza Miranda, Bonifacio Shrine, San Agustin Church, the People Power Monument and the Rizal Monument (Photo: CID Communications)
The Gomburza National Monument becomes Kärcher PH’s 10th conserved heritage site in the Philippines, joining Fort Santiago, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Silang Church, San Sebastian Basilica, Plaza Miranda, Bonifacio Shrine, San Agustin Church, the People Power Monument and the Rizal Monument (Photo: CID Communications)
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The cleaning process itself was a marvel of precision and scientific care. Valerio Perucci, Kärcher’s regional president for ASEAN, South Korea, Taiwan and Bangladesh, explained that the team carries out thorough testing to determine the best-fit method. For Saprid’s bronze sculpture, the method employed was a combination of gentle steam cleaning with pure water only, ensuring no harmful chemicals were used. The bronze statue was treated with a high-pressure cleaner in steam mode at 80-90 degrees Celsius, using a low pressure of 0.5-1.0 bar. This meticulous, low-pressure, high-temperature approach was crucial for removing dust, oils and pollutants while diligently preserving the bronze’s natural patina—the green colouration formed as bronze reacts with oxygen—which acts as a protective layer against corrosion.
The surrounding betone/brick plaza floors were subjected to a deeper clean, utilising Kärcher’s Dirt Blaster. Meanwhile, the low granite perimeter was treated with a gentle spray from a 25-degree wide nozzle to effectively clear surface deposits without abrasion.
Above Darwin Banez, general manager, Kärcher Philippines (Photo: CID Communications)
Above Valerio Perucci, regional president of Kärcher for ASEAN, South Korea, Taiwan and Bangladesh (Photo: CID Communications)
Darwin Banez, general manager, Kärcher Philippines (Photo: CID Communications)
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For Kärcher, this milestone is an enduring testament to the excellence, innovation and integrity that have defined its work for 90 years globally. As Barns noted, the museum eagerly anticipates presenting the monument in its “refreshed and pristine condition—ready to inspire and be admired by thousands of visitors, tourists and commuters alike.”
Perucci concluded the event by stating that for Kärcher, cleaning is fundamentally about “responsibility, respect and connection.” This spirit of shared purpose, where cutting-edge technology meets cultural stewardship, ensures that the Gomburza National Monument—and with it, the inspiring memory of the three martyred priests—will stand protected for the enjoyment of future generations.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
