Cover Sta Ursula Parish Church in Binangonan is among the three new National Cultural Treasures in Rizal province this 2025 (Photo: NCCA)
Sta Ursula Parish Church in Binangonan is among the three new National Cultural Treasures in Rizal province this 2025 (Photo: NCCA)
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The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has officially declared three new National Cultural Treasures in Rizal. Learn more about them below
What does it mean to be designated as a National Cultural Treasure? For the NCCA, the governing body responsible for honouring, preserving, and nurturing Filipino cultural heritage, certain classifications must be met for a property to receive such a prestigious title.
According to its official website, a cultural property must be considered a National Cultural Treasure if it is associated with prehistoric events and that has become the “foundation of Filipino culture”; if it possesses aesthetic value, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship, technical excellence, exquisite artistry, and superior design and execution; and if it has research significance, offering outstanding scientific value through proper documentation and recovery from a verified historical context.
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Above A Mass held inside the Sta Ursula Parish Church in Binangonan, one of the new National Cultural Treasures in Rizal this 2025 (Photo: NCCA)
A Mass held inside the Sta Ursula Parish Church in Binangonan, one of the new National Cultural Treasures in Rizal this 2025 (Photo: NCCA)
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In line with this, the NCCA has officially declared three Spanish Colonial Period churches in Rizal as National Cultural Treasures. Read on to learn more about Sta Ursula Parish Church in Binangonan, the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Jose in Baras, and St Jerome Parish Church in Morong.
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Sta Ursula Parish Church, Binangonan
The altar inside the Sta Ursula Parish Church, Binangonan, one of the new National Cultural Treasures in Rizal this 2025 (Photo: NCCA)
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Also known as Binangonan Church, the Sta Ursula Parish Church is a 225-year-old historic landmark that has been a centre of faith in Rizal for centuries. The church, which falls under the Diocese of Antipolo, was established by Spanish missionaries.
Throughout its history, the church was administered by different religious orders. The Jesuits took over in 1679, followed by the Augustinians in 1697. By 1737, the Franciscans, who had originally founded the parish, regained control. The present structure was built between 1792 and 1800, with renovations in 1853, including the reconstruction of the adjacent convent under Fr Francisco de Paula Gomez.
Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Jose, Baras
Above Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Jose, Baras is one of the new National Cultural Treasures in Rizal (Photo: Jeff Basina)
Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Jose, Baras is one of the new National Cultural Treasures in Rizal (Photo: Jeff Basina)
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The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Jose in Baras, Rizal, is one of the oldest churches in the province, with a history spanning more than four centuries. The first church was built in 1595 by Franciscan missionaries at the town’s original site in what is now Boso-Boso, Antipolo, and was dedicated to St James. However, in 1635, the town and its church were burned down by Aeta inhabitants.
In 1636, the town was moved to a new site known as Ibayo, located approximately 7.24 kilometres southeast of the original location. The church was then dedicated to Christ the Saviour, but it once again fell victim to conflict when Chinese rebels burned it down in 1639, along with churches in neighbouring towns.
Seeking a more secure location, the town was transferred to its present site in 1682, and construction of the current church began the same year. Completed in 1686, the church was then dedicated to St Joseph.
St Jerome Parish Church, Morong
St Jerome Parish Church, Morong is one of the National Cultural Treasures in Rizal 2025 (Photo: Courtesy of the municipal office of Morong, Rizal)
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Commonly known as Morong Church, St Jerome Parish is a historic Roman Catholic place of worship that falls under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Antipolo. It was built using stones from Kay Ngaya Hill, lime from the mountains of Kay Maputi, and sand and gravel from the Morong River. Constructed by Chinese artisans in 1615, the structure features a distinctive Chinese-Baroque architectural style, setting it apart from other churches in the region.
The walls of the church still bear pockmarks from bullet holes, remnants of battles fought between katipuneros and guardia civil during the Philippine Revolution in the late 19th century.
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Credits
Images: NCCA; Jeff Basina; Municipal office of Morong, Rizal
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
