By Brian Jules Campued
The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) has declared the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay in Taal, Batangas as a “National Cultural Treasure” and “National Historical Landmark” following temporary closure in the past two years for restoration and rehabilitation work.
The NMP turned over the 17th-century shrine to the Archdiocese of Lipa on June 20, also unveiling its designation markers and reopening church services to the public.
In a news release by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CPCP), NMP Director General Jeremy Barns reiterated the agency’s commitment to preserving Philippine heritage.
“We are privileged and very happy to show our public service at the National Museum in this way by presenting to you this completely restored Shrine church that will stand as a cultural treasure and historical landmark for more generations to come,” Barns said.
Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa, likewise, noted that the restoration project for the shrine has been his and all Batangueño’s dream: “a reconstructed shrine and a renewed devotion to Our Lady of Caysasay”.
Meanwhile, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Charles Brown lauded the NMP for the restoration efforts that brought the church back to its “original splendor, simplicity, integrity, and nobility”.
The Taal Volcano eruption in 2020 damaged the shrine, which then prompted the archdiocese to entrust the restoration under the NMP’s helm in 2021. – avds
