The Diocese of Dumaguete through its Commission on Church Cultural Heritage is now preparing for the installation of a marker by the National Museum declaring the Cathedral Belfry here as an Important Cultural Property (ICP).

Msgr. Julius Perpetuo Heruela, chair of the Commission on Church Cultural Heritage, on Monday said the marker will be installed at the century-old belfry of the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria, also known as the Campanario de Dumaguete, on Nov. 23.

“We are happy that this has now come to fruition as it is really important to recognize the Cathedral Belfry not only for its religious but historical significance to the people, the city, and the Church,” Heruela said in mixed English and Cebuano.

The National Museum had earlier sent teams to inspect the watch tower, which was built sometime in the 1800s, to warn residents from Moro invaders coming to this capital city and nearby areas.

With its declaration as an Important Cultural Property, the National Museum will now have the implementing authority and responsibility for the maintenance of the belfry, Heruela said.

“The belfry was declared as an ICP because it has unique cultural properties found locally, possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic, and scientific value, which necessitates the structure’s protection and conservation,” he added.

The National Museum had made the declaration some time in 2020 but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the official ceremony to mark this significant event had to be delayed, the priest said.

It was also originally timed for the celebration of the 400 years anniversary of the St. Catherine of Alexandria parish.

Heruela is hoping that the local government will issue an ordinance to help preserve the watch tower, considering it is the most popular landmark of the city and in fact is in the city’s seal or logo. (PNA)