The Antique provincial board is now deliberating the declaration of the more than a century-old tower in the town of Bugasong as a historical landmark and cultural heritage.

Committee on History and Cultural Heritage chair, Board Member Egidio Elio, sponsored an “Ordinance declaring the Roman Catholic Church bell tower at the Municipality of Bugasong as a historical landmark and cultural heritage of the Province of Antique,” which the board passed on second reading during their regular session on Monday.

“The bell tower had survived the Second World War that left the old Sto. Niño de Bugasong Parish church and convent totally destroyed,” he said during the deliberation.

The bell tower stands at approximately 12.3 meters in height, built under the supervision of Fray Manuel Asencio and Fray Salvador Pons.

Three of its four bells, dating back to 1893, were used for religious activities and to warn the local people of emergencies.

“The declaration aims to acknowledge the noble heritage passed on to us by our forebears,” Elio said.

He said the declaration would increase the awareness and appreciation of the bell tower and provide for its continuing conservation to maintain its cultural significance.

Since the structure does not have a marker issued by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the Provincial Council on History and Cultural Heritage of Antique, chaired by Governor Rhodora Cadiao through the Antique Office of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, is urged to coordinate with relevant cultural groups and agencies to fully and effectively attain the objectives of the declaration.

Elio said, “Any proposed construction, renovation, modification, retrofitting or demolition activities that may affect the integrity of this historical landmark shall require written clearance from the council.”

The provincial board will tackle and approve the ordinance on its third and final reading during their next session on July 1. (PNA)