Efforts are underway to finalize a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the St. Augustine of Hippo Parish Church in Bacong, Negros Oriental, the only government-declared National Cultural Treasure on Negros Island.

Msgr. Julius Perpetuo Heruela, head of the Commission on Church Cultural Heritage of the Diocese of Dumaguete, said Monday that the CMP will guide the protection and preservation of the historic church built in 1865.

“We are finalizing our Conservation Management Plan to ensure that scientific and historical standards guide our conservation efforts,” Heruela said.

The remarks were made during the unveiling Monday of a bronze marker led by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) at the church.

He said one of the immediate priorities is raising funds for the restoration of the church’s aging roof, trusses, and ceilings.

Heruela said that while the National Cultural Treasure designation is a significant honor, preserving the structure will require continued support from the Church, government agencies, local officials, and the community.

“A title alone cannot protect a structure from the effects of time and nature,” he said.

The priest urged the faithful and other stakeholders to actively support conservation efforts and help preserve the church for future generations.

He described the church as more than a historic building, saying it stands as a symbol of the enduring faith and heritage of generations of Baconganons.

In his message during the marker unveiling in Bacong, NCCA Deputy Executive Director Bernan Joseph Corpuz vowed to continously support efforts for the protection and preservation of the St. Augustine of Hippo Church, noting the history, heritage, faith and pride that the church represents.

Present during the unveiling were officials from the NCCA, the National Museum, the Diocese of Dumaguete led by Bishop Julito Cortes, and Bacong officials headed by Mayor Lenin Alviola. (PNA)