SUBIC, Zambales — The local government of Subic, Zambales under the direction of Mayor Jon Khonghun has adopted eight cultural properties in the municipality for preservation in compliance with the National Cultural Heritage Act.

These properties were adopted following a thorough research conducted by the Municipal Tourism Office, Khonghun said.

The cultural properties include churches like the St. James Church and Aglipayan Church, both located in Barangay Asinan Poblacion; San Isidro Labrador Chapel in Barangay Matain; and the Philippine Independent Church (Aglipay Church) San Roque Chapel in Calapandayan, all of which are being maintained by their respective parishes and the Diocese of Iba, Zambales.

The other cultural sites are Mount Bukilyaok in Barangay San Isidro, which is maintained by the local government; Senior Dela Columna, owned by Clemente del Carmen and under the care of Tala-Gutierrez-Lacbain families in Barangay Asinan Poblacion; and Santo Entierro (Holy burial image of the Dead Christ) and Sta. Maria Dolorosa (IUna ng Pitong Hapis), both owned and taken care of by the Afable family in Barangay Baraca-Camachile.

These cultural properties were officially adopted by the LGU through Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 72 passed in 2021 and Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 54, which was approved in 2022.

The adoption of cultural properties is required under Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 and Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01 of the National Commission on Culture and Arts, and Department of Interior and Local Government, as amended by Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-001.

The National Cultural Heritage Act created the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP) and took other steps to preserve historic buildings that are over 50 years old. – Alex Galang/Taktikom News & Features