(DOT Region III Officer-in-Charge Director Carolina Uy, Holy Rosary Parish Priest Fr. Francis Dizon and Angeles City Tourism Office head John Montances pose before photos of churches. Photo by Deng Pangilinan)
The opening was led by DOT Region III Officer-in-Charge Director Carolina Uy and Holy Rosary Parish Priest Fr. Francis Dizon. Joining them are Angeles City Tourism Office Head John Montances, local artists and guests.
“The exhibition is with the aim to create awareness and appreciation of the importance of preservation of churches as it plays a vital role in the protection and conservation of each church in our province,” Uy said.
The display also notes on the details and intricacies our ancestors have inscribed in the churches which reflect emotions and thoughts about people’s faith. The collection features the century old churches of Santa Lucia Parish in Sasmuan, San Pedro Apostol Church in Apalit, San Agustin Church in Lubao, Santa Rita de Casia Parish in Sta. Rita, San Luis Gonzaga Parish in San Luis, Metropolitan Cathedral in City of San Fernando, San Guillermo Parish in Bacolor, Santiago Apostol Parish in Betis, Santa Monica Parish in Minalin and Holy Rosary Parish in Angeles City.
In 2012, Bong Lacson, Deng Pangilinan and Peter Alagos, veteran mediamen of Pampanga Press Club, sparked the idea of immortalizing these heritage churches through photography in exhibits at SM malls titled ‘Visita Iglesia’ .
Later on, these were turned over to DOT- Region III for archive and exhibit purposes.
Another highlight of the faith tourism project is a free lecture on ‘PISAMBAN DA RING IBPA MI: Directions and Challenges in Kapampangan Church Heritage Preservation’ by Kapampangan historian, archivist, DHVTSU professor and curator Lord Francis Musni on Saturday, May 26 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the MPSH Audio Visual Room.
“I encourage everyone to take part in the maintenance and improvement of our churches by participating in the ideals, programs and solutions that may help our province be known nationally and globally,” the regional tourism chief added.
The exhibit is free and is open to the public until June 30, 2018. For inquiries, call (045) 304-4042, call at (+63) 917-553-8107 or send an email at mpshnhcp@gmail. com
