Bicol University

College of Social Sciences and Philosophy

Daraga, Albay

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fulfilment of the requirements for the course,
GE 12: READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
during the First Semester, Academic Year 2020-2021 are my own.
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Historical Sites and Landmarks | 1

 Chapter 5 Lesson 2 –HISTORICAL SITES AND LANDMARKS

Lesson Overview: This lesson talks about the Historical sites and Landmarks all over
the Philippines, became part of our history and culture. Many of
these sites as well as landmarks are recognized by the National
Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
Historic sites are places of profound importance to Philippines.
They bear witness to our country’s defining moments and
illustrate its human creativity and cultural traditions. Each historic
site tells us its own unique story, part of the greater story of our
country, contributing a sense of time, identity and place to our
understanding of Philippines as a whole.
Lesson Objectives: At the end of this lesson, the student is expected to:
1. Identify historic sites and landmarks recognized by the National
Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)
2. Recognize the value of these historic sites and landmarks in the
study and preservation of our history and culture.
3. Curate a photo gallery of historic sites and landmarks in your own
locale.

LET’S TRY THIS!

Activity 1: IDENTIFYING HISTORICAL SITES AND LANDMARKS
Instructions: Describe in written form about your knowledge in the following Historic sites and
landmarks in the photos below including their names, location and background.

Name of Historical Site: ______________________________

Location: __________________________________________
Background:
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
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Name of Historical Site: ______________________________

Location: __________________________________________
Background:
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Name of Historical ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

Historical Sites and Landmarks | 2

Name of Historical Site: ______________________________
Location: __________________________________________
Background:
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

Name of Historical Site: ______________________________

Location: __________________________________________
Background:
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

Name of Historical Site: ______________________________

Location: __________________________________________
Background:
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

LET’S READ THIS!

Instructions: Kindly read the text about the topic.
Hundreds of sites all over the Philippines became part of our history and culture. Many
of these sites as well as landmarks are recognized by the National Historical Commission of
the Philippines (NHCP). As stated in Republic Act No. 10086, the NHCP is responsible for the
conservation and preservation of the country’s historical legacies. Its major thrusts encompass
an ambitious cultural program on historical studies, curatorial works, architectural
conservation, Philippine heraldry, historical information dissemination activities, restoration
and preservation of relics and memorabilia of heroes and other renowned Filipinos. The NHCP
undertakes the commemoration of significant events and personages in Philippine History and
safeguards the blazoning of the national government and its political divisions and
instrumentalities.” Historical information dissemination activities also include the recognition

Historical Sites and Landmarks | 3

of historical sites and landmarks, turning them into museums and parks and making them
open to visitors such as students to promote historical awareness among the youth.
LUZON
NORTHERN LUZON LANDMARK TOWN/CITY
PROVINCES
Ilocos Norte Juan Luna Shrine Badoc
Ilocos Norte Gregorio Aglipay National Batac
Shrine
Ilocos Norte Artemio Ricarte Shrine Batac
Ilocos Norte Paoay Church Paoay
Ilocos Norte Bacarra Church Bacarra
Ilocos Norte Cape Bojeador Lighthouse Burgos
National Historical Landmark
Ilocos Sur Santa Maria Church Santa Maria
Ilocos Sur Tirad Pass National Shrine Del Pilar
Ilocos Sur Syquia Mansion Vigan
Isabela Church of Tumauini Tumauini
Pangasinan Old Casa Real and Provincial Lingayen
Capitol
Abra Teodoro Birillantes House Tayum
Ifugao Surrender Site of General Kiangan
Tomuyaki Yamashita
Benguet Mansion House Baguio City
Batanes Church, Convent and Site of Sabtang
the Beaterio of Sabtang
Batanes Church of Ivana Ivana
CENTRAL LUZON PROVINCES LANDMARK TOWN/CITY
Bulacan Barasoin Church Historical Malolos
Landmark
Bulacan Casa Real Shrine Malolos
Bulacan Malolos Heritage Town Malolos
Bulacan Biak-na Bato Historic Site San Miguel
Bulacan Birth Site of Marcelo H. del Bulakan
Pilar
Bulacan Alberta Uitangcoy House Bulakan
Bulacan Birthplace of Pres. Diosdado Malolos
P. Macapagal
Pampanga Lubao Church Historical Lubao
Landmark Lubao
Pampanga Henson-Hizon Heritage San Fernando
House
Pampanga Singian-Hizon Heritage San Fernando
House
Pampanga Cuyugan-Dayrit Heritage San Fernando
House
Pampanga Lazatin Heritage House San Fernando
Pampanga Augusto P. Hizon House San Fernando
Tarlac Aquino Ancestral House Tarlac
Tarlac Capas Prisoners-of-War Capas
Memorial Shrine
Bataan Abucay Church of Historical Abucay
Landmark
Bataan Mt. Samar National Shrine Mt. Samat
Zambales Pres. Ramon Magsaysay Castillejos
Historical Landmark

Historical Sites and Landmarks | 4

 Aurora Church of Baler Historical Baler
Landmark
SOUTHERN LUZON LANDMARK TOWN/CITY
PROVINCES
Batangas Taal Church Historical Taal
Landmark
Batangas Marcela Agoncillo Historical Taal
Landmark
Batangas Leon Apacible Historical Taal
Landmark
Batangas Taal Historical Landmark Taal
Batangas Apolinario Mabini Shrine Tanauan
Batangas Miguel Malvar Historical Santo Tomas
Landmark
Batangas Luz-Katigbak House Lipa City
Batangas Ylagan-dela Rosa House Taal
Batangas Goco Ancestral House Taal
Batangas Jose P. Laurel Monument Santo Tomas
Batangas Punta de Malabrigo Lobo
Lighthouse
Cavite Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine Kawit
Cavite Baldomero Aguinaldo Shrine Binakayan, Kawit
Cavite Casa Hacienda and its Rosario and Gen.Trias
Environs, the Site of the
Tejeros Convention
Cavite Siteof the Battle of Alapan Bo. Alapan Imus
Historical Landmark
Cavite Site of the Battle of Imus Imus
Cavite Fort.San Felipe Historical Cavite City
Site
Cavite Bonifacio Trial House Maragondon
Cavite Corregidor Corregidor Island
Cavite Sarayba House General Trias
Cavite Sta. Cruz Parish Convent Tanza
Laguna Rizal Shrine Calamba
Laguna Calamba Church Historical Calamba
Landmark
Laguna Paciano Rizal Shrine Calamba
Laguna Nagcarlan Underground Nagcarlan
Cemetery Historical
Landmark
Laguna Pila Historical Landmark Pila
Laguna Cuartel de Santo Domingo Santa Rosa City
Rizal Pamitinan Cave Historical Binangonan
Site
Quezon Birthplaceof Claro M. Recto Sitio, Wawa San Rafael
Historical Site Rodgriguez
Quezon Natalio Enriquez House Tiaong
Quezon Rodriguez House Sariaya
Quezon Gala-Rodriguez House Sariaya
Quezon Tayabas Provincial Capitol Tayabas
Building
Marinduque Cathedral of Boac Historical Boac
Landmark

Historical Sites and Landmarks | 5

 Marinduque Battle Site Memorial of Torrijos
Pulang-Lupa Historical
Landmark
Marinduque Casa Narvas Boac
Mindoro Oriental Kuta Church Ruins Brgy. Anilao Bongabong
Palawan Cape Melville Lighthouse Cape Melville Balabac
Historical Landmark
Palawan Iwahig Penal Prison and Puerto Princesa
Farm Historical Landmark
BICOL REGION LANDMARK TOWN/CITY
Camarines Norte Wenceslao Vinzons Historical Vinzons
Landmark
Camarines Norte Jose Rizal Monument Daet
Camarines Sur Holy Rosary Minor Seminary Naga City
Historical Landmark
Camarines Sur Jorge Berlin National Baao
Monument
Camarines Sur Filipino-Japanese Friendship Boncao Hill, Mt. Isarog, Pili
Historical Landmark
Camarines Sur Quipayo Church Historical Calabanga
Landmark
VISAYAS
PROVINCES LANDMARK TOWN/CITY
Aklan Kalantiaw Shrine Batan
Antique General Leandro Fullon Hamtic
National Shrine
Capiz Church of Santa Monica Pan-ay
Historical Landmark
Iloilo Rosendo Mejica Historical Iloilo City
Landmark
Iloilo Dumangas Church Historical Dumangas
Landmark
Iloilo Ermita Chapel Historical Dumangas
Landmark
Iloilo Santa Barbara Church and Santa Barbara
Convent Historical Landmark
Iloilo Jaro Belfry Historical Jaro
Landmark
Iloilo Miagao Church Historical Barotac Nuevo
Landmark
Iloilo Molo Church Historical Iloilo City
Landmark
Iloilo Balantang Memorial La Paz, Iloilo City
Cemetery Shrine
Iloilo Barotac Nuevo Church Iloilo City
Convent and Cemetery
Historical Landmark
Iloilo Plaza Libertad National Lapaz, Iloilo City
Historical Landmark
Iloilo Lopez Heritage House Iloilo City
Iloilo Old Iloilo City Iloilo City
Iloilo Portion of the Iloilo City Iloilo City
Central Business District
Guimaras Roca Encantadia Heritage Buenavista, Guimaras
House

Historical Sites and Landmarks | 6

Negros Occidental General Juan Araneta Bago City
Historical Landmark
Negros Occidental Victor Fernandez Gaston Silay City
Heritage House
Negros Occidental Carlos Arceo Ledesma Silay City
Heritage House
Negros Occidental Jose Benedicto Gamboa Silay City
Heritage House
Negros Occidental Angel Araneta Ledesma Silay City
Heritage House
Negros Occidental Benita Jara Heritage House Silay City
Negros Occidental Amelia Hilado Flores Silay City
Heritage House
Negros Occidental Alejandri Amechazura Silay City
Heritage House
Negros Occidental Jose Corteza Locsin Heritage Silay City
House
Negros Occidental Severino Building/Heritage Silay City
House
Negros Occidental Manuel Severino Hofilena Silay City
Heritage House
Negros Occidental Claudio Hilado Akol Heritage Silay City
House
Negros Occidental Manuel de la Rama Locsin Silay City
Heritage House
Negros Occidental Felix Tad-y Lacson Heritage Silay City
House
Negros Occidental Soledad and Maria Silay City
Montelibano Lacson Heritage
House
Negros Occidental Kapitan Marciano Silay City
Montelibano Lacson Heritage
House
Negros Occidental Vicente Conlu Montelibano Silay City
Heritage House
Negros Occidental Maria Ledesma Golez Silay City
Heritage House
Negros Occidental Jose Ledesma Heritage Silay City
House
Negros Occidental Teodoro Morada Heritage Silay City
House
Negros Occidental Generoso Reyes Gamboa Silay City
Heritage House
Negros Occidental Digna Locsin Consing Silay City
Heritage House
Negros Occidental German Lacson Gaston Silay City
Heritage House
Negros Occidental Modesto Ramirez Hojilla Silay City
(Carlos Javelosa Jalandoni
Heritage House)
Negros Occidental Dr. Jose Corteza Locsin Silay City
Heritage House
Negros Occidental Bernardino Lopez Jalandoni Silay City
Ancenstral house
Negros Occidental German Locsin Unson Silay City
Heritage House

Historical Sites and Landmarks | 7

Negros Occidental Delfin Ledesma Heritage Silay City
House
Negros Occidental Infante Heritage House La Carlota City
Negros Occidental Gen. Anicesto Lacson Talisay City
Historical Landmark
Negros Occidental Negros Occidental Provincial Bacolod City
Capitol
Negros Occidental Silliman University historical Dumaguete City
Landmark
Cebu Liberty Shrine/ Site of the Lapu Lapu City Mactan
Battle of Mactan
Cebu Church and Convent of Sto. Cebu City
Nino
Cebu Matilde Bradford Memorial Cebu City
Church Historical Landmark
Cebu Sergio Osmena House Cebu City
Historical Landmark
Cebu Casa Gorordo Historical Cebu City
Landmark
Cebu Boljoon Church Historical Boljoon
Landmark
Cebu Church of San Guillermo de Dalaguete
Aquitania Historical
Landmark
Cebu Church of Nuestra Senora de Argao
la Consolacion Historical
Landmark
Cebu Bagacay Point Lighthouse Liloan
historical Landmark
Cebu Cebu Provincial Capitol Cebu City
Cebu Silva House Carcar
Cebu Balay na Tisa Carcar
Cebu Sa Dakong Balay (Don Carcar
Florencio Noel House
Cebu Mercado Mansion Carcar
Cebu Mt. Manunggal Cebu, Crash Carcar
Site of Mt. Pinatubo (the
Cebu plane carrying Pres. Ramon Brgy. Magsaysay Balamban
Magsaysay
Bohol Baclayon Church Historical Baclayon
Landmark
Bohol San Pedro Apostol Church Loboc
Historical Landmark
Bohol Church of the Most Holy Loay
Trinity Historical Landmark
Bohol Clarin Heritage House Loay
Bohol Church of Dauis and Its Dauis
Complex
Bohol Punta Cruz Watchtower Punta Cruz
Bohol President Carlos P. Garcia Tagbilaran City
House
Bohol Church of Loon Loon
Siquijor Lazi Church and Convent Lazi
Historical Landmark
Leyte Leyte Landing Site Bo. Baras Palo
Leyte MacArthur Landing Site Palo Leyte

Historical Sites and Landmarks | 8

 Leyte Oppus Ancestral Maasin City
House/Southern Leyte
Provincial Library
Southern Leyte Limasawa Shrine Limasawa
Southern Leyte Maasin Church Maasin City
Northern Samar Capul Lighthouse Capul
MINDANAO
PROVINCES LANDMARK TOWN/CITY
Zamboanga del Norte Rizal Shrine Dapitan City
Zamboanga del Norte Dapitan Plaza Historical Dapitan City
Landmark
Zamboanga del Norte Old Town of Dapitan Dapitan City
Misamis Occidental Fuerte de la Conception y del Ozamiz City
Triunfo Historical Landmark
Lanao del Norte Macapagal-Macaraeg Buru-un Iligan City
Heritage House
Cotabato Site of the Church of the Cotabato City
Immaculate Conception of
Tamontaka
Cotabato Fort Pikit Pikit, North Cotabato
Lanao del Sur Torogan House Pompongan-a- Marantao
Marawi City
Tawi-Tawi Sheik Karimol Mahkdum Tandu Banak, Sibutu
Shrine
Tawi-Tawi Sheik Karimol Mahkdum Tubig, Indangan Simunul
Mosque
Lanao del Sur Torogan House Pompongana, Marantao,
Marawi City
NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
City/Provinces Landmark Town/City/District
Manila Rizal Shrine Fort Santiago, Intramuros
Manila Fort Santiago Freedom Intramuros
Shrine (Dambana ng
Kalayaan)
Manila San Agustin Church and Intramuros
Convent
Manila Mabini Shrine Pandacan
Manila Zamora Historical Landmark Pandacan
Manila Army and Navy Club South Boulevard, Ermita
Historical Landmark
Manila Elks Club Building Historical Rizal Park Manila
Landmark
Manila Jose Rizal National Rizal Park, Manila
Monument
Manila Rizal Park (Bagumbayan) Mehan Gardens Ermita
Historical Site
Manila Andres Bonifacio, National Liwasang, Bonifacio Ermita
Shrine
Manila Metropolitan Theater Quiapo
Historical Landmark
Manila Bahay Nahkpil- Bautista Quiapo
Historical Landmark
Manila University of Santo Tomas Sampaloc
Historical Landmark

Historical Sites and Landmarks | 9

 Manila Malacanang Palace San miguel
Historical Landmark
Manila Mausoleo delos Veteranos North Cemetery, Santa Cruz
de la Revolucion Historical
Landmark
Manila Manila Mehan Gardens Historical Manila
Landmark
Manila Intramuros and its Walls Manila
(Declared a National
Heritage Site
Manila Birthplace of Antonio Luna San Nicholas
Manila Andres Bonifacio Shrine P.Burgos Drive Cor.
Conception
Manila Manila Hotel Ermita
Manila Old Legislative Building (now Ermita
the National Museum)
Manila Lichauco Residence Santa Ana
Manila A portion of Santa Ana Santa Ana
(Disctrict Heritage)
Quezon City Apolinario Mabini Monument National Library of the Phils.
Manila
Quezon City Rizal Memorial Sports Malate
Complex
Quezon City Quezon Memorial Shrine Diliman
Quezon City Quezon Monument Quezon City
Quezon City Cry of Pugadlawin Historical Bahay Toro
Landmark
Quezon City Church of the Holy Sacrifice UP Diliman
Quezon city Mira-Nila Heritage House Cubao
Quezon City Resting Place of the Remains Banlat
of Melchora “Tandang Sora”
Aquino
Pasay city P. Burgos Elementary School P. Burgos Street
Historical Landmark
Caloocan City Bonifacio National Caloocan City Rotonda
Monument
Laz Pinas city Zapote Battlefield and Las Pinas City
Zapote Bridge
San Juan Pinaglabanan Memorial Las Pinas City
Shrine
Taguig Libangan ng mga Bayani Pinaglabanan Road
National Shrine
Taguig Birthplace of Felix Manalo Fort Bonifacio
Historical Landmark

LET’S STUDY THIS!

Aside from these historical landmarks and shrines, other places that can be visited to
broaden our knowledge of Philippine history and culture include government and private –run
museums.
The National Museum Complex is composed of:
a) the National Museum of Fine Arts (Old Legislative Building)
b) the National Museum of Anthropology (Old Finance Building)

Historical Sites and Landmarks | 10

 c) the National Museum of Natural History (Old Agriculture and Commerce
Building)
d) and the National Planetarium.

Private Museums and other institutions also have their share contributing to the
preservation of our heritage. Many of these places are limited to special collections but are
themselves a significant part of history and in the study of it. Some examples of these museums
are as follows.
A. UST Museum of Arts and Sciences located at the University of Santo Tomas campus.
B. Ayala Museums located in Makati
C. The Lopez Museums and Library located at Benpres, Building Ortigas Complex in
Mandaluyong
D. The Kaisa Angelo King Heritage Center located in Intramuros which highlights our Tsinoy
or Chinese-Filipino Heritage
E. The Museo Iloilo in Iloilo City which focuses on cultural and historical artifacts not only
from Iloilo but also from Panay Island.
F. The Juan D. Nepomuceno Center for Kapampangan Studies, which focuses on the study
of Kapampangan language, history, and culture, located in the campus of the Holy Angel
University in Angeles City.
G. The Cultural Center of the Philippines, though recognized as a performance venue,
which houses art galleries for exhibits and a collection of artworks by recognized Filipino
Artist including those by the National Artist of the Philippines.
The continuous growth of awareness of the remnants of our historical and cultural past
has made Filipinos place a large value on preserving the old buildings and districts around the
country. This eventually led to the passage of the National Cultural Heritage Act (Republic Act
No. 10066) which created the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property and the rules and
regulations to preserve historic buildings that are over 50 years. It was signed into Law on March
25, 2009.
There were earlier attempts to preserve the artifacts of history and culture. The first
district that was declared a National Heritage site was the Intramuros District which was the
former Walled City of Manila. This was followed by Vigan City in Ilocos Sur and later by Silay City
in Negros Occidental. These areas follow heritage laws formulated to preserve their historic
buildings, open spaces, and local traditions while at the same time blending with the modern
surroundings.
Historic buildings that date back to the Spanish and American colonial periods that
survived the Second World War have also been preserved by either the government or private
institutions. Examples of these are the buildings of the campuses of the University of the
Philippines- Manila and the University of Santo Tomas, the Philippine General Hospital, the
capitol buildings of the different provinces such as in Leyte and Pangasinan, as well as private
houses and buildings like the Gota de Leche Building in Sampaloc, Manila. Spanish Colonial
Churches that can be found in towns and cities all over the country are also included in this
category.
Monuments that date back to the colonial eras are also being preserved. Many of these
monuments are found in plazas and parks in different towns and cities in Manila and the Urban
areas of provinces. These monuments are important not only because they commemorate
places, people and historic events but also because they are markers of our past. Example of
these monuments in Manila are the Carriedo Fountain, King Carlos IV Monument, the Legazpi-
Urdaneta Monument, the Queen Isabel II of Spain Monument and the Simon de Anda
Monument.
Other significant places are concrete pieces of evidence of our pre-colonial past. entails
These are the archaeological sites that are mostly found in the provinces. Some of these sites

Historical Sites and Landmarks | 11

are already open to public although travelling entails long hikes since many of them are in the
mountainous areas or in islands. Examples of these areas are the Ifugao Rice Terraces, the
Kabayan Mummy Burial Caves, the Neolithic Shell Midden Sites in Lal-lo and Gattaran
Municipalities and Paleolithic Archeological Sites in Cagayan Valley where the bones of what is
believed to be the oldest human being in the Philippines-Callao Man-was found.

HISTORICAL PLACES AND LANDMARKS IN BICOL

CAGSAWA RUINS
These are the remnants of an 18th century Franciscan Church, the Cagsawa Church,
built in 1724 and destroyed by the 1814 eruption of the Mayon Volcano. They are located in
Barangay Busay, Cagsawa in the Municipality of Daraga, Albay, Philippines.
The ruins currently protected in a park overseen by the municipal government of Daraga
and the National Museum of the Philippines are one of the most popular tourist destinations in
the area. They are considered symbolic of the dangers of living in close proximity with the Mayon
Volcano.

ALBAY CATHEDRAL
This is the Episcopal of Seat of the Diocese of Legazpi. The Cathedral started as low as
a lowly wooden chapel built by the early Spanish Missionaries in the 1580s. It was extensively
damaged during WW2 and was renovated in 1951. Today, the St. Gregory the Great Cathedral
is the most prominent landmark in the Old Albay District and is the endpoint of one of the
grandest Good Friday procession in the region.-7-churhces-to-visit
(http://wowlegzpi.com/visita-iglesia-in-legazpi)

STO. DOMINGO CHURCH

Built in 1820, the Sto. Domingo Church has two domed-shaped belfries, framing the
main structure, which is the reason why it’s sometimes referred to as the Twin Belfry Church. It
is built from solid squarred stone walls unsupported by pillars, held together by a mixture of
lime “tangguli” (molasses) and egg albumin. This is the same binder used in other old churches
like the Baclayan Church in Bohol.
The Sto. Domingo Church is complemented by the adjacent Municipal Building (another
Spanish era structure), the plaza Pugad Lawin, and the mausoleum of Potenciano Gregorio, Sr.
compositor of “Sarung Banggi”.
(http://wowlegazpi.com/visita-iglesia-sto.domingo-church/)

THE CHURCH OF DARAGA

Also known as Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church, it was established in 1773 by a
group of Franciscan Priests. The Church was made mostly volcanic stones and its massive
structure with belfry on one side was built based on a Baroque-Rococo structure with Spanish
Influence.
In 1854, the Daraga Church was then dedicated to the new patron, the Nuestra Senora
Dela Porteria. The Church was then used by the Japanese as their headquarters and was
damaged during the Second World War in 1954. It was reconstructed in 1971-1973, and they
made sure that the unscathed stones still exist and renovated, only the damaged areas. In

Historical Sites and Landmarks | 12

2007, this four-century Daraga Church was declared as a National Historical Site and the
marker as a National Cultural Treasure can be found at the façade. Situated on Top of a hill
above the bustling town, the Daraga Church is one of the many reasons why tourists flock to
the province of Albay.
(http://www.markmaranga.com/daraga)

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA CHURCH

The San Juan Bautista Church in Tabaco City is one of the most stately religious
structures in the Province of Albay. Accordng to the Estado Geografico Estadistico Historico
written in 1805 by Father de Huerta, the recorded history of the City began in 1587 through the
missionary work of the Franciscan Fathers. A church dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the city’s
patron saint, was first built in Tabaco in 1616 by Fr. Pedro De Alcareso. The construction of the
present church started in 1864 and was completed in 1879. The Tabaco Church is unique
among Philippine Churches because the stones used to build the church bears the distinct
marks of Bicol.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH

The Church of St. John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista) in Camalig is another imposing
religious structure in the province of Albay. The church is built entirely out of solid blocks of
volcanic rock from Mount Mayon. Christianity was brought to Camalig by Capt. Luis de Guzman
together with Father Alonzo Jimenez, an Augustinian priest who came with the Legaspi
expedition. Evangelization was started in 1578 by the Augustinian missionaries. When the
Augustinians left, the Franciscan Fathers Pablo de Jesus and Bartolome Ruiz continued their
work. In 1579, Camalig was formally inaugurated as a town and as a parish. The original
poblacion was placed in Binanua-an. The original church and “escuela Catolica” was
established in this place in 1605.
The eruption of Mayon Volcano in 1814 devastated parts of Camalig and totaly
destroyed the nearby towns of Cagsawa and Budiao. Although the church was unscathed, the
eruption prompted the town officials to transfer the church and the town government to the
mountains: first, to Palanog, then to Kitapunte and then to Baligang. After a fire razed the new
settlement, the town government was restored to the original poblacion and the intact church
was reoccupied.
The current edifice of the Camalig Church was built in 1842. Hundreds of stone-cutters
worked under the supervision of Spanish priests to construct the church out of solid blocks of
lava rock. The church was completed in 1848 and was considered one of the strongest, most
massive and most beautiful churches in the entire region.
Source: http://wowlegazpi.com/visita-iglesia-camalig-church/

OUR LADY OF ASSUMPTION CHURCH

The Parish Church of Guinobatan, Albay is dedicated to Our Lady of Assumption.
Guinobatan as a parish started as a visita of the Municipality of Camalig in 1672. By 1678, Don
Francisco Bagamasbad, Chief of the ‘Tenientes Absolutos’, spearheaded a petition to the
Governor-General of the Philippines to elevate the visita into an independent municipality. This
effort achieved fruition in 1688 when the request was granted. Rev. Fr. Alfonso de Zafra was
the first minister of the Parish of Guinobatan. Soon after, the first Guinobatan church was built.
Through the centuries, the church of Guinobatan often suffered destruction in a series of

Historical Sites and Landmarks | 13

calamities including the cataclysmic eruptions of Mayon Volcano, strong typhoons and the
ravages of the Revolutionary and the Philippine-American Wars. Despite these setbacks, the
faithful people of Guinobatan dutifully rebuilt their parish church. Today, the vibrant town of
Guinobatan is a first-class municipality. The parish of Guinobatan celebrates its annual fiesta
every 15th of August.
Source: http://wowlegazpi.com/visita-iglesia-guinobatan-church/

ST. STEPHEN PARISH CHURCH

The Parish church of St. Stephen Protomartyr in Ligao is a prominent landmark in the
city frequented by pilgrims and tourists. The city of Ligao traces its history from the 16th century
when a small settlement known as Cavasi existed without a ruler or leader. Every resident was
peaceful in his endeavor. This trait enabled the settlement to grow and even attracted other
natives from nearby settlements. Along with increasing population, ambitious and aggressive
leaders emerged causing friction and creating factions endangering the general peace in the
settlement. Five divisions were formed led by maginoos (chieftains): Pagkilatan, Maaban,
Sanpongan, Makabongay and Hokoman. Chieftain Hokoman considered himself the supreme
leader over the whole settlement. Even then, rivalry and strife persisted and the once peaceful
inhabitants lived in constant fear. According to accounts by Father Felix de Huerta, a Spanish
Corporal endowed with the ability to settle jurisdictional disputes mediated among the ruling
Maginoos. With the approval of the other chieftains, Pagkilatan was chosen the Supreme
Chieftain over the entire settlement and peace and tranquility returned to the place. The town
was founded as a barrio of Polangui in 1606, was ceded to Oas in 1665, and finally became an
independent municipality in 1666. Since then, the once minor settlement called Cavasi
prospered economically, socially and politically.
Source: http://wowlegazpi.com/visita-iglesia-st-stephen-protomartyr-ligao/

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CHURCH

The St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church in Oas was founded in 1605 by Franciscan
missionaries. Fray Marcos de Lisboa was its first pastor. The first Oas church was made of wood
and cogon grass. In 1825, a bigger church with a rectory was built out of volcanic rocks and
bricks. The construction of the new church was supervised by Fray Francisco de Anunciacion O.
Peñaranda.
P. Fray Marcos de Lisboa compiled “Vocabulario de la Lengua Bicol”, the first Bicol
Dictionary published posthumously in Sampaloc, 1754, from his manuscript. He resided in the
Bikol region for nine years from 1602 to 1611 and was “Definidor y Ministro” of the town of
Nabua (1602), administrator of the town of Oas (1605), and Vicario Provincial of the Province
of Camarines (1609-1611).
The first structural foundation of the church was made of wood and cogon grass. In
1866, the church and the rectory was damaged in a fire. Later that same year, the church was
rebuilt under the supervision of Fray Francisco de Aragones. A transept was added to the church
by Fray Santos Herrijon who served as pastor from 1873 to 1878. In 1884, a strong earthquake
and a subsequent typhoon demolished the church and the rectory. Another strong typhoon in
1947 damaged the church and it had to be rebuilt. Fr. Luis Dimarumba spearheaded efforts to
repair the church edifice. In 1997, under the dynamic leadership of Msgr. Rolando Diokno, the
Oaseños finally realized their dream of coming together for worship in a beautifully renovated
church. On May 8, 1997, the fiesta of the patron saint was celebrated with the blessing and
inauguration of the renovated church building. Traditionally, Oas celebrates its town fiesta on

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May 8, but the parish observes another feast on September 29 according to the church
calendar.
Source: http://wowlegazpi.com/visita-iglesia-oas-church/

OUR LADY OF SALVATION, JOROAN

Joroan and Nuestra Señora de Salvacion are inseparable. When we speak of Joroan,
we speak of Nuesta Señora de Salvacion because the recorded history of the former is
intertwined in the traditions of the Blessed Virgin. In fact, Joroan was known in Bicol because of
her image and title as Nuestra Señora de Salvacion. It was a very simple man by the name of
Mariano Dacoba who brought to life the Our Lady of Salvation in Joroan in circa 1700. He was
a salt maker by profession and a caretaker of the property of a wealthy Buhinon named Don
Silverio Arcilla.
It all began on a certain day when Dacoba was clearing the land which he was tilling.
He cut a calpe tree, which is good for use as firewood or post. However, he was amazed because
despite the many hours that passed by, the tree remained as fresh as it was before; its leaves
did not wilt “Milagro!” he said to himself. He informed his landlord about it. That landlord was
Don Arcilla who then consulted the pastor of Buhi of what could be done with it. The friar pastor
of Buhi summoned as sculptor named Bagacumba. Out of the tree, he was able to carve three
statuettes-Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, San Antonio de Padua, and Nuestra Señora de
Solidad—now in Brgy. Joroan of Tiwi, and in the poblacion and Brgy. Tambo both of Buhi,
respectively.
In the meantime, a dispute arose between Camarines and Albay as to which province
Joroan really belongs. This happened when Jose Maria Peñaranda was the judge in Albay still
of the Spanish regime. A political survey was conducted with Capitan Vicente Vera as the leader.
Since Capitan Vicente Vera knew his jurisdiction, he was quick in pointing out the landmark—
clear proof that Joroan belongs to Albay. Having won the case, Capitan Vera took charge of
Joroan and the image of Our Lady as well.
It was a divine plan that the Blessed Virgin be known, love and venerated as Nuestra
Señora de Salvacion in Joroan, Tiwi, Albay. The present Bishop of the Diocese of Legazpi, Msgr.
Jose C. Sorra, D.D., traces back the beginning of devotion to Our Lady in Joroan in the year
1776.
Source: http://wowlegazpi.com/visita-iglesia-nuestra-senora-de-salvacion-joroan/

NAGA METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL

The largest church in Bicol, it was constructed in 1816 to 1831. For many years, the
Cathedral was the seat of the Archdiocese of Caceres which encompassed the six Bicol
provinces.
Lagonoy Church. Found in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, the imposing ruins of the Lagonoy
belfry is all that is left of the original stone church build in 1763. Abandoned after a great flood,
the church was almost totally destroyed in 1811 by an earthquake. The “kampanario” is now
covered with thick vines and guarded by a large snake, the “irago” (boa).

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QUIPAYO CHURCH
Found in Calabanga, Camarines Sur, this ancient church was established by the
Franciscan missionaries in 1578. The existing parishes of Libmanan, Cala-banga, Bombon and
Siruma were originally under its jurisdication.

HOLY ROSARY MINOR MUSEUM

Visit this museum to get a glimpse of the impressive ecclesiastical education of the
Bicolonas. Located in the central pavilion of the historical Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, the
museum showcases a memorabilia of prominent Bicolano bishops, old scholastic records, and
archival materials.

OUR LADY OF PEÑAFRANCIA MUSEUM

The highlight of this museum is the Peñafrancia Diorama, a tri-dimensional
presentation of the Bicolano’s Pilgrimage of Faith, guided and animated by our intimate
devotion to Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

LIBERTY BELL
Located at Penaranda Park, Legazpi City:
A bronse bell installed in 1945 by the American Liberation forces located in Peñaranda
Park along Rizal Street. It is enclosed with a dome-shaped concrete structure with this
inscription, “whenever oppression knocks at your door, feel free to ring this bell.

HEADLESS STATUE
Situated in front of Legazpi City’s post office building, this headless statue is supposed
to be a tribute to Bicolanos who fought for the country during World War II.
The statue’s backstory can be traced to laborers who found a headless man’s body
wearing a soldier’s uniform in the city’s port in Barangay Sabang shortly after the war ended.
The area reputedly once served as an execution site for the Japanese.
Through the research and efforts of Spanish philanthropist Don Buenaventura de
Erquiaga, a monument was built in the area while the man’s remains were given a proper burial.
After the Spaniard’s death in 1959 and his family’s return to his home country, all relevant
documents and photos pertaining to the unknown soldier were lost. Only the statue remained
and was later transferred to its present site.

RIZAL MONUMENT
Located at Rizal Park in Daet, Camarines Norte of the Bicol Region stands the first Rizal
Monument built February 1899. It is in correspondence to the decree by the first president of
the Republic of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo to proclaim December 30, 1898 as the
National Day of Mourning to commemorate the death of Jose Rizal in the hands of Spaniards,
then, two years ago.
The first Rizal Monument in Daet is three-sided where two of its sides features two of
his famous novels, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. These novels have intrinsically
driven an exposé about the ills of the society during the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines

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and why there must be equality for the Filipino natives. The literary works caused him to be
punished in a four-year exile in a far-away land that time which is in Dapitan, Zamboanga Del
Norte. But his exile was escalated to death upon discovery of his literary works at the
headquarters of the Katipunan, a heavily leftist group that demands total independence from
Spain as lead by Andres Bonifacio. The Spaniards thought Jose Rizal was part of the Katipunan.
The third side of the monument features Morga, who wrote Sucesos de las Islas
Filipinas to where Rizal had his inspiration in writing Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

SMITH, BELL AND COMPANY HOUSE

Also called the Angela Manalang Gloria Ancestral House is a Spanish-era structure is in
Tabaco, Albay, Philippines. It one of the national cultural heritage of the country, and the biggest
ancestral house in the city of Tabaco.
The structure made of stone bonded with mortar and molasses was initially hosted the
offices of the Smith, Bell and Company, a trading firm involved in the abaca business which had
a history dating back in 1868. In 1965, poet Angela Manalang-Gloria bought the building and
made it her residence.
THE FIFTEEN MARTYRS OF BICOL
These are Filipino patriots in Bicol, Philippines who were executed by firing squad on January 4,
1897, for cooperating with the Katipunan during the Philippine Revolution against Spain.

LET’S THINK ABOUT THIS!

Instructions: Read the following guide questions and answer the questions briefly.
1. What are the main functions or task of the NHCP?

2. What Historic sites and landmarks recognized by the NHCP have you visited? What do
they reveal about our historical and/or cultural past?

3. Have you been to the National Museum? What can you find in the National Museum
Complex?

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 4. Why is visiting historic sites, shrines, landmarks and museums important in the study
of history? How has your previous experience of visiting a specific historic landmark or
museum helped you in the understanding of a historical fact or event?

5. How can educational institutions help further in the preservation of our history and
culture?
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LET’S APPLY WHAT YOU HA LEARNED!

Instruction: Plan a trip to the Historic sites and landmarks in your own locality and or nearby
provinces. Then curate a photo gallery of these historic sites and landmarks. Make sure to
include brief descriptions or historical backgrounds, including its name and location. Kindly put
your work on the box provided below.

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