NHC turns over restored centuries-old convent

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — The National Historical Commission (NHC) formally turned over the newly-restored Spanish-era convent of St. Isidro Labrador Parish in Lazi, Siquijor on Friday afternoon.

The turn-over came after eight months of restoration undertaken by the NHC, according to Monsignor Julius Perpetuo Heruela of the Diocese of Dumaguete who was tasked by Bishop Julito Cortes to coordinate the project.

Cortes and NHC Executive Director Ludovico Badoy led the ribbon cutting ceremony during the turn-over rites of the Lazi Convent in the island-province of Siquijor, which is under the Dumaguete Diocese.

The Dumaguete prelate then gave the prayer of blessing while six priests assisted him in the blessing of assigned portions of the two-storey convent.

Badoy said it is the desire of the government through the NHC to help in the preservation of heritage sites across the country such as the P20-million restoration of the convent.

The convent was constructed with coral stones and hard wood that commenced in 1887 and completed in 1891.

Both the Lazi church and convent were done under the direction of Recollect priest, Fr. Toribio Sánchez, said Heruela, spokesperson of the Diocese of Dumaguete on the restoration project.

Badoy and Bishop Cortes signed the certificate of turn-over witnessed by NHC deputy executive director Carminda Arevalo; Heruela; Msgr. Candelario Catubig, the episcopal vicar of the Vicariate of St. Paul; Msgr. Carmelito Torres, the vicar forane of the Vicariate of St. Paul; and Rev. Fr. Anecito Gutierrez, parish priest of San Isidro Labrador and other local officials. (FREEMAN)