MATI CITY DAVAO ORIENTAL – After a long wait, local residents and visitors, flocked at the church façade last July 16 as the 128- year old San Salvador del Mundo church in the municipality of Caraga, Davao Oriental became one of the national historic sites in the country.
The event saw the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) the Diocese of Mati, and the local government unit of Caraga unveiling the national historic marker in the oldest church in the region, which also coincided with the parochial feast day of the parish.
With 70% of the original building still existing, the old church was adorned with flowers balloons, and ribbons, with the red carpet rolled down from the entrance to the main door of the church. Inside the solemnity of the church reverberated in the four corners, strengthened even with age and undying religiosity of all Caragenos.
One stunning feature of the church are the two centuries old giant seashells which contains holy water and the baptismal font. The baptismal font was used during the Spanish era, and was preserved, and now kept at the Holy Door of San Salvador del Mundo Parish.
After the unveiling, Bishop Patricio Alo blessed the historic marker, followed by the turn-over of the certificate of transfer with Director Badoy reading the content of the certificate. Highlighting the ceremony was the signing the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the ownership now of the marker and the responsibilities that goes along with attaining the prestige as a national historic site. Executive Director Badoy and Architect Wilkie Deelumen signed the agreement for the NHCP, Mayor William Duma-an for the municipality of Caraga, and Bp. Patricio Alo for the Diocese of Mati, while Governor Corazon Malanyaon and Congressman Nelson Dayanghirang of the Fist District stood as witnesses.
Director Badoy expressed happiness that finally, the momentous day came for San Salvador del Mundo Parish, for the municipality and the people of Caraga.
“The big day came after the thorough validation of the NHCP because we have to follow the guidelines set by the Commission in declaring national historic sites. Members of the NHCP visited Caraga to verify, look into the church, and interviewed local residents. They submitted their recommendation to the Board, after which, the Board approved the declaration of the old church as a national historic site, as justified with the national historic marker. We recognize the joint efforts of the church and the local government unit of Caraga for declaration, and this is a long dream for them,” he said.
He also stressed on the historical significance of San Salvador del Mundo, in Caraga not only for the province of Davao Oriental, but for the country as well, as it is where Christianity started in the eastern part of the country.
Bishop Alo earlier manifested gratitude for the unveiling, as it symbolizes the faith and journey of the people of Caraga, with the guidance of San Salvador del Mundo.
It was learned that for the marker installation and unveiling, the local government unit of Caraga allocated a hefty sum as financial assistance to the Parish for the preparations. The big day became the reason of convergence of people from all walks of life, of ideas from different educational attainment, and ignited the desire to be back home for Caragenos now in the different parts of the country and the world. Though they were in hideous longing to be home, but they made their presence felt through their assistance also, and moral support overflowed from the different social networking sites.
San Salvador del Mundo Parish Priest Fr. Uldarico Toruba was elated to be a part of the celebration, as he was just less than a month appointed as the new parish church. He felt the pride of all Caragenos, and in awe with the mystique of the old composition of the structure.
“With the marker now with us, we now have the responsibility to take care of the church. It is God’s grace that the church stands still with time, where we hold mass and other sacraments, and where people worship God. We really see remnants of the past with the materials, like the woods and the stones used for the edifice. This is the essence of recognizing the church as a national historic site, standing against time, and preserving the remnants of the past,” he explained.
With the question raised on the interference of the government to an affair of the church, the local government unit of Caraga replied citing provisions in the constitution where "local government units are mandated to take care of its historic sites and tourist attractions. And so we are doing just that. For this occasion, there is no separation of the church and state,” stressed Mrs. Sumalinab, Municipal Local Government Officer of Caraga.
Mayor William Duma-an is also overwhelmed with the fate that Caaraga now enjoys
.
“I am blessed and fortunate enough that this thing happened in my incumbency. I am very grateful to the people who made this possible. My humble contributions to the realization of this dream is my legacy for Caraga. May the unveiling of the historic marker sparks the flame of our unity,” he added. (Neela Duallo)
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