Centuries-old Binangonan church declared 'National Cultural Treasure'

The 225-year-old Sta. Ursula Parish Church located in Binangonan, Rizal has been declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) on March 2, 2025.

The unveiling of the marker was done on Sunday, March 2, 2025 during a ceremony attended by Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos, NCCA Chair Victorino Mapa Manalo, NCCA Deputy Executive Director Marichu Tellano, former NCCA Chair Felipe De Leon, Rizal Governor Ricci Ynares, and Binangonan Mayor Caesar Ynares.

During the event, the Missa Cantata composed by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab was performed by Coro Buenviaje and conducted by Joey Soliman Jr.

"This milestone serves as a testament of the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines," the NCCA said in a statement.

In a statement issued before the event, Bishop Santos expressed gratitude for the recognition bestowed by the NCCA for declaring Sta. Ursula Parish in Binangonan, the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph in Baras, and St. Jerome Parish in Morong as National Cultural Treasures.

"It is indeed a great honor and a monumental blessing. However, with this honor comes an immense responsibility — a responsibility that we do not take lightly," the prelate said.

"We are called to be good stewards of these treasures, to protect and preseve their sanctity for future generations, and to use this recognition as an avenue to spread the Good News," he added.

The Sta. Ursula Parish church was founded in 1621 by the Franciscans. In 1679, the Jesuits took over and by 1697, the administration of the church was transferred to the Augustinians. But by 1737, the management duties returned to the Franciscans.

"It is one of the few churches that have been administered by three priestly orders: Franciscans, Jesuits, and the Augustinians," according to the petition that was filed seeking to declare the centuries-old church a cultural treasure. — BAP, GMA Integrated News