Senator wants 18th century church restored

SENATOR Edgardo J. Angara has called for the restoration of the Church of San Mattias, an 18th century church in Tumauini, Isabela, considered as one of the best and most artistically-constructed brick structures in the Philippines.

“Before Typhoon Juan hit, the walls of the church had already needed structural assessment, especially the front wall. There are damages that are both visible and invisible, especially those that were caused by the war. The damages of the recent typhoon are yet to be assessed, but it is clear that the church badly needs restoration,” the lawmaker said.

Angara said a thorough structural assessment must be made to analyze damage to the walls. The added reinforced concrete parts, after many unrecorded and haphazard repairs, must also be checked because it causes harm to the brick and lime mortar wall.

The first church of Tumauini was blessed on Feb. 22, 1707, by the Provincial Father, Fr. Juan de Sto. Domingo, and was dedicated to its patron, San Matias. The first mass was said on his feast day, Feb. 24. The church has a unique cylindrical bell tower, the only one of its kind in the Philippines.

Report from Malaya