THE centuries-old watchtower-belfry of Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental is undergoing a significant restoration and site improvement project, moving forward as planned. The project, which kicked off in September, is about 11% complete and is set for full completion in the next six months.
Msgr. Julius Perpetuo Heruela, the head of the Diocese of Dumaguete’s Commission on Church Cultural Heritage, shared in an interview that the restoration is backed by a generous allocation of P9 million from the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP). This funding covers both the restoration of the belfry and the development of the surrounding site, ensuring that the cultural landmark is preserved for future generations.
Originally constructed in the early 1800s, the watchtower of the St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish was built to safeguard the church from marauding invaders. In 1867, two additional tiers were added, transforming the tower into a campanario, or bell tower, for the church. Thanks to its historical significance, the belfry is one of the oldest on Negros Island and was declared an Important Cultural Property by the NMP.
As part of the ongoing restoration, work is currently focused on the exterior of the tower. The NMP-Dumaguete team has been busy setting up scaffolding, restoring limestone slabs, clearing overgrown vegetation, and removing black deposits that have marred the structure’s appearance.
Architect Glenn Enrique Balangkig emphasized that materials used for the restoration will closely match the original, ensuring the tower’s authenticity.
The next phase of the project will see the removal of the attached public toilets and grotto, clearing the way for further structural restoration. However, some adjustments may be required due to nearby city-owned property, including a water tank, which could affect the site development plan.
Looking ahead, Msgr. Heruela assured that the Diocese of Dumaguete and the city government are committed to the long-term maintenance of the belfry once the restoration is completed. The collaboration between these two entities will help ensure that this iconic heritage structure remains a symbol of Dumaguete’s rich cultural history for generations to come.
A tangible link to the past
The restoration of the Dumaguete City Belfry is not merely an act of preserving brick and stone; it is a profound gesture of honoring history, culture, and identity. This centuries-old watchtower-belfry stands as a tangible link to the past—a silent witness to the rise and fall of eras, the changing tides of civilization, and the resilience of a community.
Its restoration is an acknowledgment of the invaluable lessons it imparts and a promise to future generations that the past, though frail and weathered by time, is worth preserving.
For the people of Dumaguete, this belfry is far more than a relic. It is a symbol of their heritage, a landmark that connects them to their ancestors who once watched over the church and city from its heights. Built to guard against marauders, the tower has been a constant presence through the evolution of Dumaguete from a small, quiet town to the vibrant city it is today. It embodies the spirit of resilience, both in its structure and in the community it serves.
Restoring the belfry is, therefore, a way of reclaiming that spirit—reaffirming that the values of history, culture, and shared memory can withstand the test of time.
Historical sites like the Dumaguete Belfry offer more than just a glimpse into the past; they provide a sense of continuity and place. In an ever-changing world, where modernity often threatens to overshadow tradition, these monuments serve as anchors that remind us of who we are and where we come from. They tell stories of our collective struggles, triumphs, and growth, all of which shape the identity of a community. The preservation of such a structure ensures that future generations will not be severed from their cultural roots. By restoring the Dumaguete Belfry, we ensure that its history continues to speak, its stories continue to be told, and its legacy endures.
Moreover, the restoration of the Dumaguete Belfry carries with it a broader cultural and national significance. Recognized by the National Museum of the Philippines as an Important Cultural Property, the belfry’s preservation is a reminder of the enduring influence of Spanish colonialism on Philippine architecture and heritage. The tower is a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the past, and its continued preservation highlights the importance of safeguarding our diverse historical landmarks.
In doing so, the restoration project contributes not only to local pride but to the country’s broader cultural narrative, reinforcing the need to protect and cherish our shared heritage.
Beyond its historical and cultural importance, the restoration of the belfry has the power to inspire reflection. In a time when many of our cities and towns face rapid urbanization and modernization, the effort to restore and protect a historical site like the Dumaguete Belfry invites us to pause and reconsider what truly matters.
The preservation of our past offers a form of resistance to the fleeting nature of contemporary life, where buildings and structures are often designed for convenience or profit rather than to tell a story or hold meaning. By prioritizing the restoration of historical sites, we are reminded of the value of heritage that is not measured in utility, but in its ability to connect us to something greater than ourselves.
When the project is complete, the belfry will not only stand as a beacon of Dumaguete’s rich heritage but will also serve as an enduring reminder that the past, though distant, has an enduring place in our present and future.
By breathing new life into this historic tower, we ensure that it will continue to watch over Dumaguete for generations to come, standing tall as a symbol of resilience, heritage, and the unbroken thread of time.
