By Lina Tanjuatco

Published on July 31, 2024

Tanay, Rizal – San Ildefonso De Toledo Parish, designated a National Cultural Treasure, stands as a testament to history and heritage. Since assuming his role as Parish Priest on June 12, 2023, Reverend Father Ferdinand Delatado has launched efforts to safeguard its cultural legacy.

Initially on his arrival, he immediately noticed the magnificence and grandeur of the church and without hesitation expressed his desire and motivation to preserve its cultural and historical legacy. Considering the significance of his desire, he initiated a careful evaluation, as well as directed for a fervent gathering of information and more meaningfully is he did reflections about the matter.

The intensity of his goal led him to consult professionals regarding the condition of the church.  In an effort to ensure the ongoing preservation of this historic landmark, Father Delatado has introduced a comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CMP), approved by Bishop Ruperto Santos on August 20, 2023. This plan is essential to maintaining and protecting the parish for future generations.

The CMP is a guiding document that contains policies and guidelines relative to proper care and management of San Ildefonso De Toledo Parish Church which aims to preserve its declaration as the National Cultural Treasure in 2011. This CMP is intended to serve its purpose for 25 years. Amidst this prime goal about the preservation of the said parish, it has been assumed and assessed that much fund will be needed.

To finance these crucial preservation initiatives, the parish has initiated the “Ating Simbahan, Ating Pangalagaan” fundraising project. From August to December 2023, this campaign successfully raised funds through a raffle ticket drive. However, continued support is needed to achieve our goals.

Succeeding activities were then accomplished such as the following:

1. For education purposes, Orientation Seminar on Republic Act 11961 : “An Act Strengthening the Conservation and Protection of Philippine Cultural Heritage through Cultural Mapping and Enhanced Cultural Heritage Education Program”  by a former Commissioner of National Commission on  Culture  and Arts  was held on 2nd of December 2023  which was attended by around 100 parishioners and guests  from neighboring churches.
2. For purposes of transparency and clarification, updating of the current trends of fund development was presented.
3. Continuously,  for purpose of inspiring the Parish Finance Council, Parish Pastoral Council & parishioners,   a Talk on Fund Raising by Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Santos,  Ph.D. was held on 18th of April 2023 which was attended by forty (40) individuals.

Relative to the said plan, other priority projects are importantly identified and yet to be accomplished. Thus, more fund sourcing activities of the parish are in the pipeline including tapping government agencies for financial support.

The Parish would be very glad to continuously accommodate any financial support, thus herewith are the contact details for proper communication and clarification of queries:

Email Address: [email protected] ;

Cell Numbers: +632 8 6541015

The call for donation from generous donors, individuals, and corporations are still encouraged and donations can be sent to the following bank accounts listed herewith:

Parish Fund (Operations, Maintenance and Programs)

Bank name: BPI TANAY

Bank account number: Current Account 3411-0020-46

Bank Account name: RCABAN SAN ILDEFONSO DE TOLEDO PF

Construction Fund: (For Special Projects)

Bank name: RCBC Tanay

Bank account number: Current Account 0018-0082-04

Bank Account name: RCABAN SAN ILDEFONSO DE TOLEDO PARISH

Dollar Account

Bank name: RCBC Tanay

Bank account number: Savings Account 8018-0042-26

The parish extends an invitation to all who wish to contribute to this noble cause. Your support will enable us to undertake essential preservation projects and continue educating the community about our cultural heritage.