By SIDTP SoCom

Published on October 17, 2024

DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES – Ar. Roy John M. De Guzman, T.O.Carm, UAP, a Tertiary-Carmelite Brother and consultant for the Tanay Church, presented the Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish at the 4th Liturgical Architecture Conference on October 14, 2024.

The conference was organized by the United Architects of the Philippines-Committee on Liturgical Architecture and Sacred Spaces (UAP-CLASS) and the Guild of Liturgical Designers (GOLD) at Holy Cross College.

De Guzman showcased the Tanay Church’s architectural beauty, emphasizing its significance as a prime example of Rococo style in the Philippines.

He highlighted the preservation of religious artifacts, antiques, and relics that contribute to the church’s historical value.

The presentation detailed how the Tanay community secured its cultural heritage through collaboration with the local government unit (LGU).

Efforts included drafting ordinances related to the heritage of the church, establishing heritage vistas, and conducting cultural mapping.

The CMP of the parish is set as a prototype model for the Diocese of Antipolo, showcasing effective community engagement in heritage conservation.

During the open forum, participants from various dioceses across the Philippines inquired about the systematic approaches taken by the Tanay Church community.

Questions focused on timelines, frameworks of the program, and the approval processes involving local governance and community members.

Recommendations from cultural agencies such as the NCCA, NHCP, and NM were also discussed during the forum.

This initiative underscores the importance of community involvement in preserving the cultural and historical identity of sacred spaces throughout the Philippines.