Representative list of Marinduque cultural properties shared

An offshoot of Marinduque's submission of its Inventory of Cultural Properties is a rapid-presentation of a representative list of cultural properties for the NCCA-RDC MIMAROPA Special Committee on Culture on February 9, 2022. The orientation workshop on the Heritage Law and PRECUP and Local Cultural Development Planning was participated in by LGUs, Local Culture and Arts Committees (LCACs), and relevant agencies.

For the inventory of tangible and intangible cultural properties, 45 were initially identified, 17 of which have been declared by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Museum. 28 are presumed important cultural property currently not declared by the NCCA or NCAs, or declared by the respective LGUs through resolution and those that carry significance to local culture and history.

The representative list of cultural properties follows.

TANGIBLE - IMMOVABLE

BOAC CATHEDRAL – The original state of the Boac Cathedral was with “palitada” as outer covering of the stone wall.  It was heavily destroyed by a destructive Category 5 super typhoon “Herming” in 1987.  

In rehabilitating the Church at that lime, palitada was removed exposing the old stones or red bricks of the Church making it look more “authentic”.  New bricks were added to the exterior. Physical changes were likewise made to the interior of the Church.

On  16 February 2020, a historical marker from the National Museum of the Philippines was unveiled declaring Boac Cathedral  an Important Cultural Property (ICP).

 

MUSEO AT AKLATAN NG BOAC - The building and lot was turned over to the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) in 1992 by the Municipality of Boac. The building was restored, and the museum was eventually opened to the public on February 22, 1995.

It is now known as the NM Marinduque-Romblon Area Museum and now features, among others, ethnographic and marine archaeology exhibits showcasing the island-province’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Before its conversion as a museum this old Spanish building was used as a prison, a boy’s school, a government office and library.

 

LABANAN SA PAYE MONUMENT -  An NHI marker was placed in 2000 near a portion of the riverbed where the encounter took place. The Level II - Historical marker reads in part:

“LABANAN SA PAYE: NAGANAP SA POOK NA ITO ANG PANGALAWANG LABANAN SA MARINDUQUE NG DIGMAANG PILIPINO–AMERIKANO NOONG HULYO 31, 1900. NAGWAGI ANG SECOND GUERILLA UNIT (BAHAGI NG DATING SECOND COMPANY, INFANTRY BATTALION), MARINDUQUE REVOLUTIONARY FORCE, NA NAKATALAGA SA REHIYON BOAC–MOGPOG SA PAMUMUNO NI KAPITAN TEOFILO ROQUE.”

Now a well-designed monument stands at the old site.

 

CEMENTERIO DE TAMPUS - Exact date of establishment unknown but according to tradition is the oldest Catholic cemetery in Boac. “Campo Santo de Tampus” as it is referred to by some, is believed to be as old as the Boac Cathedral, was therefore built in the 1700s.

The town’s leaders, the rich and the poor, those massacred at Casa Real during the Philippine Revolution were buried here, some actually identified and named as heroes.

There are now plans to convert it into a Shrine or new cemetery with appropriate historical markers, serving as a focus for the pilgrimage of the descendants of those buried here, protected from activities deemed disrespectful. 

 

CASA NARVAS - Built in 1920 by Elias Narvas, a local coconut trader it was called ‘bahay na bato’ characterized by its massive hardwood flooring, a balaustre and  an azotea of Spanish and Chinese influence.

During those years it became a hub for social and political gatherings. Some dignitaries both foreign and local have dropped by this house to attend a ceremony or to be hosted for a while as house guests. Among these personalities were Gov. Gen. Leonard Wood, Philippine Presidents Manuel L. Quezon, Jose P. Laurel, Manuel A. Roxas and Elpidio Quirino.

In its declaration of Casa Narvas as a Heritage House, the NHI had stated that “as the venue of political meets and social balls, it stands as testimony to the cultural and political life of Boac, Marinduque”.  It also cited that “the house is distinct for its historical and artistic values and today is an example of architecture from the early years of the twentieth century in Boac, Marinduque”.

 

PROVINCIAL CAPITOL BUILDING = The neo-classical Marinduque Provincial Capitol Building was built in 1927. It consists of a two-storey concrete structure with four columns in front. Was rehabilitated in 1947 after the war and is still being used today to house certain provincial offices including the office of the Governor.

Fronting the building is the landscaped Capitol Park where could be found the Centennial Monument, a concrete tableau of “Pugutan”, and Bantayog Wika installed in recognition of Tagalog Marinduque (or Marindukenyo).

 

BANTAYOG SA SENTENARYO NG MARINDUQUE  - This Bantayog was unveiled on February 21, 2020 in commemoration of the establishment of Marinduque as an independent province.

The 'morion' mask that has been synonymous with the Province of Marinduque is depicted in the monument, a colorful tradition and culture, an expression of our faith and values.

It sits on a hexagonal platform which complements the six sides of the pillars to symbolize the six towns that comprise the province.

 

SIMBAHAN NG STA CRUZ - The Church of the Holy Cross was built by Jesuit missionaries and was completed in 1714. It is the oldest church in Marinduque.

Like the Boac Cathedral, it was used by the Anerican forces as their garrison during the Philippine-American War in Marinduque.

The church has undergone rehabilitation through the years but its retablos, pulpit and ceiling and general appearance have been kept intact.

It is awaiting recognition by the cultural agencies concerned as another  Cultural Property that also deserves a historical marker.

 

LABANAN SA PULANG LUPA – Monument signifying the Victory of Filipino soldiers over U.S. Forces during the Philippine-American War.

On September 13, 2000 the National Historical Institute (NHI) installed a National Historical Landmark that reads in part: “ANG LABANAN SA PULANG LUPA. DITO NAGANAP ANG MADUGONG LABANAN NG HUKBONG PILIPINO SA PAMUMUNO NI TENYENTE-KORONEL MAXIMO ABAD AT HUKBONG AMERIKANO SA PAMUMUNO NI KAPITAN DEVEREUX SHIELDS NOONG SETYEMBRE 13, 1900. NAGTAGUMPAY ANG MGA PILIPINO SA LABANANG ITO.”

 

BALTAZAR LIGHTHOUSE & KEEPER’S DWELLING - Baltazar Lighthouse was built during the American occupation between 1901-1903. It was eventually ravaged by time and typhoons, but in 1954 funds were appropriated  for lighthouse stations in the country including the repair of the said Baltazar Lighthouse keeper's dwelling.

The Keeper’s Dwelling is the oldest American-built standing structure in Marinduque. No rehabilitation has been undertaken since then.

The lighthouse, on the other hand, is an important navigational aid to maritime vessels traversing Tablas Strait that separates the islands of Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon with Panay islands.

TANGIBLE - MOVABLE

MAHAL NA INA NG BIGLANG AWA - According to oral tradition, the Jesuit missionaries brought to Marinduque the image of the Immaculate Conception in 1621. The three-foot Marian image came from Mexico via the Manila-Acapulco Trade. The island-province lies along the route of the galleon trade. One unique feature of the image is her Sinitic eyes which is unique in the images of the Immaculate Conception in the country.

The Boac Cathedral was constructed with fortified walls to protect the people from these piratical attacks. It was dedicated to the venerated image of the Biglang Awa at the completion of the church in 1792.

 

MARINDUQUE CELADON JAR - The Marinduque Celadon Jar acquired by the NMP in the 1960s and declared as a National Cultural Treasure in 2010.

Four years prior to purchasing the jar, Evangelista of the National Museum conducted systematic excavations at Pilapil Cave in Marinduque, which yielded local artifacts associated to Song (960–1279 CE) and Yuan (1279–1368 CE) periods. The dragon motif of the Marinduque Celadon Jar suggests it is not an average object, but a unique marker of prestige; thus, making it an important and rare acquisition of the NMP.

It is presently exhibited at the National Museum of Anthropology, but will be returned to its place of origin in connection with the Founding Anniversary of the Province of Marinduque this year, and be housed in its new home,  the NM Marinduque-Romblon Area Museum in Boac.

 

QUEEN ISABELA o BIRHENG MARIA -  An existing primary source document from Intramuros Administration indicates that the wooden statue purportedly of Queen Isabela was received by the Gobernadorcillo of Boac in June 1836. This had been on display since time immemorial at the old municipal hall and had been venerated by old folks as Birheng Maria.

Declared a municipal protected historical artifact and treasure.  In the light of other questionable claims, the image should be inspected and officially authenticated by the National Museum or NHCP.

 

LUMANG KAMPANA NG BOAC - This centuries-old bronze bell according to tradition was brought to Marinduque by Jesuit missionaries in the 1620's. It has served the faithful in the locality and has always been a part of the religious rites and rituals of the community.

 

 

MGA KANYON NG BOAC – Used by the Spaniards during their colonization of Boac, Marinduque the three cannons were left abandoned in front of the Casa Real for almost a decade, exposed to various elements, unprotected and needing preservation. Their provenance came to light through research and were declared important municipal artefacts and treasures.

 

FONTANA DE BOAC - The "Fontana de Boac" was finished in 1914. This public fountain became a symbol of aesthetics in the Boac Plaza and a landmark for group pictures especially during important events. The damaged fountain  was moved to its current location in the 1970’s or 1980’s. It will be 108 years old this year. There are official moves to have it fully restored.

 

INTANGIBLE CULTURAL PROPERTY.

MORYONAN PENITENTIAL RITE - The origin of the festival is traced to Mogpog in the 1880’s when Fr. Dionisio Santiago, the parish priest of said town, organized it for the first time.

In the 1960’s the late National Artist for Literature Alejandro Roces made it popular through the media, which concocted the word moriones in contrast to the local term moryonan or pagmomoryon.

The menfolk wear masks and costumes and roam the streets in penitence. The practice also involves the re-enactment of the story of the Roman soldier Longinus, locally called Longhino, who is said to have pierced the side of Christ with a spear during His crucifixion.

Every town in Marinduque now practices the moryonan but the Lenten ritual originated in Mogpog, where the most traditional form of the practice still exists and is still a part of the local church Lenten rituals.

 

TUBONG or PUTONG -  The tubong or putong, is a ceremony indigenous to Marinduque.  Literally, the  word “putong” which means to crown, is a song of thanksgiving, hope and prayer for a long, blessed life.  According to beliefs, the patron saint rejoices at this kind of celebrations and intercedes for the honoree in his wish for long life, for happiness and safety from accidents and bad luck.

Commonly performed to welcome guests and to wish them good life, health and luck.  It is also done during birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or any special events that a person is thankful of and praying for a blessed path in life. 

Natural with Historical/Cultural Significance

STATION BALANACAN (LUZON DATUM OF 1911) - The reference mark is on a hard, white boulder of about one cubic meter in volume, standing 80 cm above the ground and 90 cm higher than the station. The mark is a hole 1.5 cm in diameter and 8 cm deep, at the center of a cross cut on top of this stone.

 The site has been developed after its rediscovery. The place cleared, the stone marker now protected inside a small steel fence.

During the American occupation, the USGS used Luzon Datum of 1911 to gather information for topographic, geodetic and hydrographic surveys. It was established with triangulation Station Balanacan as its datum origin which is now the primary geodetic reference center of all surveys in the Philippines.

The NAMRIA, the DENR several years ago formed a task group with the National Historical Commisssion of the Philippines (NHCP) and the Provincial Government of Marinduque to protect and preserve this important site. The area has since been developed as a tourist site and is now a major tourist attraction.

 

MALBOG SULFURIC HOT SPRING -During the Spanish and early American occupation, water from this hot spring was sold in bottles and was labeled “Agua de Boac”. It could be taken internally as a cure for dysentery or applied externally for skin disorders. Anacleto del Rosario, a leading pharmacist and chemist during the Spanish period who made a lot of analyses of mineral springs and medicinal waters in the country, also examined the chemical components of “Agua de Boac” and considered it comparable to other well-known curatives like “Agua de Carabana” and “Agua de Vichy” from Europe.

At the 1904 World’s Fair in New Orleans, bottled “Agua de Boac” from this spring was included among the exhibits from the Philippines.

Over the years we became too familiar with modern medicine, but many still pay homage to Malbog Sulfuric Spring.

 

AZIMUTH STATION BALTAZAR -   Luzon Datum in Brgy. Hinanggayon, Mogpog had for its geodetic azimuth mark the Station BALTASAR (azimuth: 90 12' 37".00) located in Baltazar Island.  USC and Geodetic Survey under O.W. Ferguson established both stations with H.D. King as Chief Of Party. The historical documentation on the triangulation of the Philippine Islands gives the establishment of this Azimuth Station as 1906.

The Luzon Datum, the geodetic center of the Philippines cannot exist without an azimuth. The defining geodetic azimuth (from south) to station Baltazar is: ao = 009° 12’ 37.000”. The AZIMUTH MARKER in Station Baltazar right in the vicinity of the Lighthouse is waiting to be discovered and is of interest to historical, cultural and geodetic authorities.

 

GASPAR ‘HERITAGE’ ISLAND - Archaeology in the Philippines began in Marinduque. Prior to 1900, only one important archaeological investigation had been carried out in the country: the Antoine-Alfred Marche’s exploration of Marinduque from April to July 1881.

Archaeology in the island of Gaspar, one of the Tres Reyes Islands, were undertaken and studied in various periods by Marche, Beyer, Fox, Evangelista and Manuel.

In addition, between this island and the mainland, a sunken Chinese junk of the Sung and Chang Dynasty was discovered by fishermen and recovered by a joint team of the National Museum  and a foreign salvage group in 1982. The surrounding waters of Gaspar Island is a protected marine reserve called the Tres Reyes Marine Sanctuary and may also need additional protection measures.