On July 18, 2025, the National Museum of the Philippines-Dumaguete hosted "Pagtúkod: A Talk on Built Heritage," the third installment of its public program. The event featured Reverend Monsignor Julius Perpetuo S. Heruela of the Diocese of Dumaguete, who provided a comprehensive look into the built heritage of Negros Oriental, its legal protection, and the challenges of preservation.
Msgr. Heruela began the talk by distinguishing Negros Oriental’s built heritage from that of Negros Occidental, focusing on their unique construction processes. He highlighted the legal foundation for heritage preservation, specifically referencing the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 10066). This act is designed to protect, preserve, and promote the nation’s cultural heritage and its properties. He also mentioned Republic Act No. 10086, which aims to strengthen national identity through the popularization of Philippine history.
The discussion covered several key sites in Negros Oriental, including historic churches in Bacong, Dauin, and Zamboanguita, ancient watchtowers, and old houses in Dumaguete City. Msgr. Heruela explained the evolution of the bahay na bato architectural style from the bahay kubo, noting the use of stone instead of bamboo. He also highlighted the province's rich industrial heritage and the diverse use of local materials in construction, such as coral stone for cathedral walls, bricks in Bacong Church, and river stones in Zamboanguita.
A significant portion of the talk was dedicated to the threats facing built heritage. Msgr. Heruela pointed out improper activities, such as the construction of modern structures too close to historical sites and the use of incorrect preservation techniques. He cited an example where automotive paint was mistakenly applied to wood during restoration and another where an attempt to expose original bricks on a church wall led to its pulverization. He also revealed the presence of Rococo art in the province, which is characterized by intricate details and soft color palettes. However, he noted the need for further research on its origins in Siaton and criticized an instance where a Rococo-style piece was incorrectly painted gold.
Functional aspects of built heritage were also discussed, such as the elevated church windows in Bacong designed to enhance acoustics, which allow for six to eight echoes, as heard from the bamboo pipe organ. Msgr. Heruela criticized past preservation efforts for not properly studying stained-glass windows, which can lead to excessive heat inside structures in a tropical climate like the Philippines. The talk concluded with a poignant image of the Capitol building's once magnificent view, now unfortunately obscured.
The event's open forum focused on how to foster greater public awareness, especially among the youth. Msgr. Heruela suggested local declarations and integrating field trips to heritage sites into school curricula to encourage students to visit historical places instead of malls. Glynda Descuatan, Vice Chair of the Negros Oriental Tourism Council, proposed inviting heritage committees to provide tour operators with more in-depth historical narratives. Associate Professor Penn Larena, President of NOACAA-INC and a cultural heritage advocate, proposed a provincial ordinance that would mandate a subject on historical culture from elementary to college in both public and private schools.
Shimei Estimada, Administrative Officer V of NMP-Dumaguete, concluded the discussion by acknowledging the need for assistance in creating accurate historical narratives and documentaries. She extended a plea to historians and the church for their contributions and announced the museum's plan to coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) to facilitate school field trips. The event served as a call to action for the community to support cultural education, responsible heritage management, and the preservation of Negros Oriental’s rich historical legacy.
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