P40 Million Allocated for Restoration of Santa Monica Parish Church

The Philippine government has allocated ₱40 million for the restoration of the historic Santa Monica Parish Church, commonly referred to as Sarrat Church, located in Ilocos Norte. This decision follows significant structural damage sustained by the church during a series of earthquakes that struck the region in 2024. The restoration work is set to commence in September 2025, as confirmed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in their official statement released on June 11, 2025.

The agreement formalizing the restoration was signed by Bishop Renato Mayugba of the Diocese of Laoag and Regalado Trota José, Chair of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). The NHCP will oversee the restoration efforts, which include the repair of the church's roof and trusses, as well as the reinforcement of its brick walls. The church, which has been a significant landmark of Filipino-Hispanic architecture for nearly 200 years, was rendered unsafe for public access after the earthquakes prompted a precautionary evacuation in early 2025.

Historically, Santa Monica Church stands on a site that has witnessed significant events in Philippine history, including the 1815 Sarrat Revolt, which led to the relocation of the town's original site. The church was a pivotal structure in the town of Sarrat, which became the first capital of Ilocos Norte in 1818. In recognition of its historical importance, the Vatican granted the church the privilege of plenary indulgence for pilgrims in celebration of its 300th anniversary in 2024.

According to Dr. Maria Elena Cruz, a historian at the University of the Philippines, “The restoration of such a historic church is crucial not only for preserving our cultural heritage but also for maintaining the community’s identity.” She emphasized the role of local churches in Filipino culture and their significance in fostering community ties.

The funding for this project comes at a critical time, as many heritage sites in the Philippines have faced deterioration due to natural disasters and lack of maintenance. The NHCP has highlighted the need for increased investment in cultural heritage preservation as part of national policy. Regalado Trota José stated, “Preserving our historical landmarks is vital for future generations to understand their culture and history.”

The restoration process will involve a competitive bidding process for contractors, with stakeholders optimistic about the project's potential to revitalize both the church and the surrounding community. Industry experts, including architectural conservationist Dr. Juan Carlos Reyes from the Ateneo de Manila University, have called for meticulous planning to ensure the restoration respects the church's original design and materials.

As the restoration of Santa Monica Parish Church commences, it symbolizes a broader commitment by the Philippine government to prioritize cultural heritage amid increasing natural threats. The expected completion of the restoration will not only enhance the architectural beauty of Sarrat Church but also serve as a beacon of resilience for the local community, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical sites in the face of modern challenges.