A Commitment to Faith: SGF and NCCA Hosts Conservation Talks to Strengthen the Future of
Miag-ao Church
Published June 19, 2026
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Photo: Miagao Local Government Unit, along with NCCA and SGF on June 17, 2026
The Sulu Garden Foundation (SGF), fueled by its longstanding commitment in safeguarding cultural heritage, in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), Miag-ao Parish Council, and Miag-ao Local Government Units, convened in a two-day consultative meeting on the restoration and repairs of the Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva on June 16-17, 2026, at Sulu Garden, Miag-ao, Iloilo.
The gathering brought together parish representatives, local government officials, government agencies, and local stakeholders to discuss the condition of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in order to strengthen the collaboration for its conservation.
The first day started with an initial consultation of the parish ministry and council represented by, Rev. Fr. Cirilo Camus, Rev. Fr. Kenneth Ezpeleta, Rev. Fr. Melvin Martin Daquilanea, Pureza Guzman, Annie Napuli, and Christine Figura, together with SGF.
The second day’s formal collaborative discussion hosted by SGF and led by NCCA, started with an overview presented by Salvador Acsay Jr., Advisor of Heritage and History of SGF, who provided a brief account of the earthquakes that hit the municipality of Miag-ao, including the recent 4.7 earthquake that originated from Anini-y, Antique, last June 14, 2026, and its ramifications to the Church’s structure.
Reportedly, the church had sustained cracks noted last April 9, 2026, which could be due to the accumulation of previous earthquakes last September 30, 2025, with Cebu, Central Visayas as the epicenter, and March 2, 2026, with Guimbal, Iloilo Province as the epicenter, respectively.
The stakeholders also addressed a recent Facebook post circulating online, which highlighted that the evident cracks were caused by the recent earthquake, last June 14, 2026, that had brought a false narrative in the community, particularly on the online social media platforms. However, Acsay reiterated that the structural damage was attributed not only to seismic activities, but also to environmental agents, such as vibrations from vehicular traffic along the road, acid rain, and pollution due to the presence of cracks long before the recent earthquake happened.
In the call for action, the stakeholders also analyzed the challenges that may arise in the restoration, such as communication flow among their partners. Participants emphasized that while the church remains a source of pride for the Miag-aoanons, it also carries a challenge that requires various local sectors to seek immediate solutions and collaborative efforts. Given that Miag-ao Church is an identified UNESCO World Heritage Site, the stakeholders urge for its immediate restoration and safeguarding, if public funding and government support are available.
With this, through the initiatives of NCCA, represented by Vanessa M. Nicolas, and Karl P. Albais, as being the primary governing body mandated in the preservation of world heritage sites, also expressed its full support together with the local government units in the restoration and repair of the church. Among the plans of action discussed were rapid site assessment, adequate budget allocation, and recommendations for ongoing monitoring by a technical working group.
The representatives from Miag-ao Parish Council also shared their sentiments and reaffirmed their commitment as administrators of the Church, and called for immediate action for the safety and welfare of the people and parishioners.
As a treasured cultural and religious landmark and a recognized World Heritage Site, its protection, preservation, and repair anchors on the shared responsibility and commitment of the whole community. An efficient coordination of agencies involved and effective implementation of safety measures was also discussed for the safety of people going to the church, and as well as tourists coming from different places brought together by faith.
About NCCA
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is the overall policy making body, coordinating & grants giving agency for the preservation, development & promotion of Philippine arts & culture; an executing agency for the policies it formulates & task to administering the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts fund exclusively for the implementation of culture and arts programs & projects.
About SGF
Sulu Garden Foundation is named after the Sulu Sea – the largest inland sea in the Philippines. Our mission concentrates on this sea and the provinces that surround it. These provinces have diverse cultures and religions, yet, they all share history and traditions. The foundation has various programs and activities focused on history and heritage, the arts, nature conservation, research and development, and community.
