Hope Rises for Return of Historic Pulpit Panels to Boljoon Church

via SunStar, 14 March 2024: The National Commission for Culture and the Arts is hopeful that the National Museum of the Philippines will return the four historic pulpit panels to the Patrocinio de Maria church in Boljoon, Cebu. The panels, which feature carvings of Augustinian saints and were considered lost since the 1980s, resurfaced at the NMP following a donation from private collectors. NCCA officials, along with local authorities and church representatives, are advocating for the panels’ return to their original home, recognizing their cultural and religious significance to the local community.

In an interview with Sugbo News following the meeting, Manalo said, “I think there’s a very big chance, but it really depends on the answer of the National Museum (of the Philippines),” adding that he would need to meet with NMP Director General Jeremy Barns, who is also a member of the NCCA Board.

Ivan Henares, NCCA commissioner on cultural heritage, and Joseph Patrick Lee, NCCA Cultural Properties Protection and Regulation Division chief, joined Manalo during the meeting.

Jose Eleazar Bersales, a member of the NCCA advisory board and a Capitol consultant on heritage and museums, was also in attendance.

Source: NCCA official optimistic about the return of pulpit panels to Boljoon church