‘A MILESTONE FOR BESAO’: St. Benedict Episcopal Church gets NHCP historical marker

FEATURE

BESAO, Mountain Province – Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) unveiled a historical marker at St. Benedict Episcopal Church in Barangay Kin-iway, Besao, Mountain Province, on October 28.

The church was recognized as one of the significant heritage sites of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines, whose history dates back to 1898 and whose missionary district was formally organized in 1901.

History of St. Benedict Episcopal Church

Located within the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines, St. Benedict Episcopal Church traces its beginnings to 1910, when its original wooden structure was built in Besao East as an outstation of the Mission of St. Mary the Virgin in Sagada. It became a full mission station in 1912.

The church was transferred to its present location in the same year to accommodate its growing congregation.

Built by Igorot and Japanese workers, the church's iconic stone-and-wood structure was based on the design of Italian-American architect John Van Bergamini Sr., who also designed several prominent American-era mission and hospital buildings in the country.

Dedicated to St. Benedict of Nursia in 1940, the church became a full parish in 1977 and has since served as the community's main place of worship.

Beyond its religious role, the church integrated spiritual ministry with education and health services, becoming an important part of the town's social life and relations with its indigenous community.

It has endured damage from World War II and the 1990 Northern Luzon earthquake. Another earthquake in 2022 also caused partial damage to the structure.

Unveiling of the historical marker

The unveiling marked the installation of Besao's first NHCP historical marker.

The ceremony was led by NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose Jr. and attended by Executive Assistant Elsie S. Lomong-oy, representing Besao Mayor Bryne O. Bacwaden, and parish priest Rev. Fr. Princel Balitog, representing Rt. Rev. Benny P. Lang-akan, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines.

During the event, the marker was presented and formally turned over to the parish following its blessing by Fr. Balitog.

“The recognition of St. Benedict highlights Besao’s place in this wider history. This milestone recognizes the church’s historical significance and the community that continues to sustain it,” the NHCP said.

The commission added that the marker also affirms the shared responsibility of the church, local government, vestry, and parishioners to preserve the heritage site and pass its history on to future generations.

Also present during the celebration were Vice Mayor Elizabeth A. Buyagan, members of the church's vestry, parishioners, and students of St. James High School, who performed indigenous dances.