One of the country’s National Cultural Treasure is found amidst Daraga, Albay. The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria, better known as the Daraga Parish Church, flaunts its majesty nestling on top of a hill above the busy town. Its stunning vista overlooking the sea and the majestic Mayon Volcano allures tourists and pilgrims to swarm over this Baroque church.
HISTORY
Franciscan missionaries built the church as a temporary shelter to Cagsawa after being buried under the volcanic debris in 1773. Since then the mentioned church has been a refuge of the people of Daraga and a testimony of their resiliency and faith.
Daraga Church is a must go to when heading to Albay especially when one wants to experience the structure-nature connection. This church, being hundreds of years old surpassing time, like other churches deteriorates. Fortunately, architecture and technology made it possible for the church’s preservation.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts is working hand in hand in the undergoing rehabilitation works of the church to preserve its cultural and historical significance. The seemingly white paint is the lime coating of volcanic rocks, the material used for the building of the church. It was applied to preserve the church’s beauty for the coming generations.
Lime coating somehow obliterated the old look of the church but this is just temporary. It was necessary for enhancing and protecting the structure and its materials. In a year or so, the church’s facade will return to its original look.