Visiting The Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio Church in Boljoon

​A trip to the southern towns of Cebu can be a journey in time. History and culture lovers will have the time of their lives visiting the different heritage towns in the southern part of the island. Aside from Argao and Carcar, you can also get the chance to see the richness of the culture and heritage of Cebu in the southern town of Boljoon. One particular place you should not fail to visit is the Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio Church.

Boljoon Church – image source: tripadvisor.com.ph

Boljoon

The Municipality of Boljoon was once a visita of Carcar and only became an independent parish in 1690. When it became a parish, it was given the jurisdiction over the visitas of Tañon and Oslob. Aside from the Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio Church, the town is also known for the Ili Rock formation, which greets visitors of the town. 

Boljoon Church – image source: tripadvisor.com.ph

Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio Church

The Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio Church or Our Lady of Patronage of Mary Parish Church is the most important landmark of Boljoon. It is also called the Boljoon Church and was declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines. The church was built like a fortress that protected the people of Boljoon from constant attacks by Moro raiders during the Spanish period. 

Boljoon Church – image source: en.wikipedia.org

​The church started off as a chapel when Boljoon was still a visita of Carcar in 1599. It was later elevated into a chapel in 1690 following the increase in the number of Christians living in the area. Father Nicolás de la Cuadra became the first parish priest of the church. While the town was under the administration of the Augustinians during the Spanish period, it was turned over to the Jesuits due to lack of personnel on September 27, 1737. It was later reverted back to the Augustinians in 1747. 

Boljoon Church – image source: weekend.sunstar.com.ph

​The present structure of the Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio Church was started by Father Ambrosio Otero and was completed by Father Julian Bermejo. The other structures in the parish complex were added by Fr. Bermejo as part of the coastal defense system he set up to warn Boljoon residents of the presence of Moro raiders. Aside from finishing the main parish structure, Fr. Bermejo also built a blockhouse where artillery was stationed. He also enclosed the perimeter of the parish complex with a wall.  

Boljoon Church – image source: en.wikipedia.org

Cultural Treasure

The National Historical Institute declared the Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio Church as a National Historical Landmark in 1999. The National Museum of the Philippines later listed the church as a National Cultural Treasure in 2001. The church is also a part of the list of nominated candidates for the Baroque Churches of the Philippines of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Philippines.

Boljoon Church – image source: en.wikipedia.org

​Aside from the Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio Church in Boljoon, the other churches on the list include the San Isidro Labrador of Siquijor, San Matías of Isabela, La Inmaculada Concepción of Eastern Samar, and the San Pedro Apóstol Parish Church of Loboc, Bohol.

Boljoon Church – image source: pinterest.com

​The Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio of Boljoon is just one of the more interesting churches in the southern part of the island. Aside from providing for the religious needs of the residents of the town, the church also served as a refuge against Moro raiders who were a constant threat to the people in this part of Cebu during the time of the Spaniards.

Boljoon Church – image source: cbcpnews.net

​Have you visited the Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio Church of Boljoon already? Tell us about your visit on the comments section below.