Return of pulpit panels seen to boost tourism in Boljoon

Local

NOW that the four antique pulpit panels are back to their rightful places at the historic Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Santisima Church in Boljoon town, Cebu, the focus has shifted to boosting the place’s tourism.

Boljoon Mayor Joie Genesse Derama sees the restoration of the pulpit not only as a cultural triumph but also as an opportunity to promote Boljoon as a destination for religious and wedding tourism.

“Mapun-an unta ang magpakasal dinhi sa Boljoon kay usa pud ipasigarbo pud kay amoang aisle, one of the longest aisle,” Derama said, referring to the church’s iconic long walkway.

“So, sulit kaayo ang P100,000 gown. Kay longest walk baya na ilaha, the most beautiful walk baya na nila ang sa ilahang kasal so taas-taas ilahang lakwon," he added.

Derama expressed hope that Boljoon could become one of the top wedding destinations in the Philippines, noting Cebu’s current standing in that category.

He emphasized the town’s charm, serene atmosphere, and strong religious identity, which make it an ideal location for visitors seeking meaningful celebrations or spiritual retreats.

He said the town’s deep connection to faith becomes most visible during religious activities such as Holy Week and the feast of the patron saint, where the community comes together in devotion.

That religious fervor, he noted, made the decades-long absence of the stolen pulpit panels especially emotional and personal for Boljoon residents.

One of the oldest

At the heart of Boljoon is its 18th-century church, a National Historical Landmark and National Cultural Treasure.

The Spanish missionaries founded the parish in 1599 under the Augustinian order, but the current stone church structure was built in the late 1700s using coral stones and lime mortar.

Facing the sea and surrounded by centuries-old structures, the church served both as a place of worship and a defensive stronghold against pirate attacks.

Its well-preserved baroque architecture and historic significance make it one of the oldest and most important heritage churches in Cebu.

Stolen pulpit panels

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma led the ceremonial reinstallation of the four recovered pulpit panels on Friday, March 21, marking the end of their 40-year absence.

The panels had resurfaced at a National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) exhibit in February 2024, after being stolen from the church in the 1980s.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia immediately called for their return and, armed with a special power of attorney from the Archdiocese of Cebu, demanded that the NMP turn over the panels.

Her firm intervention prompted the museum’s board of trustees to act swiftly and facilitate the repatriation.

Although the sixth and final panel remains missing, Boljoon continues its efforts to recover it while building on the momentum to strengthen cultural pride and attract more visitors.

Boljoon is a 4th class municipality located about 103 kilometers southeast of Cebu City.(MyTVCebu)