Activity 1

Tangible

MIAGAO CHURCH

Miagao Church, also known as the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church was built
in 1786 and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Miagao Iloilo. It operated as a
fortification in addition to being a place of worship. As a result, it is known as the Baroque
fortress church.

I think the significance of the Miagao Church in the community is it was designed
with the baroque features with touches of Chinese and Filipino style imposing designs,
ornaments, and motifs, making it a one-of-a-kind church.

Prior to the construction of Miagao Church, the town had two churches, but all were
destroyed by Muslim raids.

Miagao Church in Iloilo began construction in 1786 and was finished in 1797. It has
functioned as a place of worship and a fortification against Muslim invaders since then.

Since 1797, Miagao Church has served not only as a fortress of the Christian religion,
but also as an invincible shelter for residents fleeing the Spanish-Moro conflicts. Battle after
battle, its walls resisted the weight of a centuries-long fight, much like San Cristobal.

The church was damaged during the 1898 revolution and restored the following year.
The church was destroyed by fire in 1910. It was damaged by an earthquake in 1948 and
restored in 1962. Miagao Church has already been restored numerous times due to the
catastrophes and calamities it has endured.

Miagao Church Iloilo was designated a National Landmark in 1974. UNESCO

designated it a World Heritage Site in 1993.