The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) together with the Diocese of Tagbilaran led the Ceremonial Turnover and Acceptance of the new marker declaring the Shrine-Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Complex in the town of Dauis, Bohol a National Cultural Treasure (NCT). 

NMP Director of the Visayas National Museums Atty. Ma. Cecilia Tirol officially handed the certificate of turnover on Aug. 14, 2023 to Most. Rev. Alberto Uy, Bishop of Tagbilaran. 

The event was witnessed by H.E. Rev. Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio of the Philippines; Rev. Fr. Jose Sinforiano Monton, Parish Priest; Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado; and Dauis Mayor Roman Bullen.

National Historical Landmark

The Dauis Church was built in 1697 by priests of the Jesuit Order. 

In 1753, Fr. Joseph Nepomuceno, S.J., built a convent in the church complex, which became the official residence of the Jesuits from Loboc.

The church’s convent was used as a shelter in World War II by nuns from Tagbilaran City, Bohol. 

In 2004, Dauis Church was designated as the Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption.

The Church complex was first declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in 2009. 

On August 29, 2011, the NMP declared the Shrine-Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Complex together with its collection of liturgical objects, as a National Cultural Treasure. 

However, the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Bohol in 2013 caused heavy damage on the Church’s façade and portico, which was later restored by the NHCP

The NHCP, which spent P33.74 million in restoration works, turned over the fully restored church to the Archdiocese of Tagbilaran on Aug. 14, 2017.

According to Bishop Uy in his message during the turnover ceremony of the new marker, the Dauis Church is the first heritage church restored of the 25 declared heritage churches nationwide.

“In hindsight, this is what a damaging 7.2 magnitude earthquake of 15 October 2013 gifted us with: the restoration of our heritage churches so dear to every Boholano, for they are jewels on our crown. God brings the greatest good out of every deprivation or evil. Indeed, His perfect will always achieves his perfect plan. After all, our work of heritage restoration is still God’s work,” said Bishop Uy.

One-of-a-kind mural painting

Showcasing neo-gothic and neo-classical architecture, the Dauis Church is considered as one-of-a-kind among the churches in Bohol. 

It has a coffered ceiling that offers impressive murals rarely seen in churches, a unique style of ceiling painting that follows a distinct iconographic programme.

The paintings only become representational in the areas covered in the transept, cupola, and sanctuary where scenes in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus are featured.

The entire cultural property of the parish complex features a squat hexagonal tower that was built in 1774 as a lookout against piratical raiders. 

The plaza fronting the apse of the Church is bordered by a low wall that is believed to be part of the fortification erected by the Jesuits. 

Fronting the sea at the back of the casa parroquial is a bulwark-like structure that adds to the fortification of the site. (ECB/RMN/PIA7)