The Committee on Church Cultural Heritage of the Diocese of Dumaguete welcomes the city government’s move to establish a setback distance between the centuries-old bell tower and the proposed convention center and modern public market.

In an interview yesterday, Msgr. Julius Perpetuo S. Heruela, committee chair, told the Philippine News Agency that lawyer Neil Ray Lagahit, the city administrator, has assured a 10-meter setback following a recent letter from the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP).

“We are happy to know that the city government is supporting the conservation and preservation of the Cathedral Bell Tower, which speaks volumes of the city’s history dating back to the Spanish era,” Heruela said.

On Monday, December 1, a meeting took place involving the city government, NMP representatives, Heruela, and other stakeholders to discuss the ongoing restoration of the bell tower and the city’s proposed project.

The iconic belfry was built in the 1800s as a watchtower to protect Dumaguete from pirate attacks and is one of the oldest surviving heritage and historical structures in the city.

Heruela noted the landmark structure appears in Dumaguete’s seal.

Currently, the belfry is undergoing a P15-million restoration project by the NMP, which is expected to be completed in February 2026.

The NMP declared the structure an important cultural property.

Heruela said the committee previously wrote to the NMP about the city’s proposed two-story convention center/public market project, which will be located near the bell tower on the western side of the complex.

The NMP subsequently informed the LGU about particular requirements for heritage structures to safeguard them from undue risk or harm.

According to Heruela, the city supports the setback and is backing the creation of a Blessed Virgin Mary grotto and a candle lighting spot for the faithful. (PNA)