The centuries-old iconic bell tower in Negros Oriental’s Dumaguete City is ready for turnover following its restoration by the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP).

Msgr. Julius Perpetuo Heruela, chair of the Commission on Church Cultural Heritage of the Diocese of Dumaguete, said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency yesterday that the restoration of the bell tower and its belfry is about 97 percent complete.

“The restoration of the structure itself is already completed, but we are still waiting for the grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the candle-lighting areas to be finished,” Heruela said.

The NMP has allocated more than P15 million for the restoration of the belfry, considered one of — if not the most — iconic landmarks reflecting the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The stone tower was originally built to protect residents in olden days from attacks by pirates and other marauders.

NMP Board Chair Andoni Aboitiz and other NMP officials visited the site on Monday, May 11.

In an interview, Aboitiz stressed the importance of heritage conservation, noting that structures such as the belfry will connect people to the past.

Heruela said discussions are now underway for the management and maintenance of the heritage structure once the NMP turns it over to the diocese and the local government on June 15.

The National Museum has declared the Dumaguete belfry as an Important Cultural Property. (PNA)