NHCP restores ‘rediscovered’ old image of San Agustin

In a historic event marked by a welcoming rite, mass, and a lecture on church heritage, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) turned over on 28 November the restored image of Augustine of Hippo, or San Agustin, the patron saint of Baliwag, Bulacan.

The event was attended by NHCP chairman Regalado Trota Jose and several members of his staff; authorities of the Diocesan Shrine of Saint Augustine, commonly known as Baliwag Church, led by parish priest and rector Narciso Sampana, who officiated the mass; members of the Cofradia de San Agustin; students from different schools in the city; and members of the community.

Jose said the wooden image, restored from July to November this year, dates back to the late 18th to early 19th centuries. A foremost scholar on church history and heritage, he has his paternal roots in Baliwag, specifically from the barangay of Concepcion. His grandfather, Lino Jose, a native of Baliwag was a prizewinning writer during his time while his father, Regalado Sr., was a known musical conductor and pianist.

During his lecture, Jose highlighted some of the little-known pieces of information on the church’s history and heritage including the decorative pieces such as friezes, and records of the church renting out wedding rings and even coffins.

The restored image used to be stored at an inconspicuous part of the convent and for a long time and later on, displayed, with a different name, for veneration at the Chapel of Saints, located at the back of the belfry. Townsfolk and church authorities were not aware that the important image was just standing there all along, amidst the figures of other saints and candles lit by praying parishioners. The restoration project was initiated by the parish, and it was beautifully restored by the NHCP Materials Research Conservation Division with Rommel Aquino at the helm.

Striking is the painted lacework which is part of the inner vestment, a local component of the image. Baliwag was known to produce textile made from silk, sought after by the wealthy in the nineteenth century for its quality. Lacemaking was also an industry.

Mark James Evangelista of the Archicofradia de San Agustin de Baliuag said the five-foot image was previously identified as San Ildefonso de Toledo and later, Santo Tomas de Villanueva but through NHCP’s assessment, it was correctly identified as San Agustin. He said that this discovery brings the number of old images of San Agustin in Baliwag to three. One is in the barangay of Tilapayong and another one is being used during processions.

A wonderful rendition of “Jocelynang Baliwag” by Alyssa Delsol capped the turnover event of the “rediscovered” and newly-restored San Agustin image.