Recognized as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum
JASAAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL-The historic Immaculate Conception Parish Church of this elder municipality of Misamis Oriental finally got a historical marker from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines recognizing its historical significance.
NHCP Marker (courtesy of Vinny N. Veloso)
On April 23, 2025, the NHCP marker was unveiled and turned over by NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr., to Most. Rev. Jose A. Cabantan, DD., Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.
Dignitaries led by NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose Jr. & Jasaan Immaculate Conception Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Demli Redeemer C Valmores, SSJV outside the facade of the Immaculate Conception Parish Church of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental (courtesy of Vinny N. Veloso)
Aside from the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for the historical marker, the occasion also marked the unveiling of the church’s newly restored Retro-Tabula (Retablo). Retablo (Latin for Retro-Tabula meaning “behind the Altar”) are equivalent to reredos or the retable in French, a vertical multi-tiered structure behind the altar with an elaborate frame enclosing revered objects, which may include religious paintings, sculptures, or both.
The event was witnessed by Mr. Alvin R. Alcid, NHCP Deputy Executive Director for Programs and Projects; Rev. Fr. Demli Redeemer C. Valmores, SSJV, Parish Priest of the Immaculate Conception Parish Church; and Mayor Redentor S. Jardin of the Municipality of Jasaan.
Guiding guests in the Jasaan Church Museum (courtesy of Vinny N. Veloso)
According to Virginia N. Veloso, secretary and founding member of the Jasaan Parish Restoration & Development Committee (JPRDCI) which led the restoration of the retablo, it was established by and composed of Jasaan Parishioners, dedicated to the restoration and development of the religious, spiritual and cultural heritage of the Jasaan Parish Church and its environs for the benefit of the residents of the parish today and in the future, and for the old and the new generations to reconnect with their spiritual and religious heritage and culture.
Currently, the JPRDCI officials include Chair Lorraine V Gagno; Vice chair Joey J Cabañas; Treasurer Efleda J Geralde; Auditor Bella P Pagapular; PRO Lucila S Valledor; Cultural and Heritage & Education- Segundo H Sabijon.
“The Committee is focused on the restoration of the Immaculate Conception Parish Church and related buildings and on the establishment of other projects like a parish museum to safeguard and showcase the historical and cultural artifacts of the parish,” Veloso said.
History of Jasaan Church
Immaculate Conception Parish Church, better known as the Jasaan Church, is a Baroque Roman Catholic Church located in Poblacion, Upper Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines. It falls within the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. It was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum due to its artistic design and cultural values.
The newly restored retablo (courtesy of Arellano J Galdo III.) Other photos of the restored retablo, altar and church interiors courtesy of Arellano J. Galdo III) with permission from Vinny N. Veloso and Arellano J. Galdo III to publish their photos)
In 1830, the mission of Jasaan was established separately from Cagayan de Oro, where its authority and evangelization reached as far as the towns of Sumilao, Libona, and Malitbog in the province of Bukidnon.
Inspired by the San Ignacio Church in Intramuros, Manila, the Jesuit brothers Francisco Rivera and Juan Cuesta are credited with the construction of the original church.
The center of civilization of the new parish and its first church was at “Daanglungsod,” which is now Aplaya, Jasaan. The first church was built out of lime from 1723 to 1830 under the supervision of Fr. Ramos Cabas, parish priest of Sitio Kabitiaugan, Barrio Aplaya. The ruins of the first church and a ‘cotta’ (fortified watchtower) is visible on the low hill near the highway.
The newly restored retablo (courtesy of Arellano J Galdo III.) Other photos of the restored retablo, altar and church interiors courtesy of Arellano J. Galdo III) with permission from Vinny N. Veloso and Arellano J. Galdo III to publish their photos)
In 1859, Jasaan became the base for evangelical activities among the Manobos in Bukidnon. From Jasaan, missionaries fanned out to areas in Bukidnon now known as Malitbog, Siloo, Linabo, and Sumilao. In 1887, Jesuit Father Juan Herras, began the construction of the present Immaculate Conception Church. Father Gregorio Parache, S.J., was the parish priest of Jasaan at that time.
The original facade of the church has been modified after a series of renovations. The original altar of the church has been moved backward to allow a larger area for the faithful inside the church building. The original sacristy has been moved to the side.
The church is registered as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) after the National Museum declared the Immaculate Conception Parish Church a National Cultural Treasure on July 31, 2001 due to its cultural and historical value. The NCCA serves as the umbrella organization for the National Museum, coordinating with it and other cultural agencies to implement cultural policies and programs.
The newly restored retablo (courtesy of Arellano J Galdo III.) Other photos of the restored retablo, altar and church interiors courtesy of Arellano J. Galdo III) with permission from Vinny N. Veloso and Arellano J. Galdo III to publish their photos)
The church has two bell towers with four bells in total. The oldest of the four bells is dated 1807 while the largest is cast “Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Jasaan Año 1854”, while the others have these inscriptions around its outer rim: “Para El Pueblo de Jasaan 1860”.
The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote Philippine history through its museums, research, and publications, and to preserve historical heritage through conservation and the marking of historic sites and structures.
