PATNONGON, ANTIQUE ─ The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led by its Chairman Regalado Trota Jose, Jr., will formally turn over the newly restored Casa Tribunal de Patnongon to the Municipal Government of Patnongon yesterday, July 17, 2025 2025, in a public ceremony held at the heritage structure site.
NHCP Chair Jose impart a message for the ceremonial turnover of the restored Casa Tribunal de Patnongon. Mayor Johnnyflores S. Bacongallo will deliver his acceptance message after signing the certificate of transfer, while Senator Loren Legarda will lconvey inspirational words. Serving as official witnesses to the turnover ceremony are NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo and Patnongon Vice Mayor Thomas V. Bacaoco.
Constructed in the late 1800s, the building once served as the civic and judicial center of town. More than its unreinforced stone masonry, it symbolized leadership, order, and public service. Unfortunately, like many heritage structures, it suffered the impacts of war, time, and neglect. Burned during the Second World War, it gradually deteriorated giving rise to local narratives of fear, mystery, and enchantment.
Owing to its historical and architectural significance, the NHCP and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda collaborated to restore the Casa Tribunal de Patnongon to its former glory. Presently, the casa tribunal is the only remaining civic building of its kind from the Spanish period in the entire Province of Antique.
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.
