MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Spanish Ambassador, His Excellency Jorge Moragas and Instituto Cervantes – Manila Director, Javier Galvan visited the newly restored La Loma Chapel facade on June 27.
The recent restoration of the chapel was the product of the efforts between Escuela Taller de Filipinas Foundation, Inc. (Escuela Taller) and the Diocese of Kalookan. The restoration of the chapel facade took eleven months to complete.
The chapel that stands in the middle of the cemetery also known as Cementerio General de la Loma was built as a response to the environmental and health concerns during the Spanish period. It is declared a National Cultural Treasure, the highest designation given to a valuable cultural asset.
Meanwhile, Escuela Taller de Filipinas Foundation is a non-profit school that trains out-of-school youth in skills and trades related to heritage conservation. It was established jointly by the Spanish and Philippine governments in 2009. Graduates of the school were involved in the restoration of the chapel facade. The establishment of the school and its continued operation is a testament to the shared commitment of the two governments to save its shared cultural heritage and also serve the marginalized communities and sector in the Philippines.
