A PROFESSOR from the UST Graduate School was awarded by the Diocese of Malolos in Bulacan for his contributions to Filipino church heritage.
Regalado Jose, Cultural Heritage Studies professor and Center for the Conservation of Cultural Properties and Environment in the Tropics (CCCPET) consultant, received a gold medal and a certificate from Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros last April 25 for his works on the socio-historical, architectural and artistic dimensions of churches.
“I was given the award probably because of my team’s continuous collaboration with the priests, laity and people of the Malolos diocese,” Jose told the Varsitarian. “They seek consultations from us to address problems of church damages and to preserve the church itself. Eventually, the diocese has established its own commission for church heritage.”
He explained that a church, beyond its form, needs to be studied and conserved because it plays an important role in people’s spirituality.
“We also have to look at the historical events of the churches and the social aspects of the people around them. Church heritage is both church art and culture for a better Christian life,” Jose said.
The CCCPET administration also lauded Jose’s achievement.
“Since the center was established in 2003, Jose has been with us for consultations and helped us to be exposed outside the University, especially in church preservation,” Anna Marie Bautista, assistant director of CCCPET, said. “We are glad that he was given the award for his expertise and advocacy.”
Being in the field for over 30 years, Jose has written books including his Master’s degree thesis, Simbahan: Church Art in Colonial Philippines 1565-1898. He has also helped preserved prominent churches in the country like the San Agustin Church in Manila and the Parish Church of St. Joseph in Las Piñas, which is famous for its bamboo organ.
