MARAGONDON, Cavite — A 300-year-old historic pulpit at the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Assumption collapsed due to internal structural failure, church officials reported Monday.
The pulpit, a declared National Cultural Treasure, gave way because of weakened internal supports inside the tornavoz, or sound bar, according to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Parish priest Fr. Jerry Belen immediately informed Imus Bishop Reynaldo G. Evangelista of the incident, prompting inspections by church and local government officials.
The NCCA conducted an initial assessment and confirmed that recovered wood panels remain in good condition, stressing the need for prompt restoration.
Founded in 1714, the Maragondon Church is an 18th-century Spanish-era structure declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in 2001.
