Church of Pan-ay*

Location: Pan-Ay, Capiz (Region VI)
Category: Buildings/Structures
Type: House of worship
Status: Level I- National Historical Landmark
Legal basis: NHI Resolution No. 3, s. 1997
Marker date: 6 December 1997
Installed by: National Historical Institute (NHI)

CHURCH OF PAN-AY

PAN-AY ORIGINALLY CALLED BAMBAN, WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1572. THE FIRST CHURCH, CONSTRUCTED IN 1774 BY FR. MIGUEL MURGUIA, WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED BY TYPHOON IN 1875. THE PRESENT CHURCH WAS CONSTRUCTED IN 1884 UNDER THE DIRECTION OF FR. JOSE BELOSO WHO COMMISSIONED DON JUAN REINA TO CAST A BELL FOR THE CHURCH FROM SEVENTY SACKS OF COINS DONATED BY THE TOWNSPEOPLE. THIS BELL, THE BIGGEST IN THE PHILIPPINES, MEASURES SEVEN FEET IN DIAMETER, FIVE FEET IN HEIGHT AND WEIGHS 10,000 KIL0GRAMS. BY VIRTUE OF NHI BOARD RESOLUTION N0. 3, S. 1997, THIS CHURCH IS DECLARED A NATIONAL HISTORICAL LANDMARK.