NHCP Photo Collection
Church of Abucay*
Location:
Abucay, Bataan (Region III)
Category:
Buildings/Structures
Type: House of Worship
Status: Level I- National Historical Landmark
Legal Basis:
Resolution No. 9, s. 199
Marker Date:
1939
Installed By:
Philippines Historical Committee (PHC)
CHURCH OF ABUCAY
THE SPIRITUAL MINISTRATION OF ABUCAY WAS ENTRUSTED TO THE DOMINICANS IN 1588. A FIERCE BATTLE BETWEEN THE DUTCH INVADERS AND THE PAMPANGO DEFENDERS WAS FOUGHT IN THIS COURT ON JUNE 23, 1647. NEARLY TWO HUNDRED PAMPANGOS WERE PUT TO DEATH AND FORTY OTHERS, TOGETHER WITH THE SPANISH ALCALDE MAYOR AND TWO DOMINICAN PRIESTS WERE TAKEN PRISONERS TO BATAVIA. THE PRESENT CHURCH WAS BADLY DAMAGED BY THE EARTHQUAKE OF SEPTEMBER 16, 1852. ONE OF THE EARLIEST PRINTING PRESSES IN THE PHILIPPINES WAS OPERATED IN THIS TOWN, WHERE AS EARLY AS 1610 REV. FRANCISCO BLANCAS DE SAN JOSE, O.P., AND DON TOMAS PINPIN PRINTED SEVERAL BOOKS IN SPANISH AND TAGALOG.
