Sta. Ursula Parish Church declared National Cultural Treasure

The Sta. Ursula Parish Church in Binangonan, Rizal, has been declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) on March 2, 2025.

During the unveiling ceremony, Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos, NCCA Chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo, and other officials including Rizal Governor Nina Ynares and Binangonan Mayor Caesar Ynares led the declaration rites.

The event featured a Missa Cantata composed by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, performed by Coro Buenviaje with Joey Soliman Jr. conducting.

Bishop Santos expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the responsibility to protect these treasures for future generations.

Founded in 1621 by Franciscans, the church has been administered by three priestly orders: Franciscans, Jesuits, and Augustinians, before returning to Franciscan management in 1737.

Aside from Sta. Ursula Parish, the NCCA also declared three other churches in Rizal province as National Cultural Treasures: the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Jose in Baras, St. Jerome Parish Church in Morong, and San Ildefonso de Toledo Church in Tanay.