SAVE THE FORTRESS

Landmark of the Church of St. John The Baptist

This church is one of the oldest in the Province of Palawan

Stairs to the Church Bellfry

Aerial view

The walls of the Fortress are falling apart.

The portion of the Fortress' wall has been destroyed through the passing of time.

Southeastern side of the Fortress

Unfinished two-storey convent and sacristy started in 1992.

The restoration and repair of the St. John The Baptist Church and fortress means a lot to us.

Built in 1700 and completed in 1748 by the Agustinian Recollects with the help of the Agutaynens, it is a showcase of the Agutaynens' fortitude in spirit and unity.

It is part of our heritage.

It is a showcase of the character of the Agutaynens as God-fearing and peace-loving people.

It was the shield and shelter of the people from the fierce attacks of the Moros during the Spanish time.

It was used as evacuation and refugee center during the war.
It is a living testimony to the fact that Agutaya was one of the settled areas in Palawan
before the Spanish colonizers arrived, and the Agutaynens were considered as
among the ethnic elites among the indigenous groups in Palawan.

PHASE 1 has already begun. "ALAY 2000/7". ALAY stands for a heartfelt share of a bag of cement, 2000 indicates the estimated number of bags of cement for the renovation of the sacristy/convent, and "7" implies the last months left before the year 2007 ends. This support project was formally launched on the 2nd Sunday of June, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.

For more information on this project, here's my e-mail address iheartagutaya@gmail.com or you may contact the Parish Office of St. John the Baptist or the Buruyutan Foundation, Inc. at their office in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. I will try to contact the BFI if they have a number so I can publish it in here as well as the Parish Office.