A Church Rooted in Tubigon’s History
BOHOL - Tubigon’s parish traces its beginnings to the Spanish missionary period, with the community becoming an independent parish in 1852. Construction of the church continued during the tenure of Fr. Felix Guillen from 1887 to 1893. Built from coral stone, the church reflected the materials, craftsmanship, and religious traditions of the period. Beside it stood the long two-storey structure traditionally regarded as the old convento, a building associated with the parish priest’s residence and parish activities.
A Photograph From Another Era
The old image provides a valuable visual record of the church complex as it appeared in an earlier generation. It captures architectural details and the relationship between the church and adjoining building that photographs today may no longer show in the same way. The structures also stood through major periods of Tubigon’s history, including the years surrounding World War II. While stories about the use or condition of the convento during the Japanese occupation may circulate, specific claims about its wartime use should be treated carefully unless supported by historical records.
Remembering What the Earthquake Changed
The magnitude-7.2 earthquake that struck Bohol on October 15, 2013, severely damaged the historic church, leaving major destruction to its structure and façade. Restoration eventually allowed the church to reopen in 2018, giving the community an opportunity to continue its religious traditions while preserving an important part of Tubigon’s heritage. Today, the old photograph has added meaning: it allows people to look back at a historic church complex as it once appeared and remember the architectural legacy that continues to form part of Tubigon’s story.
