A team from the Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) is conducting wood identification in heritage sites across Negros Oriental and Siquijor to aid in restoration efforts.
“The collaboration aims to identify the types of wood used in constructing these National Cultural Treasures (NCTs) for future reference in NHCP’s restoration projects,” Forester Glenn Estudilla, Senior Science Research Specialist of the Anatomy and Forest Botany Section, Materials Science Division of DOST-FPRDI, said in an interview Friday.
The team is currently documenting the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church and Convent in Lazi, Siquijor, and the St. Augustine of Hippo Parish Church in Bacong, Negros Oriental, including historically significant wooden objects within these sites.
These churches, the only declared NCTs in the Negros Island Region, hold immense historical and cultural value dating back to the Spanish era.
Jennifer Conda, also a Senior Science Research Specialist at DOST-FPRDI, explained that aside from identifying raw materials, the initiative seeks to recommend alternative materials for the restoration of both movable and immovable heritage objects.
She noted that many of the tree species originally used in construction are now protected under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regulations due to their threatened or endangered status, making them unavailable for harvesting, cutting, or sale.
Some types found in heritage churches include red lauan, “apitong”, “baticuling”, “tindalo”, and molave, all hardwood species.
The DOST-FPRDI officials said there are plenty of tree species that can be used as alternative materials such as mangium and mahogany.
However, she emphasized that ideally, original wood types should be sourced from old houses or salvaged materials when possible.
Estudilla advised that proper coordination with their office is crucial to ensure the stability, durability, and longevity of alternative wood materials used in restorations.
Meanwhile, Architect Donking Roque from NHCP’s Historic Preservation Division highlighted the importance of thorough documentation, especially for old churches with NCT status.
“Our role here is to document the current condition of the structure so that we can have some reference when undertaking restoration efforts in the future to preserve our heritage and that is why we are tapping DOST’s expertise on wood,” Roque said.
He added that they would document the current conditions of the structure, including moisture content and basic strength. (PNA)
