Project: Restoration of Punta Diamante including Belfry in Bulusan, Sorsogon
Location: Bulusan, Sorsogon
Cultural property owner: Diocese of Sorsogon
GAA Budget: P10,000,000.00
Fiscal year: 2022
Date started: 2022
Date completed: To be determined
Implementing agency: National Historical Commission of the Philippines
Contractor: To be determined
Project description:
Punta Diamante or Bulusan (diamond-shaped) Fortress, approximately 10.13 square meters, in Bulusan, Sorsogon, was constructed in the 18th century with a large triangular murralla (fortification) which encloses the church and rectory of St. James the Great parish complex. The fortress has five (5) watchtowers with high and thick walls made from coral and river stones.
Bulusan used to be a visita of Casiguran before it became a parish in 1630. The first church was made of nipa and wood. In the early 1700’s Father Pedro de Villa Medina directed the construction of the stone church (Huerta, 1875). The stone walls were later added at the 18th century to serve as a defense of towns folks against the incursions of Moro pirates. The defense of Bulusan against the incursion of Moro pirates led to the meeting of the gobernadorcillo, D. Juan Macsimiano with the principals and cabesaz de barangays in 1799 in an agreement with the Superior Decree issued on the same year (Errecion de Pueblos Albay 1799-1864).
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on 7 February 2009, unveiled a historical marker for the historic site with the text:
MGA MOOG NG BULUSAN
“Mga moog ng Bulusan itinayo upang depensahan ang mga mamamayan ng Bulusan at ang Punta de Bulusan, na mahalagang daungan para sa mga manlalayag at sa mga barkong galyon sa embocadero mula sa pagsalakay ng mga moro, ika-18 hanggang ika-19 na siglo. Bahagi ng mga istrukturang ito ang mga moog sa macabari, busaingan at gate na ngayo’y sakop na ng mga bayan ng Barcelona, Sta. Magdalena at Bulan, Sorsogon”
One of the tasks of the NHCP is to undertake and prescribe the manner of restoration, conservation, and protection of the country’s historical movable and immovable objects. In line with this, the Commission included in its 2022 locally funded projects the restoration and redevelopment of the Punta Diamante Fort and Bell tower.
The Diocese of Sorsogon, in coordination with the Local Government of Bulusan and the Provincial Government of Sorsogon requested the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to undertake the restoration and development work in order to preserve and protect this historic site.
The expected output of the project is:
A. Preparation of the as-built plans of the fort complex, ruins and exiting structures within the fort.
B. Detailed Engineering Study with the following essential components:
1. Assessment of the structural integrity of the bell tower through (a) conduct of soil investigation at least two (2) boreholes; (b) structural analysis of a structural engineer with experience in heritage structures; and (c) recommend interventions to strengthen the tower
C. Restoration of the Belfry
1. Mechanical and chemical cleaning,
2. Consolidation, and strengthening of the unreinforced masonry (injection of lime, repointing, replacement of missing stones)
3. Reinforcement and retrofitting of existing concrete structures
4. Decommissioning of old bells
5. Provision of Digital carillon bells (control to be located at church)
6. Electrical works (up lights)
D. Perimeter walls
1. Mechanical and chemical cleaning,
2. Consolidation, and stabilization of masonry (injection of lime, repointing, replacement of missing stones)
3. Provision for perimeter lights
E. Site development
1. Cleaning and clearing of site
2. Embankment and landscaping works (softscape and hardscape)
3. Restoration of religious images (grotto, way of the cross and statues)
4. Provision for bollard lights
Photos:
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| NHCP Photo Collection, 2021 |
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| NHCP Photo Collection, 2021 |
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| NHCP Photo Collection, 2021 |
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| NHCP Photo Collection, 2021 |
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