The National Museum of the Philippines announced the latest inclusions in its 2015 list of National Cultural Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Among them are 4 (four) Iloilo landmarks and tourist attractions - Campo Santo in San Joaquin, Iloilo, Camiña Balay nga Bato (Avanceña House) in Arevalo, Lizares-Gamboa Mansion (Angelicum School of Iloilo) in Jaro and the Sornito House (Cake House) in Santa Barbara, Iloilo.
A National Cultural Treasure (NCT) is the highest designation that pertains to "a unique cultural property found locally, possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value which is highly significant and important to the country and nation". An Important Cultural Property (ICP), meanwhile, is a cultural property that possesses " exceptional cultural, artistic, and /or historical; significance.
Earlier this year, the National Museum unveiled the marker for the Santa Barbara Church and Convent which was declared as a National Cultural Treasure in 2013. The Miag-ao Church (as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Baroque Churches of the Philippines") and San Joaquin Church are also National Cultural Treasures.
For the complete listing of the newly declared National Cultural Treasures and Important Cultural Properties as well those pending for 2016, check out the National Museum Facebook Page.