T he Catholic Community of the City of Sorsogon and the Province of Sorsogon (and Filipino Christians all over the Philippines & the world and even non-Filipino brethren) must support the people of Balayan, Batangas, as part of their own Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church is also being converted into a commercial building. This is similar to the desecration of the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Sorsogon City, where a statue of Christ the King was replaced by a building leased to Chowking Restaurant.

PRESERVE THE CHURCH GROUNDS

The Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church (SIMBAHAN NG BALAYAN) has already been declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and later on, as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA). Of late, there are ongoing negotiations on putting up a grocery chain right on the spot where the Immaculate Concepcion College/Convent stands. This move, which is both illegal and immoral, will undoubtedly alter and diminish the historical and cultural value of our town's historical center/heritage zone.

We, the concerned citizens of Balayan, are humbly asking for your utmost support to be one with us by signing our online signature campaign. Please click on the link below (or copy it and paste to your browser, in case the hyperlink will not work):

http://www.change.org/petitions/the-archdiocese-of-lipa-parish-priest-of-balayan-lgu-stop-the-over-commercialization-of-balayan-s-church-grounds-and-appurtenances#share