The Patrocinio de MarĂa SantĂsima Parish Church in Boljoon, Cebu was completed in 1783 under Spanish friars.
It is one of the oldest surviving stone churches in Cebu, declared a National Historical Landmark (1999) and a National Cultural Treasure (2001).
Its style is a blend of Baroque (ornamental façade, religious artistry) and fortress church design (thick walls, strong foundations to resist Moro raids and earthquakes).
The convent, school, and surrounding plaza show how Boljoon was a religious and cultural hub in southern Cebu.
2. The Generator (20th Century Technology)
In the 1960s, electricity in Cebu was unstable, especially in southern towns like Boljoon.
To cope, the parish acquired a Diesel Generating Set (dated 1965), a combination of:
Kubota Diesel Engine (Japan)
Taiyo Electric A.C. Generator (Japan)
Assembled and distributed by Mitsui & Co. Ltd. (Japan)
Technical specs:
30 kW, 3-phase, 220V, 60 Hz, 900 RPM
Weight: 1,685 kg
Designed for continuous duty (heavy use).
3. Cultural Significance
Though not part of the Spanish-era structure, this generator is a heritage artifact in itself:
It reflects the mid-20th century modernization of the church.
Symbolizes the transition from purely colonial architecture to integration of modern technology in preserving and maintaining religious life.
Likely used to power church lights, sound system, convent facilities, and major parish events when electricity was unavailable.
4. Current Condition
As seen in the photos, the generator is now rusted and weathered, but the nameplates are still intact.
This makes it an important relic, not for its use today, but for its historical testimony: how the parish adapted during Cebu’s electrification era.
It complements the story of Boljoon: from Spanish missionary beginnings to modern parish operations.
Sam Well's Chronicles
Sam Well's Chronicles
🏛 Boljoon Church Heritage and Modernization
1. The Church (18th Century Spanish Architecture)
The Patrocinio de MarĂa SantĂsima Parish Church in Boljoon, Cebu was completed in 1783 under Spanish friars.
It is one of the oldest surviving stone churches in Cebu, declared a National Historical Landmark (1999) and a National Cultural Treasure (2001).
Its style is a blend of Baroque (ornamental façade, religious artistry) and fortress church design (thick walls, strong foundations to resist Moro raids and earthquakes).
The convent, school, and surrounding plaza show how Boljoon was a religious and cultural hub in southern Cebu.
2. The Generator (20th Century Technology)
In the 1960s, electricity in Cebu was unstable, especially in southern towns like Boljoon.
To cope, the parish acquired a Diesel Generating Set (dated 1965), a combination of:
Kubota Diesel Engine (Japan)
Taiyo Electric A.C. Generator (Japan)
Assembled and distributed by Mitsui & Co. Ltd. (Japan)
Technical specs:
30 kW, 3-phase, 220V, 60 Hz, 900 RPM
Weight: 1,685 kg
Designed for continuous duty (heavy use).
3. Cultural Significance
Though not part of the Spanish-era structure, this generator is a heritage artifact in itself:
It reflects the mid-20th century modernization of the church.
Symbolizes the transition from purely colonial architecture to integration of modern technology in preserving and maintaining religious life.
Likely used to power church lights, sound system, convent facilities, and major parish events when electricity was unavailable.
4. Current Condition
As seen in the photos, the generator is now rusted and weathered, but the nameplates are still intact.
This makes it an important relic, not for its use today, but for its historical testimony: how the parish adapted during Cebu’s electrification era.
It complements the story of Boljoon: from Spanish missionary beginnings to modern parish operations.
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