Quezon Memorial named National Cultural Treasure

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon Memorial Shrine has been named a National Cultural Treasure, making it the second cultural treasure in Quezon City, the local government announced on Sunday.

Mayor Joy Belmonte thanked the National Museum of the Philippines for the distinction, the highest bestowed by the government on a cultural property.

The distinction makes the Quezon Memorial Shrine the second National Cultural Treasure in the city. The first was Santo Domingo Church in 2012.

“We thank the National Museum of the Philippines headed by director general Jeremy Barns. This distinction is a huge honor and it reflects the colorful history of Quezon City,” Belmonte said.

Republic Act 10066, otherwise known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, defines a national cultural treasure as a “unique cultural property found locally and possesses outstanding historical, artistic or scientific value, which is significant to the nation.”

The shrine, an equilateral triangular structure at the Quezon Memorial Circle, houses a museum and serves as the mausoleum of former president Manuel Luis Quezon and his spouse Aurora.

It was designed by architect Federico Ilustre in 1951.

The shrine, which is considered the most significant landmark in Quezon City, has three 66-meter pylons, representing Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Italian artist Francesco Riccardo Monti’s sculptures, the statues of three angels holding sampaguita wreaths, are placed above the pylon.

The Quezon Memorial museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors must follow health protocols and should bring their vaccination cards, the local government said.