Today, the Cuartel de Santo Domingo stands as a living reminder of Santa Rosaโs rich history, showcasing what communities can accomplish when they actively honor their heritage.
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Santa Rosa, Laguna, has recently become a hub of history, heritage, and community pride, as dignitaries, stakeholders, and heritage advocates gathered at the historic Cuartel de Santo Domingo for a milestone celebration. The event underscored the cityโs vibrant cultural legacy and brought together leaders and advocates in a shared commitment to preserve and honor Santa Rosaโs rich past.
The event marked two anniversaries: the 20th year since the Cuartel was declared a National Historical Landmark, and the 25th founding anniversary of Kilusan Cuartel de Santo Domingo, Inc. (KCSD), the nonprofit organization championing its preservation.
Among the guests were Laguna Governor Marisol Castillo Aragones-Sampelo, Representative Roy Gonzales, Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas, Councilor Joey Catindig, Councilor Carmela Rosa Gonzales-Colmenar, Councilor Petronio Factoriza, and Councilor Eusebio Batitis Jr. Also present were former Ambassador to the Vatican Grace Relucio Princesa, Dr. Hereberto Jose Miranda of DepEd Santa Rosa Laguna, as guest speakers. SAF PNP Director PMGen Mark D. Pespes, ย former Representative for 1-Rider Partylist Col. Bonifacio Bosita, Father Gabriel Delfino, the PNP, BJMP, and cultural institutions also graced the occasion.
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The three-day event held from September 24 to 26 opened with a Heritage Conference and several ceremonial launches at the Cuartel Admin Building, including the Santa Rosa Heritage Magazine, the KCSD official website, and an exhibit titled First of First, dedicated to Mayor Arcillas.
โHeritage preservation is more than protecting structures,โ said Gemalin Batino, chairperson of KCSD. โItโs about keeping the stories alive and making sure younger generations understand why places like the Cuartel matter.โ
Day two featured dramatized portrayals at the Cuartel grounds, where cultural performances showcased local history such as sugar milling traditions, heirloom products, and agricultural practices influenced by friars. These performances offered audiences an immersive look into Santa Rosaโs cultural roots.
The celebration concluded with a Gala Night: Baile & Concierto at Paseo Premier Hotel. Attended by officials, civil society leaders, and guests from across Laguna, the program featured cultural numbers, recognitions, and a community dance.
โThis celebration is not only about looking back at our history,โ Batino said. โItโs also about reaffirming our mission to continue protecting Santa Rosaโs heritage.โ
Founded in 2000 and officially registered with the SEC, KCSD has long advocated for the Cuartelโs preservation through education, partnerships, and cultural programming.
The Cuartel itself, built in the late 1800s as Spanish military barracks, is one of the countryโs few surviving examples of colonial military architecture. It later served as a police station, detention facility, and heritage site. It was recognized as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines on July 21, 2005.
Today, the Cuartel stands as a living reminder of Santa Rosaโs rich history, showcasing what communities can accomplish when they actively honor their heritage.
For more information, contact Kilusan Cuartel de Santo Domingo, Inc. atย kilusancuarteldesantodomingo@gmail.com. Follow and like its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cuartelph.
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