A three-story museum dedicated to the Our Lady of Peñafrancia devotion is set to rise inside the compound of the Basilica Minore and National Shrine in Naga City, backed by a P94.25-million allocation from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.
Archbishop of Caceres Rex Andrew Alarcon said the project carries deep cultural significance for the region. “We pray and hope it will serve as a repository of the story and aspects of the devotion and culture of the Bicolanos. It can also showcase the talents and religious cultural heritage of the locality, which are important aspects of our identity and history,” Alarcon said.
The new Museo de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia will house religious artifacts currently kept in the existing museum near the basilica — among them the mantos, aureolas, and crowns associated with the iconic Marian image. The transfer of these items is scheduled to take place once full construction is completed.
TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid disclosed the funding breakdown during a project inspection on Saturday alongside Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and Basilica vice rector Rev. Fr. Jene Lois Sarmiento. Phase 1 of the project carries an allocation of P15.75 million, while Phase 2 has been approved for P78.5 million.
Lapid said the ground floor of the facility is targeted to be ready for use by September.
