The National Museum of the Philippines has declared the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, popularly known as Baclaran Church, as an important cultural property in the country.

According to the Baclaran Tourism Official, the declaration was announced before the mass for the feast day of Our Mother of Perpetual Help on Tuesday, June 27.

To formally recognize the title, a marker, carved beside the Balcaran Church’s doors, was unveiled.

"Hinggil sa natatangi nitong kahalagahan sa pamanang pangkalinangan ng sambayanang Pilipino, ang SIMBAHANG REDEMPTORIST ay ipinahahayag bilang MAHALAGANG YAMANG PANGKALINANGAN,” the marker reads.

The celebration was reportedly graced by Redemptorist parish priest Rev. Fr. Rogerio Gomes, National Museum of the Philippines representative Mary Jane Bolunia, Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez, Parañaque 1st District Rep. Edwin Olivarez, Parañaque 2nd District Councilor Rico Golez and Parañaque City Tourism Office Head Mel Alipo-on.

The unveiling of the marker also coincided with Balaran Church’s 75th anniversary of the Inaugural Perpetual Novena Service.

The first novena service in Balcaran was held on June 26, 1948.