Alicia, Isabela is a town in the Philippines is a place with a vibrant history and culture. Numerous items have been uncovered in the settlement over the years, shedding light on the customs and way of life of those who once resided there.
The Our Lady of Atocha Church in Alicia is known for having an old Spanish church (Castilian) architecture. It is considered one of the best churches to visit for a pilgrimage in Isabela during the Holy Week. The church was declared by the Philippine Department of Tourism as one of the national religious tourist attractions in the country.
The structure of the church was originally built by the Spaniards in the 18th century. Passing by Angadanan town on 12 February 1805, Fr. Manuel Mora, OP wrote that “Angadanan has a convent of bricks, though not totally finished. Its church is timber, wood, and bamboo. The number of inhabitants is 791.” The church and convent as seen today in the town of Alicia, beautiful and antique, was built by Fr. Tomas Calderon, OP and inaugurated in 1849, with Fr. Francisco Gainza, OP, then vicar of Carig (now Santiago City). The church was dedicated to the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, more popularly known today as Our Lady of Atocha.
Antique Religious Artifacts- Old bibles, crosses, and sculptures are just a few of the vintage religious objects that may be found in Alicia's churches. These items are evidence of the town's deep Catholic roots.
Antique Household Items- Antique household objects, including vintage kettles, dishes, and irons, have also been discovered in Alicia. These artifacts offer a peek into the domestic routines and day-to-day activities of the town's early settlers.
It is crucial to conserve artifacts from historical events so we can remember, learn about and commemorate people who were involved. Artifacts can provide valuable insights into the past, giving us a tangible connection to historical events and the people who lived through them. They can help us understand how people lived, worked, and interacted with one another, and can provide clues about their beliefs, customs, and cultural practices. Artifacts are typically essential symbols of a specific culture or group. They can represent a shared history, heritage, or identity, and may be seen as sacred or meaningful objects that are imbued with spiritual or emotional significance.