Navalas Church in Guimaras is considered to be the oldest structure in this island. Built in 1880 Navalas Church also known as San Isidro Labrador Church in Barangay Navalas the municipality of Buenavista has been the oldest seat of the Catholicism in this island and the product of community labor and unity.
Navalas Church, Guimaras built in 1880
Navalas Church is made of coral rocks abundant in the area during the construction of this edifice. Don Miguel Jayme who has contributed much to the construction with Doña Carmen Javellana donated the piece of land where the Church lies.
It is fenced with old stone structures and has a watchtower that serves as the entrance gate. The watchtower was used to guard the Church from the Moro intruders. This structure also is the belfry of the church that once held a big bell made of an alloy of silver and gold. The history tells that Muslims once raided Navalas and took away the bell but threw it at the middle of the sea near the Siete Pecados Islands because it was too heavy. That bell played a major role and served as the warning device for the impending intruders’ attack as it can be heard even up to the town of Dumangas across the Iloilo Strait.
How to Get There:
Iloilo is the gateway to Guimaras. From Parola Port in Iloilo it is a 15-minute boat ride to McArthur’s Wharf in Buenavista, Guimaras. Upon getting there, you can directly go to the Tourist Assistance Center within the wharf compound and they will assist you on how to get to Navalas Church.
Just few minutes away from Navalas Church is another heritage attraction of Guimaras, Roca Encantada.
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