The UST Miguel de Benavides Library, in partnership with the National Museum of the Philippines, showcased the rich architectural and spiritual legacy of the Dominican missions through the historic churches of the Cagayan Valley in an exhibit entitled “Las Iglesias de Tierra Roja: Heritage Churches of the Cagayan Valley Region – A Dominican Legacy.” The exhibit opened on September 16, 2025 at the Miguel de Benavides Library lobby.
Because Cagayan became the host of the Dominican Order’s spiritual administration from the early 17th century until the late 19th century, the region became the ground of a built environment typical of the Spanish colonial towns, distinctive of religious architecture and motifs that were attributed to the Order.
The curatorial team behind the exhibit was composed of National Museum of the Philippines Director General Jeremy R Barns, CESO III; Instituto de Cervantes Director Arwin Manuel Villalon; UST Prefect of Libraries Rev. fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P.; Chief Librarian Maria Cecilia D. Lobo, RL, MLIS; Anne Rosette C. Crelencia; Arch. Arnulfo F. Dado; Ar. Marie Bernadette B. Balaguer; Ar Armando J. Arciaga, III; Sr. Lib. Lourdes Fatima C. Ramos; and Sr. Lib. Ginalyn M. Santiago.
The exhibit also included Guijo’s snaps that showed architectural details of the built heritage in the region, books, and reprinted copies of old maps, among others.
The exhibit will run until March 17, 2026.