04/08/2023
THE STORY BEHIND NAHULUGANG KAMPANA RUINS
Located in barangay Santa Maria, the ruins of Nahulugang Kampana belfry stand about 778 yards away from the current Catholic church of Saints Philip and James the Apostles Parish. This historical site holds great significance as it once served as the belfry for Lagonoy's first stone church, built back in 1768. Unfortunately, its proximity to the Lagonoy river led to its destruction during a flood, turning it into a living memory of the past.
According to an urban legend, the bell of Nahulugang Kampana is said to be made of pure gold, and its resounding clang was so loud that it could be heard up to the town of Tigaon. However, during the American intervention to end Spanish colonization, the bell was lost in the Lagonoy River and remains undiscovered to this day. Many believe that the missing bell still lies as a hidden treasure buried somewhere along the river's shores.
Today, the belfry ruins reside on private land owned by the Ontengco Family, who cultivate crops around the old church. Visitors can explore this captivating relic of the past, provided they obtain permission from someone at the Ontengco residence.
The ruins of Nahulugang Kampana belfry represent one of Lagonoy's concealed attractions, comparable to Albay's Cagsawa Ruins. Despite its age, the bell tower retains its original form, with intricate details still visible on the circular windows. By circling the structure, one can observe remnants of the original facade, as some of the walls and columns remain partially intact.
source: https://dahomlagonoy.weebly.com/dl-blogs/ruins-of-the-belfry-of-nahulugang-kampana?fbclid=IwAR1zHmE2lME-5VMyMvLcJ0q9PkDZM_DsStl-h-7kJZOVEmjY_ALdEPwDl9c