Simbaan 17th-18th century Dominican churches in Central Pangasinan

Abstract

Pangasinan refered to as Caboloan during the precolonial times, is one of the first provinces that the Spaniards have conquered in the Philippines. Pangasinan was proclaimed as an Alcadia Mayor in 1580 and alongside its political conquest, members of different religious order came to spread the light of Christianity to the natives. Though the first efforts to evangelize of the Augustinians and the Franciscans yielded little success, the Dominicans managed to establish better catechetical footing in 1588. This was made manifest through the exuberant church building activity which began in the province in this period in time. The most notable among these churches in Pangasinan is the Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Calasiao. It is the only church in the province that is declared as a National Cultural Treasure it stood out in its historical, artistic and cultural significance. These ecclesiastical structures may also have historical, artistic and cultural significance just like the church in Calasiao. This study is a documentation of all the Dominican Churches in Central Pangasinan that were constructed in the 17th to 18th century which appears to be the peak of economic prosperity in the province. This study will show how these churches reflect the economy, culture, history and the art during that era. Likewise, it will show that the churches of San Carlos, Lingayen, Binmaley, Bayambang play an important part in the understanding of Pangasinan’s society in that particular point of time and that these edifices still display their magnificence with few renovations.