Heritage, history, and community spirit will take center stage this September as the Cuartel de Santo Domingo and the Kilusan Cuartel de Santo Domingo Inc. (KCSD) commemorate two major milestones with a three-day cultural celebration.
From September 24 to 26, 2025, a series of events will honor both the 20th anniversary of the Cuartel’s declaration as a National Historical Landmark, and the 25th founding anniversary of the KCSD as a nonprofit organization.
“This dual celebration reflects not just the passage of time, but our shared commitment to preserve the rich heritage of Santo Domingo,” said Gemalin Batino, Chairperson of KCSD. “Cultural heritage gives us a sense of community and identity, pride and dignity anchored on a shared past.”
Honoring the Past, Envisioning the Future
The festivities will kick off on Day 1 at the Cuartel’s Admin Building with a Heritage Conference and Launching Ceremonies, featuring keynote messages, performances, and the unveiling of the new Santa Rosa Heritage Magazine. An exhibit titled ‘First of First’—a tribute to Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas—will also be launched alongside KCSD Inc.’s new official website.
“It’s about more than preserving a structure,” Batino noted. “It’s about keeping the stories alive, and making sure that younger generations know why this place matters.”
Day 2: History in Action
On the second day, September 25, the Cuartel grounds will host ‘Acts and Portrayals’ — dramatized vignettes showcasing the Cuartel’s rich legacy. Highlights include:
– The history of Cuartel de Santo Domingo
– Sugar milling and trapiche production in the area
– Agricultural life through heirloom products and friar-led initiatives
These acts aim to educate the public and rekindle appreciation for local traditions and the rural economy that shaped Santa Rosa’s past.
Day 3: A Night of Culture and Community
The final day will conclude with a grand Gala Night: Baile & Concierto at Paseo Premier Hotel. Guests will enjoy dance performances, acknowledgments, and an open floor for community dancing, all while enjoying cocktail snacks.
“This is a celebration not only of where we have been, but where we are going,” Batino said. “We want to highlight our legacy and renew our mission for the future.”
By blending historical commemoration with cultural outreach, the event reminds attendees of the Cuartel’s enduring value. The multi-day program invites local residents and visiting dignitaries alike to reflect on Laguna’s past—and inspire commitment to its future.
KCSD’s dual milestone is a testament to years of advocacy, preservation, and community-building. Through exhibitions, living performances, and celebrations, Cuartel de Santo Domingo is not just remembered—it is renewed.
Please direct inquiries to KCSD Inc. or their email at kilusancuarteldesantodomingo@gmail.com.
A Site of Historic Importance
The Cuartel de Santo Domingo is a 19th-century Spanish military barracks, originally built to house the Guardia Civil. Over time, it served multiple roles—from a colonial outpost to a police academy, and even as a detention facility under the PNP. In 2005, it was officially declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Today, the Cuartel stands as one of the few remaining examples of Spanish colonial military architecture in the country. Its thick adobe walls and strategic location continue to inspire historical awareness and preservation efforts.
KCSD, established in 2000, has since grown into a cornerstone of local heritage advocacy. Through educational programs, cultural exhibits, and ongoing restoration projects, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to promote shared patrimony.
“The responsibility to preserve and conserve our heritage for posterity is ours,” Batino emphasized.
With this triple-day affair, the community of Santa Rosa reaffirms its commitment to honor the past, engage the present, and preserve the legacy for future generations.
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