Kรคrcher Philippines, the local arm of the world-renowned German cleaning technology company, has partnered with the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) to undertake a conservation-safe cleaning of the GOMBURZA National Monument, reaffirming its commitment to cultural preservation and heritage care.
The initiative coincides with the nationwide celebration of Museum and Galleries Month and forms part of Kรคrcherโs global goal to complete 90 heritage cleaning projects worldwide as it celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2025. The project also marks Kรคrcher Philippinesโ 10th year in the country.
Kรคrcher turned over state-of-the-art cleaning equipment to the National Museum to support long-term preservation efforts. Present during the ceremonial handover were Valerio Perucci, Regional President for ASEAN, South Korea, Taiwan, and Bangladesh, Kรคrcher; Atty. Ma. Rosenne M. Flores-Avila, Deputy Director-General for Administration, NMP; and Darwin Banez, General Manager of Kรคrcher Philippines.
โThis initiative reflects Kรคrcherโs belief that technology should serve memory and meaning. By cleaning the GOMBURZA Monument using conservation-safe methods, we help restore its details while preserving its integrity for future generations,โ said Banez.
NMP Director General Jeremy R. Barns lauded the collaboration, saying it demonstrates a โstrong commitment to preserving historical treasures while supporting ongoing conservation and public education efforts.โ
The bronze statue of GOMBURZA, created by sculptor Solomon Saprid, was meticulously cleaned using Kรคrcherโs high-pressure steam technology, removing pollutants and restoring the monumentโs natural patina without causing abrasion. The surrounding brick and granite plaza also underwent a deep-cleaning process, rejuvenating the siteโs appearance while maintaining its historical integrity.
The GOMBURZA National Monument honors the martyred priests Mariano Gรณmez, Josรฉ Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, who were executed in 1872 for their advocacy of Filipino clergy rights under Spanish rule. The piece, inaugurated in 1972 and relocated to its present site, was officially declared a National Monument in 2021 by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
This latest effort marks Kรคrcher Philippinesโ 10th heritage conservation project, following similar cleanups at Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, Bonifacio Shrine, and the Rizal Monumentโa testament to its ongoing mission of merging innovation with preservation.
For more information on Kรคrcherโs conservation initiatives and professional cleaning solutions, visit www.kaercher.com/ph or follow @karcher.inc on Facebook.
