Visited Argao recently and with some connections at the tourism office I was able to secure permission to climb the belfry. The wooden stairs to the top are sturdy and in good condition compared to the ones that I’ve previously climbed in Oslob and Dalaguete.

There are a total of nine bells — the biggest named after St. Michael the Archangel is at the second level while the rest are on the third level. With paper and pen in hand, the oldest bell that I’ve noted was dated 1831 and dedicated to San Roque although I still have to double check on this because an exhibit at the museum across the church says that it is 1881. The second oldest in my list is 1859 which probably is the oldest if I made a mistake on the San Roque bell.

Below are some of the photos that I shot.

Below: Entrance and steps to the top.

Below: St. Michael the Archangel, dated 1893. This is the biggest bell named after the patron saint of the town.

Below: St. Augustine, dated 1859. This is the only bell among the nine that has a low relief of St. Augustine.

Below: San Roque, dated 1831.

Below: Corazon de Jesus, dated 1893.

Below: Nuestra Señora de Consolacion, dated 1882.