MANAOAG, Pangasinan — What was supposed to be a moment of thanksgiving and prayer turned into an afternoon scare on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, when a large acacia tree suddenly collapsed inside the compound of the Our Lady of Manaoag Minor Basilica, damaging several vehicles lined up for blessing.
Vehicle owners were caught off guard as the massive tree, located near Gate 5 of the church grounds, fell onto the designated vehicle-blessing area at around 5:00 p.m. A commuter van and a brand-new SUV sustained heavy damage, while two other SUVs suffered minor dents and scratches.
According to the police report, the vehicles were already parked and waiting for the scheduled blessing when the acacia tree unexpectedly gave way and crashed onto them.
Emergency response teams from the Manaoag Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office immediately rushed to the scene and conducted clearing operations to secure the area and prevent further hazards.
Manaoag Mayor Jeremy Ming Rosario also promptly went to the basilica upon learning of the incident, and personally checked on the situation and coordinated response efforts to authoroties.
Despite the damage to property, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported, a development many described as a blessing in itself.
The Manaoag Church is widely known as the “blessing capital” of Northern Luzon, drawing countless devotees and motorists who believe that having their vehicles blessed offers protection from accidents and misfortune. Wednesday’s incident, while alarming, ended without loss of life—an outcome parishioners say remains a testament to faith amid the unexpected.
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