As part of the preparations for the 100th year of the canonical coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral has installed new electronic bells.

On August 7, 2024, the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral took down six of its old bells from the belfry.

Two of these old bells were identified by bell engineer Eduardo Otacan of Royal Bells Philippines as still having potential.

These bells will be sent to Quezon City for cleaning, restoration, and conversion into electronic bells.

"Kaya pa naman po. Ang importante, maganda po yung tunog. Tinesting namin, ‘yan po ‘yung dalawang maganda ang tunog," Otacan said.

One of the bells to be repaired is particularly significant, as it has been traditionally rung during the Traslacion procession. 

Made in 1937, this is the first time the bell has been brought down for maintenance. 

The condition of the bell was determined by the length of its reverberation—the lingering sound after it is struck.

In addition to the restoration, three new automatic bells have been installed in the cathedral's belfry. These were donated by a devout family of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. 

The bells were crafted in Holland and took six months to complete.

"Ang bells, tigpapangaranan in honor of the saints or of the Lord," Fr. Domingo Florida, Rector of Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, said.

"Kaya ini pong satuyang bells na bago, they are dedicated in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia; ang ikaduwa, Divino Rostro; and ang ikatulo, ang patron saint kang parish, iyo si St. John the Evangelist," Fr. Florida added.

The new bells will be used first on September 20, 2024 to coincide with the reenactment of the Our Lady’s coronation.

The two restored old bells are expected to be reinstalled in the belfry on September 6, while the four remaining old bells will be displayed at the side of the church where a bell garden is planned to be established.