TWG formed for Sibonga church restoration works

Local

A CENTURIES-OLD church in southern Cebu, scarred by typhoon winds and stalled by funding setbacks, is moving closer to restoration after Governor Pamela Baricuatro ordered the creation of a technical body to take charge of the project.

Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 14, Series of 2026 on Feb. 20, creating a Technical Working Group (TWG) for the rehabilitation, restoration, and conservation of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish Church and Convent in Sibonga.

The order recognizes the church as “a significant cultural, religious, and historical heritage structure deserving of preservation, conservation, and rehabilitation in accordance with national heritage laws and local cultural policies.”

The executive order cites Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, which mandates the protection and preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage and encourages local government units to actively safeguard heritage properties within their jurisdiction.

It also references Republic Act No. 11961, or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, which recognizes cultural heritage assets as vital components of the creative economy and promotes initiatives that enhance cultural preservation, tourism, and sustainable cultural development.

The order further invokes the Local Government Code of 1991, which empowers local government units to promote culture, tourism, and heritage conservation.

Under Section 1 of the order, “There is hereby created a Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Rehabilitation, Restoration, and Conservation of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish Church and Convent in Sibonga, Cebu.”

The TWG is composed of representatives from the Provincial Government of Cebu, national cultural agencies, the Archdiocese of Cebu, and academic and technical institutions. Members include Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces; Dr. Jose Eleazar R. Bersales; Engr. Hector Jamora of the Provincial Engineer’s Office; Rowena Lu Y. Montecillo of the Provincial Tourism Office; Provincial Board Member and Culture and Arts Committee Chair Paz Rozgoni; Sibonga Mayor Caroline Bacaltos; and Rev. Fr. Joey Belciña of the Parish Pastoral Council of Sibonga.

National government representatives include National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairman Regalado Trota Jose Jr., National Commission for Culture and the Arts Chairman Dr. Eric Zerrudo, and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority General Manager Mark Lapid.

Architect Vangie Cheryl Ulila of USC CHERISH, University of San Carlos, represents the academic and technical sector. Members may designate authorized representatives in writing.

The TWG will conduct technical assessments and documentation of the church and convent’s current structural and conservation condition.

It will identify necessary rehabilitation, restoration, conservation, and preservation interventions consistent with heritage conservation standards and coordinate with national cultural agencies to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

The group will prepare and recommend a comprehensive Rehabilitation and Conservation Plan detailing technical specifications, cost estimates, funding sources, and implementation timelines.

It will also recommend funding strategies, including possible national government assistance, grants, and tourism infrastructure support.

This is to ensure that all interventions preserve the historical integrity and architectural authenticity of the structure, and submit periodic reports and recommendations to the Office of the Governor.

The Provincial Tourism Office, in coordination with the Office of the Governor, will serve as Secretariat and provide administrative and logistical support.

The TWG will convene upon call of the Governor or the designated chairperson, with the initial meeting set at the Cebu Provincial Capitol as scheduled by the Office of the Governor.

The order takes effect immediately upon issuance.

The creation of the TWG followed a meeting between Baricuatro and Lapid, who confirmed that TIEZA secured clearance to proceed with the restoration after delays due to compliance and oversight requirements.

Declared a Level II historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the church sustained severe damage from Typhoon Odette in December 2021, affecting its roof, intricate ceiling paintings, and convent.

In January last year, the previous administration entered into a P110-million restoration agreement with TIEZA, designating the Capitol as project implementer and TIEZA as funding source.

The Commission on Audit later issued an Audit Observation Memorandum and a Notice of Disallowance, prompting the return of P99 million to the national government in May 2025.

Lapid said the funds have since been restored, with TIEZA now assuming project implementation in compliance with NHCP requirements while continuing coordination with the Capitol and the municipal government.

Planned works include repairs to the roof, ceiling paintings, electrical system, pews and kneelers, and the convent, in accordance with NHCP conservation guidelines.(MyTVCebu)