Tieza asked to fund repair of quake-damaged Cebu churches

Local

THE Cebu Provincial Board has requested the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) to fund the repair and reconstruction of centuries-old churches that were severely damaged by the major earthquake that struck northern Cebu on Sept. 30.

A resolution, sponsored by 7th District Board Member Paz Rozgoni and approved during the board’s regular session on Oct. 20, emphasizes the churches’ cultural and historical significance and their role in tourism.

“The faster these churches or structures are restored, repaired, reconstructed, and developed, the faster the tourism industry of the Province of Cebu can recover,” the resolution states.

Damaged churches include Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church in Bantayan, the Capelinha de Fatima Replica in San Remigio, St. Ignatius de Loyola Parish Church in Kawit, Medellin, San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Church in Malabuyoc, and Our Lady of Odlót Parish Church in Bogo City.

Some were severely damaged, while others were completely destroyed, leaving parish communities facing long and complex restoration efforts.

The centuries-old church in Bantayan town, one of northern Cebu’s oldest heritage churches, was among the worst-hit.

Its pediment and top cross suffered visible cracks and partial collapse, forcing authorities to cordon off the area and declare the church unsafe for entry.

Since the earthquake, holy Masses have been held outdoors, with parishioners bringing their own chairs and umbrellas under temporary arrangements.

It was previously reported that debris from the damaged structure has been taken by some devotees who believe concrete fragments serve as “anting-anting” or charms to bring luck.

Parish team moderator Fr. Edmar Marcellones stressed that taking fragments is strictly prohibited and considered theft under the law.

“Every fragment of stone and material is part of our sacred heritage and must be preserved,” he said, urging parishioners and visitors to respect the historical and spiritual value of the church and leave restoration to experts.

The Parroquia de San Pedro Apóstol recently became the first heritage site in northern Cebu to undergo a Rapid Assessment and Evaluation led by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Other agencies involved also include the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the International Council on Monuments and Sites, the University of San Carlos Conservation and Heritage Research Institute, and the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church.

Marcellones described the evaluation as the first step in a “long, technical and scientific process” toward proper repair and restoration.

Preparations for an Earthquake Repair Project are underway, with a dedicated bank account established to ensure transparency and smooth financial management.

The earthquake left widespread destruction across northern Cebu.

According to the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 203,400 families, or 645,570 individuals, were affected, with 79 deaths and 1,325 injuries confirmed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Infrastructure losses were extensive: 129,170 houses were partially damaged, 4,596 were destroyed, and government buildings, schools, churches, and health centers, particularly in San Remigio, Tabogon, and Borbon, sustained heavy damage.(MyTVCebu)