Experts start rapid assessment of churches damaged by quake in northern Cebu

INSPECTION The Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol in Bantayan, Cebu, is among northern Cebu churches visited by engineers, architects and preservation experts from the International Council on Monuments and Sites, University of San Carlos Conservation of Heritage Studio and Workshop, and the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church on Oct. 4 to assess the damage caused by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck on Sept. 30. —PHOTO FROM BANTAYAN PARISH

CEBU CITY–Centuries-old churches in northern Cebu, long-standing witnesses to the people’s Catholic faith and devotion, now bear the marks of destruction after the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck on September 30.

At least five of these historic churches were destroyed, leaving communities grieving both their loss and the damage to their cherished heritage.

The Cebu Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church (CACCHC), in collaboration with volunteers from the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers–Cebu Chapter and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos), has begun a rapid and indicative assessment of parish churches significantly affected by the earthquake.

According to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu (RCAC), the next phase will involve detailed Engineering studies (DES) to guide the preparation of restoration or reconstruction plans and the program of works for the damaged churches.

The team of experts includes engineers, architects, and preservation specialists from Icomos and the University of San Carlos Conservation of Heritage Studio and Workshop (USC-Cherish).

Among the first churches visited was the Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol Church on Bantayan Island. In a Facebook post, the parish described the assessment as a vital step in determining the extent of the damage and in identifying proper restoration measures.

“With their expertise, we hope to preserve not only the structural integrity of the church but also the heritage and faith it represents for our community,” the parish said.

Don’t take debris

The parish urged the public to stay away from the church grounds after debris fell in front of the building, emphasizing that the fallen materials are essential for the restoration process.

“We humbly ask everyone not to touch nor take any debris from the site, as these materials will be needed for the upcoming restoration. Every piece is important in bringing our beloved church back to its former glory,” the statement added.

A team from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is also set to arrive to conduct further assessments and ensure the churches receive proper conservation and restoration guidance.

The earthquake left significant damage across northern Cebu. The St. Martin de Porres Parish in Tabogon lost portions of its walls and ceiling; the San Sebastian Martyr Parish in Borbon reported cracks in its bell tower and damage to an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary; while the San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in San Remigio saw several holy images fall and sustained visible interior damage.

In Daanbantayan, parts of the centuries-old Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima collapsed, although the retablo (devotional painting) of the town’s patron saint remarkably remained intact.

Cebu Archbishop Alberto Sy Uy ordered all parishes in northern Cebu to suspend Masses inside quake-damaged churches until engineers confirm the structures are safe for public use.

Despite the widespread destruction, restoration efforts are now underway — a testament to the enduring faith of the Cebuanos that, even amid ruins, hope and devotion continue to stand firm.