𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐙𝐀 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐈𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐀 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐂𝐇
Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) General Manager Mark Lapid informed Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro that the agency has secured clearance to proceed with the restoration of the Our Lady of the Pillar Parish in Sibonga following delays caused by government oversight requirements.
Lapid said the project will be posted for bidding as early as next week, with TIEZA now serving as the lead implementer instead of the Cebu Provincial Government.
“Nagtagal lang po kami dahil heritage site siya, hindi siya ordinary construction ng repairs. We also seek the guidance of the NHCP. Dun kami nagtatagal kasi back and forth siya,” Lapid said.
Joining the governor in the meeting at the TIEZA office on February 10 were Fr. Jose Joey Belciña, church parish priest, and Sibonga Budget Officer Edna Lorna Otero.
The church, declared a Level II historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), sustained severe damage from Supertyphoon Odette in December 2021, affecting its roof, delicate ceiling paintings, and old rectory.
In January last year, the previous administration signed a P110-million restoration agreement with TIEZA, designating the Capitol as project implementer while TIEZA provided funding.
The project was later flagged by the Commission on Audit, which issued an Audit Observation Memorandum and a Notice of Disallowance, resulting in the return of P99 million to the national coffers in May 2025.
Lapid reported that the funds have since been restored for the project, with TIEZA assuming implementation in compliance with NHCP requirements. He said the agency will still work with the Capitol and the municipal government for a smooth implementation of the project.
“We are happy to inform you that by next week ma-post na (for bidding). Hinintay lang namin ang meeting na ito if may clarification po kayo,” Lapid said.
Restoration works will cover the beautiful ceiling paintings, roof, electrical wiring, installation of new pews and kneelers, as well as repairs to the convent in accordance with NHCP guidelines.
Governor Baricuatro expressed gratitude to TIEZA for its continued support to Cebu, assuring Lapid that he has her full backing as well.
If completed, the project would mark the second major national funding package returned to Cebu after being previously withdrawn. The other was the P700-million housing assistance for Typhoon Odette victims from the National Housing Authority, which was restored to the province in December last year. | CAPITOL PIO
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