𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐏𝐀𝐌 𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐖𝐆 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓-𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐈𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐀’𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐂𝐇
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 14, Series of 2026, creating a Technical Working Group (TWG) to oversee the rehabilitation, restoration, and conservation of the historic Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish Church and Convent in Sibonga, southern Cebu.
Signed on February 20, the order affirms the provincial government’s commitment to protect one of Cebu’s most significant cultural and religious landmarks in line with national heritage laws and local cultural policies.
The TWG brings together representatives from provincial offices, national cultural agencies, the Archdiocese of Cebu, and other stakeholders for a more wholistic approach to implementing the restoration works.
Members include Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces; Capitol Consultant on heritage and museum Dr. Jose Eleazar Bersales; Provincial Board Member and Culture and Arts Committee Chair Paz Rozgoni; Sibonga Mayor Caroline Bacaltos; and parish priest Fr. Joey Belciña.
Other members also include National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairman Regalado Trota Jose Jr.; National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Dr. Eric Zerrudo; Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) General Manager Mark Lapid; and Architect Vangie Cheryl Ulila of the University of San Carlos.
The TWG is tasked to conduct technical assessments of the church and convent, recommend conservation interventions consistent with heritage standards, coordinate with national agencies, and prepare a comprehensive Rehabilitation and Conservation Plan. The plan will detail technical specifications, cost estimates, funding sources, and timelines.
The group will also propose funding strategies, ensure that restoration works preserve the structure’s historical and architectural integrity, and submit regular reports to the Office of the Governor.
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND FUNDING
The creation of the TWG followed a meeting between Governor Baricuatro and TIEZA General Manager Lapid, who confirmed that the agency has secured clearance to proceed with the restoration works after delays due to compliance and oversight requirements.
Declared a Level II historical site by the NHCP, 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, with the Capitol designated as project implementer and TIEZA as funding source. However, the Commission on Audit later flagged the project, issuing an Audit Observation Memorandum and a Notice of Disallowance that led to 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.
Restoration works will include repairs to the roof, ceiling paintings, electrical system, pews and kneelers, and the convent, all in accordance with NHCP conservation guidelines.
Provincial officials said the initiative reinforces Cebu’s broader push to preserve its built heritage while strengthening faith tourism and sustainable cultural development in southern Cebu. |𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶
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