From P15 million, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) increased to P100 million the budget for the restoration and rehabilitation of one of Cebu’s historical churches, the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church in Sibonga.
This was disclosed in a meeting on Monday, July 1, by officials of TIEZA to Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
To recall, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines submitted a budget of P15 million for the restoration of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church after it was heavily destroyed by Typhoon Odette in 2021.
However, TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid, in an ocular inspection in November 2022, said the budget was “insufficient”. “If we’re going to do something, gawin na ho nating maganda, tapusin na po natin. Para at the end of the day when we open it to the public, wow, ganda, gwapa!” Lapid was quoted as saying during the site visit.
In Monday’s meeting, Gov. Garcia similarly expressed her sentiment to make the restoration as authentic and original to the Church’s design and structure.
“We will make everything look good. It’s just a matter of extreme urgency,” Gov. Garcia said to Jeoffrey Macalalad, OIC of TIEZA’s project evaluation and planning department, as well as Guillan Castillo of TIEZA’s risk and opportunity register.
Capitol consultant on museum affairs Dr. Jojo Berales and architects from the University of San Carlos were also present during the meeting.
Gov. Garcia had been instrumental in pushing for a bigger budget for the restoration causing her to invite COO Lapid to personally conduct the assessment of the historic church in 2022.
The church has been declared a Level II Historical Site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
The restoration work will begin with essential maintenance work, including the removal of biological growths, masonry cleaning, and lime washing for consolidation. These steps are crucial for preserving the church’s structure and preventing further deterioration.
The interior rehabilitation will focus on several key areas: neglected parts of the belfry will be cleaned and reused to allow for regular maintenance; old wooden furniture will be repaired and reused; and a new ceiling will be installed in the sacristy.
Additionally, ventanillas will be provided for the windows facing the courtyard; abandoned rooms will be rehabilitated; and ceiling boards on the second floor will be replaced with fiber cement board to enhance durability.
For the exterior, significant efforts will be made to ensure the church is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. Metal sheets will be replaced with Onduline bitumen corrugated sheets, and similarly colored G.I. gutters will be installed to maintain the church’s historic appearance.
Loose downpipes will be repaired, and missing or rusted pieces will be replaced to ensure proper drainage. All downspouts will be directed to the storm sewer to prevent water damage to the walls.
Additionally, the top surface of the mamposteria wall will be sloped away from the corner, and a canal will be created to prevent rainwater from being absorbed by the stones, which can cause significant damage over time.
The restoration efforts will also address specific features of the church. The fallen pediment cross will be restored, and the faded church name on the frieze will be repainted to its former glory. Deteriorated wooden grills will be replaced and repainted for protection, and breeze blocks at the front facade will be restored upon approval from stakeholders. Moreover, the ceiling paintings at the narthex, an important aspect of the church’s interior beauty, will be carefully restored.
Given its status as a National Historical Site, any renovation or restoration work must be approved by the NHCP, ensuring that the project respects the church’s and convent’s historical value.
The restoration of Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church is not just about preserving a building; it's about maintaining a vital piece of history for future generations.
Built in 1866, the contruction continued despite the Philippine Revolution until its completion in 1907.
TIEZA is a government-owned and -controlled corporation (GOCC) attached to the Department of Tourism (DOT). It is the infrastructure arm of the DOT and is responsible for implementing policies and programs pertaining to the development, promotion, and supervision of tourism projects in the country. | with reports from Jude Torres
