As Prov’l heritage commission convenes, 5 Cebu churches need repair

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Hilario Davide III convened yesterday the Provincial Heritage Commission to discuss repairs for churches in Cebu that were damaged during the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Central Visayas two weeks ago.

According to Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, all members of the Provincial Heritage Commission, including members of the private sector like Architects Melva Java and Yumi Espina pitched in their respective suggestions for the repair of the churches.

Java said that they have identified five churches that need immediate attention including the Boljoon church which has been proclaimed as a national heritage.

The other churches identified were those in the towns of Dalaguete, Dumanjug, Samboan, and Sibonga.

Davide and Magpale have earlier said that the provincial government will help fund for the restoration of the churches that were damaged by the earthquake.

Based on Republic Act 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act, government funds can be used for the restoration of churches which are proclaimed as historical or cultural sites by the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCAA).

For NCAA, an annual allocation for national endowment fund for conservation is provided where funding for restoration of damaged heritage structures will be taken.

Magpale said yesterday that they will use donations coursed through the provincial government for the aid of areas affected by the earthquake.

She added that the NCAA already provided them a certificate of declaration allowing the government body to spend for the restoration of the churches.

But before the restoration, Magpale said they would ask permission from Msgr. Carlito Puno, chairman of the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission for Cultural heritage.  Puno reportedly approved the request verbally but have not formalized the consent for the monetary support from the provincial government.

The Provincial Heritage Commission is continually assessing the damage of the church to determine the time frame for the repair as well as the costs.

Meanwhile, the Province of Bukidnon also sent its donation for Cebu following the earthquake that hit last October 15.

Provincial Administrator Alberto Lagamon and Legal Consultant Archibald Lagamon personally turned over the P1 million check yesterday to Cebu Governor Hila-rio Davide III and Provincial Board Member Peter John Calderon.

They said that they are also giving P2 million to Bohol which is badly devastated by the earthquake.

Davide extended his gratitude to Bukidnon Governor Jose Maria Zubiri for the donation that could help restore and rehabilitate damaged government buildings.

Other local government units that extended financial assistance to Cebu are the City of Davao, and the provinces of Albay and Isabela. — (FREEMAN)