Sibonga church set for rehab

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has created a Technical Working Group (TWG) for the rehabilitation, restoration, and conservation of the centuries-old structures in Sibonga town, Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish Church and its convent, one of southern Cebu’s heritage landmarks.

The governor signed Executive Order No. 14, Series of 2026, on February 20, formalizing the creation of the TWG, an order that underscores the provincial government’s commitment to safeguard the church as a significant cultural and religious site, in accordance with national heritage laws and local cultural policies.

The TWG is tasked to conduct technical assessments of the church and convent and recommend conservation interventions that comply with heritage preservation standards.

It will also prepare a comprehensive Rehabilitation and Conservation Plan detailing technical specifications, cost estimates, funding sources, and project timelines.

In addition, the group will coordinate with national government agencies and submit regular progress reports to the Office of the Governor.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces will head the TWG, which brings together representatives from provincial offices, national cultural agencies, the local government, and church authorities.

Members include heritage and museum consultant 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.

Also part of the group are officials from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), along with technical experts, including an architect from the University of San Carlos.

The creation of the TWG followed a meeting between Baricuatro and TIEZA General Manager Mark Lapid, who confirmed that the agency has secured clearance to proceed with the long-delayed restoration.

Under the updated arrangement, TIEZA will serve as the lead implementing agency to ensure compliance with heritage conservation requirements, while continuing coordination with the Cebu Provincial Government and the municipal government of Sibonga.

The project had earlier encountered delays after it was flagged by the Commission on Audit, which issued an Audit Observation Memorandum and a Notice of Disallowance.

As a result, P99 million was returned to the national government in May 2025, effectively halting the restoration works at the time.

Originally, a P110-million restoration agreement was signed in January last year between TIEZA and the previous provincial administration, with the Capitol designated as project implementer and TIEZA as the funding source.

Lapid said the funds have since been restored and realigned, allowing the project to move forward with TIEZA directly handling implementation.

He explained that the delay stemmed from compliance requirements tied to the church’s heritage classification, which required extensive consultations and technical review.

The church has been declared a Level II historical site by the NHCP, a designation that mandates strict adherence to preservation guidelines and conservation standards.

Built heritage experts noted that the restoration involves specialized work beyond ordinary repair, particularly for the structure’s historic fabric and artistic elements.

The church sustained heavy damage during super typhoon Odette in December 2021, affecting its roofing system, electrical components, convent, and intricate ceiling paintings.

Restoration works will include repairs to the roof, electrical wiring, pews and kneelers, the convent, and the conservation of the church’s interior murals in accordance with NHCP guidelines.

TIEZA is targeting the completion of the restoration within 2026. (CEBU NEWS)