Rehab efforts for quake-hit churches begin

MANILA, Philippines - The government has started its rebuilding efforts for the centuries-old churches damaged by the powerful earthquake in Bohol, a Palace official said Friday.

In a press briefing, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said a team of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is now assessing the extent of the damage sustained by the churches.

"They're working with (Tourism) Secretary Mon Jimenez on rehabilitation or reconstruction of heritage sites," Valte said.

The Palace has called on experts to help in the reconstruction efforts for the affected churches.

"We did make that call also for restoration experts to come forward and help," Valte said. "But no hard figures yet on what it would entail,"

In a report by the STAR, Trixie Cruz-Angeles of the NCCA said that it would take at least P100 million to rebuild the iconic churches.

“We still have to find out if we’re going to restore or save the ruins,” she said.

Among the religious structures damaged by the earthquake were the Baclayon, Loboc, Cortes, Maribooc, Loon and Dawis churches in Bohol.

Also damaged were the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and Dalaguete Church in Cebu province. - Louis Bacani

Aside from the NCCA, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Museum will be the lead agencies in the restoration efforts.

President Benigno Aquino III, who had visited Bohol and Cebu, said he would seek the help of the private sector for the reconstruction of the heritage churches.

Related stories: Iconic Phl churches crumble | Restore or build new churches? P100 M needed