Binay vows to help rebuild ruined churches in Bohol

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — Vice President Jojo Binay, accompanied by his daughter, Senator Nancy Binay, Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian (Valenzuela City) and officials of Pag-IBIG Fund, visited earthquake-devastated Bohol Thursday and vowed to exert efforts in rebuilding the ruined churches.

The vice-president, who came in a day after President Benigno Aquino III was here, was also briefed by Gov. Edgar Chatto on updates of the aftermath of the magnitude 7.1 quake, and inspected the ruins of the more than 300-year-old church in Dauis town and the more than 400-year-old church in Baclayon.

Senator Binay, for her part, told the media that she will propose for more funds in the 2014 budget, through government agencies concerned, for rehabilitation of these churches, which were declared national treasures.

Tagbilaran Diocese Bishop Leonardo Medroso declared to the visiting top government officials: "We have a strong character to rebuild Bohol."

Medroso admitted the Boholanos are now in "grief and down" but not down in hope and faith in God. "We need external help," as much as he understands the "separation of church and state" that may be hard for the government to pitch support to rebuild the fallen churches.

The vice-president and his party were welcomed by Reps. Aris Aumentado (2nd district, Bohol) and Arthur Yap (3rd dist.), Provincial Board Members Benjie Arcamo and Abeleon Damalerio, former Carmen town Mayor Che delos Reyes, former City Mayor Dan Neri-Lim and Danao Vice-Mayor Tom Gonzaga, who is Binay's brother of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity. 

Reverend Fr. Val Pinlac also welcomed the vice president, who attended the diocesan clergy meeting at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. "The calamity only strengthens our faith to rebuild the churches in Bohol. Still we don't lose hope we still have faith in God," he said.

Baclayon Mayor Alvin Uy accompanied Binay in checking the ruins of the town's famous church, such as its facade, belfry and the interior portion. (FREEMAN)