Quake-hit tourist sites still unrepaired

CEBU, Philippines - Damaged parts of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, Magellan's Cross, and Fort San Pedro remain unfixed almost a year since the magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit Central Visayas in October 15. 

Tetta Baad, chairperson of the Cebu City Tourism Commission, said the city government cannot initiate the repair because under the law, the sites are under the care of the National Historical Commission.

Section 5 of Republic Act 10086 or the Strengthening People's Nationalism Through Philippine History Act states that the "NHCP is the primary government agency responsible for history and has the authority to determine all factual matters relating to official Philippine history."

In line with this mandate, the NHCP shall undertake and prescribe the manner of restoration, conservation and protection of the country's historical movable and immovable projects.

It is also NHCP's responsibility to manage, maintain and administer national shrines, monuments, historical sites, edifices and landmarks of significant historic-cultural value.

Baad said the city government has already coordinated with NHCP as regards the repair works but there is no response from the commission until now.

Baad admits the delay is making them frustrated considering that the city is supposed to be preparing for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting next year.

Another concern that needs to be looked into, she said, is the vulnerability of the damaged sites in the event of another earthquake, especially that these historical sites are always frequented by tourists. 

"When they see the damage, they raise questions why there is no visible restoration work going on... maayo ra ba og nihunong ang turista og nganhi niya kada adlaw naa baya gyuy turista  so they will bring home with them the photographs (of the unrepaired historical sites)," Baad said.

She said Fr. Jonas Mejares, rector of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, reportedly admitted to her that he also feels the pressure as far as restoring the damaged belfry is concerned but he also cannot take the initiative of repairing.

Baad assured that the city will continue to call the attention of NHCP, considering that major events are slated to be held in Cebu in the coming years, including the APEC meeting next year and the International Eucharistic Congress in 2016. —(FREEMAN)