Church, Capitol to preserve old Cebu churches

At least 52 churches all over Cebu province will be declared heritage structures.

The Cebu provincial government and the Archdiocese of Cebu signed a memorandum of understanding to protect and preserve these historical churches.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia signed the agreement last week in the presence of Msgr. Carlito Puno on behalf of Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

“I am happy that we are all on the same plane. What is important here is that the Archdiocese of Cebu and Cebu provincial government will work hand in hand for the preservation and possible restoration of these very precious heritage structures which are our churches,” Garcia said during the signing of the MOU.

Garcia said she would later meet with her legal officer and Archbishop Palma to prepare a memorandum of agreement to spell out specific conditions and responsibilities.

Permanent heritage markers will installed in every church.

This will notify the public that any renovation or improvement of the building will need the approval of a committee from the Archdiocese of Cebu and with the help of the province.

“This will allow the province to help the archdiocese in the restoration work,” said the governor by allowing the use of government funds.

She said the agreement would bring in private sector and local government units to help monitor and preserve these churches.

To complement this, Msgr. Puno said a district-by-district seminar will be made in October for appreciation and conservation of cultural heritage for the priests.

“We have to start changing the way of thinking of priests, that it’s not about the funds coming in. It is about preserving something more valuable and more precious,” Garcia said.

The Cebu churches include the Nuestra Señora Patrocinio de Maria Church in Boljoon town and St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Carcar City.