3 national jewels damaged

THE facade of Boljoon church, the only church in Cebu declared a “national cultural treasure”  by the National Museum, is leaning toward the road, one of the signs of damage from the Oct. 15 earthquake.

A continuous crack runs from the top of one column to the bottom.

Existing cracks in the Agustinian stone church built in the 1800s  also  widened after the recent earthquake.

In Dalaguete,  the church has been locked to avoid risking the safety of church goers.

A large dent appears in the parish church facade and the cross atop it was dislodged. Large cracks appear in the interior and rear of the buildings.

The belfry’s left side has long, deep cracks. Some balusters have fallen off. The bell was displaced by the earthquake.  The ceiling of the sacristy and ground floor of the belfry collapsed damaging the building.

In Sibonga, all main entrance doors of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar parish church had to be locked because it was considered dangerous for passage. Arches appeared tilted, signs that they have weakened and may buckle. The sacristy collapsed. Long cracks marred the walls, ceiling and columns inside the church.

Sibonga and Dalaguete churches are recognized as a  national historical landmarks by the National Commission of Culture and Arts (NCCA).

Preliminary findings of architecture students of the University of San Carlos will be consolidated and given to the Archdiocese of Cebu in the hope that expertise and resources can be mobilized, said Architect Melva Java.

A copy of the assessment will also be given to the National Commission of Culture and Arts to source technical assistance and possible funds for restoration.

Java said the assessment and documentation of USC’s Conservation Heritage Research Institute and Workshop (Cherish) will be used for the restoration and preservation of these churches. Correspondent Joy Cherry Quito