Bohol: Rising from the ruins

CEBU, Philippines - They were considered pillars of hope, dreams, bright futures and meaningful tomorrows. But everything changed when the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit the island reduced them into rubbles. From pillars the structures turned into glaring evidence of the fierce power of nature’s wrath..

However, like everything else in life, the Bohol churches are slowly rising from the ruins, proving that the Boholanos’ faith in God is indeed greater than any powerful natural act.

My trip to Bohol last week was a chance to visit the different churches. I would have wanted to visit every single church on the island, but time constraints allowed for only two stops: at the Immaculada Concepcion de la Virgen Maria, in Baclayon, and  at the San Pedro Church, in Loboc.

The Jesuit-built Baclayon church is said to be one of the oldest churches in the country. It was built of coral stones, with egg whites to cement them together (just imagine how many eggs were used!). In the nineteenth century, the Augustinian Recollects added the modern façade. A museum containing centuries-old religious and historical artifacts was, in recent times, annexed to the church.

It was, for a long time, considered one of the best-preserved Jesuit churches in the region until the earthquake hit it. Its bell tower was destroyed. As soon as the chaos from the event had subsided, reconstruction was begun.

The adjacent highway has now been cleared of the church debris that once blocked it. The road is once again open to both vehicles and pedestrians. Tourists still come to see the old church, which, despite its damage, remains beautiful and all the more historical.

The San Pedro Church in Loboc was built in the 19th century still by the Jesuits. Like in the Baclayon Church, the Augustinian Recollects later added the porticos and a funeral chapel to the church. Paintings on the church ceilings were also added by the twentieth century, making it a big attraction to tourists today.

Loboc Church is widely known as Bohol’s second oldest church. Unfortunately, the earthquake damaged its façade, which collapsed entirely. The bell tower has been cut in half.

Now five months since the earthquake hit, centuries-old Bohol churches are being renovated, bringing back its old glory and symbolism. Although it may never be as glorious as before, what is important is that the beautiful heritage of the island lives on. Boholanos are working hand in hand to make this happen. After all, their faith is much stronger than the earthquake.