Repair of city's museum ongoing

CEBU, Philippines -  Repair of the Sinulog Hall of the Rizal Memorial Library and Museum is ongoing following the damage it acquired during the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in October.

The budget allocated for its repair though has not been released yet and the present renovation is in fact being done for free by a contractor.

Cinbeth Orellano, executive director of  Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission, said that the budget of  P P442,441.06 submitted in December to the General Services Office was already approved.

"Approved na. Ang kuan kung asa mangita og budget para ana. Mao nga nangita na lang sad mi paagi (to renovate)," she said.

Orellano said the Dakay Construction and Development Corporation is now repairing the hall without pay. Its president and manager, Dr. Pericles Dakay, is one of the CHAC Commissioners.

With this, Orellano explained that they cannot determine the targeted completion of the renovation but said that it is almost done.

"Dili  mi kapugos  nga mapadali kay maikog ko.  Gamay naman lang gyud ang kuwang (for the renovation)," she said.

Since the earthquake hit Cebu and Bohol last year, the Sinulog Hall and the Museum of the Rizal Memorial Library have not been used.

Events that are scheduled at the hall are currently held at the public library.

However, while the museum area on the second floor acquired cracks, Orellano said that it does not need to be repaired unlike the Sinulog hall on the third floor.

She explained that the museum remains unused since they are incorporating new plans in the planned renovation.

 "Wala pa nagamit kay maghimo man og diorama. Kana bitawng naay taw.. (showing) about sa history of  Cebu," she said.

Orellano stressed though that while there are cracks in the building, it has been declared safe and secure.

Catalina Sharon Jakosalem, Admin officer of CHAC said they hope the repair will be finished before May 30 for the "Gabii sa Kabilin."

Meanwhile, CHAC is also preparing for Thursday's 116th Anniversary of the Battle of Tres de Abril with students from the University of the Visayas portraying the story of the Battle.  (FREEMAN)