Capitol, TIEZA ink agreement to restore Sibonga church, convent

CEBU, Philippines — A memorandum of agreement (MOA) has been entered into by the Cebu provincial government and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for the restoration of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish Church and its convent in the town of Sibonga, Southern Cebu.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and TIEZA General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid signed the MOA in a ceremony on Friday, Jan. 17, at the Capitol Gallery.

Under the agreement, TIEZA will shoulder the expenses for the restoration works including the civil works, while the Capitol will oversee the implementation.

TIEZA has allocated P110 million for the restoration of Sibonga church, which is considered as Level II Historical Site of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

The church is among the religious structures that incurred damages during the onslaught of typhoon Odette that hit Cebu in 2021.

Garcia emphasized the church's integral part of Sibonga's culture.

“Heritage is a part of us, and it’s an intrinsic ingredient in our culture, in the same way that our faith is the basic foundation of our culture and heritage. And a people that does not recognize nor value our heritage and our culture are people without a soul,” Garcia said during the ceremony.

For Lapid, the restoration of the religious structure is "delicate" since it's one of the gem of Cebu Island, which is known for its rich history and culture.

“This is a very delicate project. It’s a jewel. Hindi po ito basta kalsada lang na pwede nating gawin. Hindi siya fencing na pwede nating gawin kung ano-ano lang. Every single part of this project is very meticulous, very important because it is a significant project for the heritage and culture of Cebu,” Lapid said.

The MOA signing was witnessed by Sibonga Mayor Mariano Laude; First District Provincial Board Member Raul Bacaltos; Archdiocesan Chancellor Msgr. Renato C. Beltran Jr.; Fr. Brian Brigoli, chairman of the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church; and other Capitol officials. — JG (FREEMAN)