CEBU CITY — Following the devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Northern Cebu on September 30, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) have completed a rapid assessment and technical inspection of affected heritage sites in the region.
The joint team, led by NHCP Chair Ricky Jose, was joined by NHCP Executive Director Carminda Arevalo, NCCA–National Committee on Museums Head Dr. Jose Eleazar Bersales, Cebu Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church Chair Fr. Brian Brigoli, NHCP Historic Preservation Division Chief Ar. Reynaldo Lita, and technical experts from both agencies, as well as local heritage partners.
From October 4 to 6, the team visited several historic churches and heritage structures across Northern Cebu. Among the sites inspected were the San Fernando El Rey Parish in Liloan and the San Guillermo Parish in Catmon, where they met with Fr. Dennis Baricuatro, parish priest of San Guillermo Parish, to discuss the extent of the damage.
The group also traveled to Daanbantayan and Bantayan Island on October 5 to meet with Fr. Edmar Marcellones, parish priest of the Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Bantayan, and Mr. Jinggo Valiente, Parish Pastoral Council president of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan. Their inspections extended to several heritage structures in Cebu City in coordination with the Cebu Cultural and Historical Affairs Office on October 6.
Preliminary findings showed extensive damage to several centuries-old churches—testaments to the enduring craftsmanship of early Filipino builders. Chair Jose earlier emphasized that these structures represent the legacy of artisans “whose names are often lost to history but whose work continues to shape our national identity.”
In addition to structural assessments, the team documented the condition of movable heritage objects and archival materials impacted by the quake. Findings from the inspections will guide a coordinated response among national cultural agencies for the restoration and rehabilitation of the affected sites.
While comprehensive restoration efforts are being planned, the NHCP and its partner agencies continue to extend technical assistance and support to local stakeholders and parish communities affected by the disaster.
The NHCP serves as the national government agency mandated to promote Philippine history and preserve historical heritage through conservation, research, and public education.
