Cebu: The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Central Visayas has reported significant damage to several heritage structures and tourist sites following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province of Cebu on September 30. At least five historically and culturally significant churches in northern Cebu have suffered structural and cosmetic damage, according to a rapid assessment conducted by the Archdiocese of Cebu in coordination with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
According to Philippines News Agency, the affected churches include the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sta. Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church in Bantayan, San Isidro Labrador Church in Tabogon, San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in San Remigio, and the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer in Bogo City. These churches, many built from coral stone and over a century old, have sustained cracks and partial collapses of fa§ades and bell towers.
Additional churches impacted by the quake include the Capelinha de Fatima Replica in San Remigio, San Ignacio de Loyola Church and Saint Ignatius de Loyola Parish in Medellin, Holy Family of Nazareth Parish in Bogo City, St. Labrador Church, and St. Martin de Porres Church in Tabogon.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Cabinet members, and a team from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) inspected the Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer in Bogo City, identified as the earthquake's 'ground zero'. Frasco stated that TIEZA teams have been deployed for inspections in coordination with the NCCA to assess damage and rehabilitation requirements.
Frasco highlighted the importance of restoring these churches, emphasizing Cebu's identity as the cradle of Christianity in Asia. The restoration is crucial for preserving Cebuanos' cultural and religious heritage.
The DOT-Central Visayas regional office also reported that five tourist sites in Cebu City are currently closed for structural integrity assessments. These sites include The Kabilin Center, Museo Sugbo, National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu, Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, and Casa Gorordo Museum.
Meanwhile, approximately 1,206 displaced tourism workers in Cebu have been identified as priority beneficiaries for immediate relief and alternative livelihood assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Cebu, a leading tourist destination, welcomed over 5 million visitors in 2024. The swift recovery of its heritage sites is essential for both cultural preservation and economic revitalization.
