Reconstruction of quake-damaged Bohol heritage churches on hold

Reconstruction of some heritage churches damaged by a magnitude-7.2 quake in Bohol has been put on hold pending funds from the national government, a Bohol-based Catholic bishop said.

Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso told Church-run Radyo Veritas that much has still to be done to rebuild the quake-damaged structures.

Medroso also said they are waiting for the needed budget from the national government, according to an article posted Saturday on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines news site.

So far, he said the Tagbilaran diocese has been able to build 13 “alternative” churches.

These structures can be converted into Catholic schools once the rehabilitation of the old churches is completed.


On Oct. 15 last year, a magnitude-7.2 quake devastated Bohol, damaging many of its heritage churches.

In the meantime, the Tagbilaran Diocese will mark the first anniversary of the quake with artistic presentations and contests.

“We are still (rebuilding) what we have lost during this earthquake on October 15 [2013]. In fact we will commemorate [its] October 16 anniversary to wake up again the consciousness of our people …at the same time, to exercise from the bad effects of earthquake. We’re preparing a program, a drama play, and painting. But we know we have still a long long way, but our people are more positive in their approach [that's what is] most important,” he said.

Medroso also chairs the CBCP Permanent Committee on the Cultural Heritage of the Church. — Joel Locsin /LBG/VC, GMA News