Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine damaged due to persistent quakes amid Taal Volcano activity

Historical church Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine sustained cracks due to persistent earthquakes amid the activity of Taal Volcano, according to a report of Sandra Aguinaldo on GMA News’ 24 Oras Weekend on Sunday.

The local government of Taal and the Philippine National Police inspected the town, which is on lockdown due to the threats of the volcano.

“Ang laki na po talaga ng mga crack, talagang babagsak na po yung mga ceiling niya,” Taal Vice Mayor Jovito Albufera said.

Albufera suggested seeking help from National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) for the repair of the historical church, which was built during the Spanish colonization.

“Siguro, yung NHCP po ‘yung magaling diyan. ‘Yung retrofitting na ginagawa doon sa basilica baka magawa rin natin sa ating Caysasay Shrine,” he said.

They also inspected some antique and historical houses. One of the damaged houses was the home of revolutionary Ananías Diokno, who is the grandfather of human rights advocate Chel Diokno.

“Ang concern ko sa lahat ng naapektuhan nitong sakuna ay hindi lang yung nangyayari ngayon, (pati na rin) ‘yung long term economic impact ng mga ganitong klaseng disaster,” Diokno said.

Diokno is hoping that the charity for the volcano victims will be sustained. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News