The Provincial Government of Cebu has officially established a Technical Working Group (TWG) to oversee the rehabilitation and conservation of the historic Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish Church and Convent in Sibonga City. This decisive move aims to address the severe structural damage inflicted by Typhoon Odette in 2021, which has forced parish services to be held in a covered court for the past three years.
Executive Order and Mandate
Governor Pamela Baricuatro signed Executive Order 14, Series of 2026, on February 20, 2026, formally creating the TWG. The group comprises representatives from various agencies and is tasked with a comprehensive assessment of the church and convent structures. Their responsibilities include coordinating with national cultural agencies, developing a detailed rehabilitation and conservation plan, and estimating costs while identifying potential funding sources.
Funding and Historical Significance
In a significant boost to the restoration efforts, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) has pledged P110 million for the project. This commitment follows a meeting between Governor Baricuatro and Tieza General Manager Mark Lapid on February 10, 2026. The Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish Church is recognized as a Level 2 historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), underscoring its cultural and heritage value.
The establishment of the TWG marks a critical step toward preserving this important landmark, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its historical significance. The ongoing challenges highlight the broader need for disaster-resilient infrastructure in heritage sites across the region.
