THE Cebu Provincial Government is taking a major step to save one of its most cherished historical landmarks. A new team has been formed to lead the restoration of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish Church and Convent in Sibonga, which was badly damaged by Typhoon Odette in 2021.
A team dedicated to heritage
Governor Pamela Baricuatro officially signed Executive Order (EO) 14 on February 20, 2026, creating a Technical Working Group (TWG). This group brings together experts from the Provincial Government, the Archdiocese of Cebu, and national cultural agencies. Their mission is to oversee the repair and preservation of this Level II historical site.
The team will assess the damage, create a detailed conservation plan, and make sure all work follows strict heritage standards. This ensures that while the church is being fixed, its historic beauty and soul remain intact.
Funding the future
The restoration is backed by a P110 million commitment from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza). While the project faced some earlier delays and funding hurdles—including the return of P99 million to the national government in 2025 due to audit requirements—Tieza General Manager Mark Lapid confirmed that the funds have been restored.
Tieza will now lead the implementation of the project, working closely with the Capitol and the municipal government of Sibonga to move the work forward.
Repairing the scars of the storm
When Typhoon Odette hit in December 2021, it left the church with severe damage. The upcoming restoration will be a massive undertaking, focusing on:
* Repairing the roof and the convent.
* Restoring the church’s famous, intricate ceiling paintings.
* Updating the electrical system.
* Fixing the pews and kneelers used by the community.
Why this matters
Preserving the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish Church is about more than just fixing a building; it is about protecting Cebu’s history. By following the legal framework for cultural preservation, the government is ensuring that this landmark will continue to stand as a symbol of faith and heritage for generations to come.
As the Technical Working Group begins its work, the people of Sibonga can look forward to seeing their historic church returned to its former glory. (CDF)