Philippine E-Journals

RISING FOR THE DEVASTATION: THE CONSERVATION INTERVENTION OF THE BASILICA MINORE DEL SANTO NIÑO DE CEBU

Karen C. Abinales | Maria Monique L. Agus | Ericka Marie Jane T. Morillo | Michelle L. Ventanilla

 

Abstract:

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, the country's oldest Roman Catholic Church built in 1565, was declared a National Historical Landmark in 1973. On October 15, 2013, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Visayas and destroyed the Basilica’s edifice. This study identified the appropriate conservation intervention for its rehabilitation. The descriptive- evaluative research was used to determine the appropriate intervention level. Key informant interview, field notes/journals, and document review were utilized to identify the current status of the belfry, the calamity’s effect on tourist arrivals, and its  consequences to the livelihood and religious faith of the locals.