The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has received clearance to move forward with the restoration of the Our Lady of the Pillar Parish in Sibonga, a project delayed by government oversight requirements.
TIEZA General Manager Mark Lapid informed Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro that the restoration project will be posted for bidding as early as next week, with TIEZA now taking the lead in implementation instead of the Cebu Provincial Government.
“Nagtagal lang po kami dahil heritage site siya, hindi siya ordinary construction ng repairs. We also seek the guidance of the NHCP. Dun kami nagtatagal kasi back and forth siya,” Lapid said.
The church, classified as a Level II historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), suffered major damage from Supertyphoon Odette in December 2021, affecting its roof, ceiling paintings, and rectory.
A P110-million restoration agreement was signed in January 2025 under the previous administration, with the provincial government designated as project implementer while TIEZA provided funding.
The project was later flagged by the Commission on Audit, which issued an Audit Observation Memorandum and a Notice of Disallowance, prompting the return of P99 million to the national treasury in May 2025.
Lapid said the funds have since been restored, and TIEZA will now oversee the project in compliance with NHCP requirements while coordinating with the provincial and municipal governments.
Restoration work will include repairing the roof and convent, restoring the ceiling paintings, updating electrical wiring, and installing new pews and kneelers.
Governor Baricuatro expressed appreciation to TIEZA for supporting Cebu and assured Lapid of her full backing for the project.
“We are grateful to TIEZA for ensuring that this heritage site will finally be restored. Cebu fully supports the timely implementation of this project,” she said.
Completion of this restoration will mark the second major national funding package restored to Cebu after being previously withdrawn, following the P700-million housing assistance for Typhoon Odette victims returned to the province in December 2025.
