LOSS OF LOBOC’S CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE: IMPACT AND SUPPORT ASSESSMENT

Abstract

On October 15, 2013 a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the Province of Bohol, damaging more than 73,000 structures. Among the damaged structures was church and bell tower located in the Municipality of Loboc, Bohol, both of which are declared cultural heritage sites. The buildings are privately owned properties of the Roman Catholic Church, but as declared Heritage Sites, they are also under the supervision of the National Historical Commission. This study sought to determine the measures undertaken by the tripartite stakeholders and agencies (LGU, Church and National Historical Commission) in the rebuilding and conservation of the damaged historical sites. It also intends to infer the impact of the damage to the municipality and its citizens. Lastly, it aims to formulate recommendations regarding the preservation or possible restoration of the damaged sites. The study revealed that at the forefront at the efforts to conserve the site is the National Historical Commission, with the help of parishioners who headed sectoral groups exerting considerable effort in raising funds. Tourism stagnated in the first few months after the incident, but reverted to normal levels when the ruins were turned into new tourism opportunities. Negative impact to tourism and economy is minimal. The parishioners are eager to restore the old church at any cost, but the NHC has indicated that it will be more practical to rebuild the old church rather than restore it due to safety and cost concerns. The loss of the sites were especially demoralizing and dispiriting to the inhabitants of Loboc. The study also revealed a gap in cooperation from the Local Government Unit with the other con

Keywords

• Heritage, History, Tourism, Earthquake, Qualitative Analysis