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

Yıl 2017, Cilt: 9 Sayı: 1, 1 - 10, 01.02.2017

Alvin Nino R. Baybayon Bless Marian L. Bautista Maria Lourdes F. Mendez Frederico B. Ticong

Öz

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

Anahtar Kelimeler

Heritage, History, Tourism, Earthquake, Qualitative Analysis