Significant Progress in Restoring Historic Cebu Church After Devastating Earthquake
More than four months after a powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu, restoration efforts at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan have reached a critical milestone. According to a statement from church leadership on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, workers have successfully cleared approximately half of the debris from the site and recovered numerous centuries-old embellishments that were buried beneath the rubble.
Ongoing Search for Missing Architectural Elements
The concrete image of San Isidro Labrador, which was installed in the 1970s, remains the only major architectural element still unaccounted for. Restoration teams are now intensively focused on locating the remaining pieces of an 1886 cartouche and other decorative components that formed part of the original facade. This meticulous process involves documenting and retrieving 30 architectural components that reflect the shrine's 19th-century design, ensuring historical accuracy and preservation.
Key Recoveries and Structural Damage
Among the significant recoveries are the copper cross and floral bouquet that once crowned the tip of the facade, recently uncovered by workers. The coral-stone church sustained heavy damage when the earthquake hit on September 30, 2025, collapsing portions of its historic facade and forcing the suspension of liturgical services. The architectural components being retrieved include:
- The cartouche above the Porta Mayor bearing the church's primary inscription
- Eight maroon-painted facade rosettes finished with a rare tie-dye technique
- Twelve curled-leaf column embellishments on the second level
- Gold rose-leaf bas-reliefs
Site Accessibility and Legal Protections
Calle Santa Rosa has been cleared of church debris and is expected to reopen after Phase 1 of the restoration is completed. As a 19th-century structure, the shrine is protected under Republic Act 10066, also known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. The church has issued a stern advisory to visitors, warning them not to touch or remove fragments from the site as souvenirs. Unauthorized appropriation of cultural property is prohibited under the law and carries significant legal penalties, emphasizing the importance of preserving this national heritage site for future generations.
