In a determined step toward preserving centuries of faith and history, the Archdiocese of Cebu, through the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church, in collaboration with the Management Consultancy Firm Antiquities Crossroad of Science, has officially launched the Debris Retrieval Project for the Hispanic and coral stone churches of Daanbantayan and Bantayan, including the original façade of the church in San Remigio.
These heritage structures sustained severe damage following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30, 2025.
The project is carried out in two major phases.
The first phase centers on the scientific and comprehensive documentation and labeling of every recoverable tablea (coral cut stone), from both the interior and exterior walls, as well as the mamposteria (rubble stones).
Beyond structural elements, the team also carefully records decorated stones, stone reliefs, statues, and cartouches that were found among the debris.
To achieve accuracy, experts use a reference grid system method. Through this process, each usable coral stone is systematically mapped, labeled, and documented to determine its exact original position in the church façade.
This method is crucial to the integrity of the restoration. By identifying the precise placement of each stone, conservators can later return the same materials to their closest possible original location, allowing the rebuilt structure to retain both its historical authenticity and architectural coherence.
The second phase focuses on the systematic retrieval and transfer of these coral stone blocks from the damaged sites to organized storage facilities, preparing them for the next stage of restoration.
: Contributed Photos