RETROFITTING. The Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Dumaguete City will undergo massive renovation to prevent further deterioration of this centuries-old structure. The first phase would be the sanctuary/altar as pictured here, targeted for completion by November 2023. (Photo from Dumaguete Cathedral's Facebook page)
DUMAGUETE CITY – The Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria in this capital city, which is the seat of the Diocese of Dumaguete, will soon commence an extensive restoration as its centuries-old structure continues to deteriorate.
Monsignor Julius Perpetuo Heruela, chairperson of the Diocesan Commission on Church Cultural Heritage, told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday that the Cathedral requires both interior and exterior retrofitting for conservation purposes and public safety.
“The project will be funded by the Church but we are hoping to encourage participation from generous donors and get technical assistance from the National Heritage Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) so that the program of work will be according to conservation standards,” Heruela said in mixed English and Filipino.
It will be spearheaded by the Cathedral Parish, headed by its parish priest, Msgr. Robert Bongoyan.
The Cathedral restoration will require some PHP30 million to PHP50 million and will be done in phases, he said.
The first phase would be the altar, which is targeted for completion before Nov. 25, the fiesta of the diocese’s patron saint, St. Catherine of Alexandria.
Another component in the restoration project is the clearing of vegetation growth outside the church structure and belfry, Heruela said.
A stakeholders’ meeting is scheduled on July 14 to inform them of the massive project and to get their sentiments and input.
Meanwhile, the Diocese of Dumaguete will host this year’s National Convention for Church Cultural Heritage from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1.
This will gather some 200 church heritage workers from across the country to this capital city, Heruela said.
The priest stressed the need for heritage conservation of the church, not only for aesthetic purposes but also to help deepen the faith of the people and connect the past and the present. (PNA)
