BACOLOD City – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has ordered a temporary halt to the repair works being carried out on the San Sebastian Cathedral in this city.
The project failed to adhere to the preservation guidelines for historical structures, according to the NHCP.
Monsignor Ronald Quijano, vicar general of the Diocese of Bacolod, clarified that the repairs were made to address structural issues, such as weak roofing and faulty electrical wiring.
Quijano added that they would cooperate with the NHCP and are actually pleased that dialogues are now taking place.
They have invited experts to meet with them and will comply with the NHCP’s directives, Quijano said.
Earlier, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez met with Diocese of Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon to discuss the letter sent by the NHCP over their concerns.
The city mayor himself was concerned about the cathedral’s fire hazards caused by its outdated wiring and has pledged support to address the safety concerns, particularly the structural integrity of the cathedral.
The original structure of the San Sebastian Cathedral was constructed in 1825, while the construction of its present form began in 1876 under Father Mauricio Ferrer, OAR.
The cathedral was made from coral stone taken from Guimaras Island and hardwood from Palawan.
Then Bishop Mariano Cuartero of the Archdiocese of Jaro consecrated the cathedral on the eve of the feast of St. Sebastian on January 19, 1882, and since then, it has become a cultural and religious landmark in Negros Occidental. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
