LOOK: This is how the Loboc Church in Bohol looks like now
Bohol was rocked by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the morning of October 15, 2013, leaving may historical buildings in ruins including some of its colonial churches. Fortunately, seven years after the catastrophic quake, 21 of the 25 damaged churches in the Diocese of Tagbilaran have already been restored.
How does the Loboc Church look like now, seven years after the quake? / Photo by: Fr. Jun Rebayla, SVD and Estan Cabigas @NatMuseumBohol (FB)
After the 2013 earthquake, the Bohol Heritage Task Force was established to lead the rehabilitation of destroyed historic buildings.
So far, many of the restoration projects under the helm of the National Museum of the Philippines have been completed, including the colonial churches of Dimiao, Alburquerque, Cortes, and Panglao; the watchtowers in Punta Cruz, Loay, Panglao, and Balilihan; and the stairway in Loon and the old Provincial Capitol Building in Tagbilaran.
On the seventh anniversary of the 2013 Bohol earthquake, the National Museum Bohol showcased the great progress in the reconstruction of the churches in Maribojoc, Loon and Loboc.
Part of the Loboc Church, near its facade (2010) / Photo by: Racquel Quieta
History of Loboc Church
The San Pedro Apostol Parish, otherwise known as Loboc Church, is one of the churches in the province that was severely damaged by the quake.
It is home to the world-famous Loboc Children's Choir and is located near one of the most popular tourist sites in Bohol, the Loboc River.
Furthermore, it was classified as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and also as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines.
The Loboc Church was established by the Jesuits in 1602. The original church was made out of wood but got destroyed by a fire in 1638. It was later on rebuilt as a coral stone church in 1734.
The side of Loboc Church, where the extension that houses the museum and convent can be seen / Photo by: Racquel Quieta
There is also a three-storey extension of the Loboc Church, where two floors serve as a convent and the third floor serves as an ecclesiastical museum.
The Loboc Church also has a detached four-storey bell tower and an adoration chapel that was formerly a mortuary chapel.
Loboc Church Bell Tower (2010) / Photo by: Racquel Quieta
The 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 2013 left the Loboc Church with massive damages, especially in its façade and bell tower, which both partially collapsed.
And now, fast-forward to seven years after the quake, the reconstruction of the Loboc Church is coming along very well.
The Loboc Church 7 years after the earthquake / Source: @NatMuseumBohol (FB)
Although the rehabilitation project has yet to be completely finished, big parts of the façade and the bell tower have been rebuilt.
Many of the Boholanos in Loboc are grateful and happy now that the old splendor of the Church is back, including Alma Taldo, the Musical Director of the Loboc's Children's Choir.
In the video produced by the National Museum Bohol, she said some people were at first pessimistic about whether their beloved church can be restored to its former glory, and some have even suggested that they just build a new one.
Reconstruction of the Loboc Church is still ongoing / Source: @NatMuseumBohol (FB)
Nevertheless, Alma never lost hope and faith that the Loboc Church will be restored one day. Its reconstruction has also been a sentimental journey for her, since like many Boholanos, she grew up hearing Mass in Loboc Church, and it's where her grandparents also sang as choir members.
Alma said she's excited about the inauguration and hopes the reconstruction will be completed in the near future.
You can see the beautiful and inspiring transformation of the Bohol colonial churches in National Museum Bohol's video below.
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You might also want to read about the reopening of Bohol and Boracay to local tourists.