Yolanda-devastated Tacloban church needs more funds for renovation

More than a year after super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) damaged it, the Sto. Niño Church in Tacloban City needs about P29 million more for repair and renovation.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said the parish has barely a month to generate the needed amount before the traditional Simbang Gabi starts.

“Needless to say, we still need quite a lot of money to complete the project but we have been appealing to our faithful devotees of Sto. Niño for a miracle,” parish priest Msgr. Alex Opiniano said.

Tacloban was among the areas hit hardest by Yolanda, which devastated the Visayas and left at least 6,300 dead.

So far, the CBCP said the church has received at least P30 million from the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation and millions from other patrons.

Adding to the amount are second collections from Sunday Masses and from anticipated Masses on Saturdays.

Still, Opiniano said this is not enough.

“Our prayer for miracle should be accompanied by our desire to do our part in meeting the required finances,” he said even as he voiced confidence the renovation will finish on schedule.

On the other hand, he said the amount does not really matter "but the sincerity and the desires to be part of this undertaking.”

“What is most important and at the end of the day after the completion of the project everyone can say that I am part of this project. This is my church, this is our church,” he said. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News