BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez said on Monday, February 12, that the Diocese of Bacolod has temporarily stopped the restoration and repair of the San Sebastian Cathedral here pending the approval of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
MAYOR Alfredo Abelardo ‘Albee’ Benitez (second from left), Councilor Em Ang (third from left), chairperson of the Committee on History Arts and Culture, and City Engineer Loben Raphael Ceballos (third from right) meet Bishop Patricio Buzon (second from right) of the Diocese of Bacolod over the weekend to discuss the repairs and restoration of the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City. (Photo courtesy of Albee Benitez Facebook)
Benitez met Bishop Patricio Buzon over the weekend after the NHCP sent a letter last week expressing concern about the activity.
Buzon told Benitez that they have to iron out some matters before continuing with the restoration of the iconic religious landmark. The Church official asked Benitez to help to expedite the approval of the NHCP.
The Church has discussed this with the NHCP and they have agreed that they will collaborate and follow the requirements of the commission, Buzon added.
Buzon presented to the mayor the interior of the church and what must be repaired, including old electrical wirings, as well as the areas that need to be restored.
Benitez said that the restoration will make the church fire-resistant.
“It’s not as if the church will be desecrated. Their plan was okay,” Benitez said, as he expressed optimism that the NHCP will give the diocese the green light to proceed with the project.
Benitez said that the church design will be the same.