A group of college students from Bohol learned about the history and culture of their province through an educational tour to two of the most iconic churches that were damaged by the 2013 earthquake.
The tour, organized by the National Museum of the Philippines-Bohol and the Provincial Government of Bohol, was part of the “Pagbalik-Duaw Human sa Usa ka Dekada: Lessons learned from the 2023 Bohol Earthquake” activity, which aimed to raise awareness and appreciation of the built heritage structures in Bohol.
The students, who were studying architecture and engineering at the Bohol Island State University and Holy Name University, visited the Holy Cross Parish in Maribojoc and the Our Lady of Light Parish in Loon on October 26, 2023.
They witnessed how the churches, which date back to the Spanish colonial period, were reconstructed and restored under the National Heritage Reconstruction and Restoration Program in Central Visayas.
The program, which was implemented by the National Museum in partnership with various agencies and stakeholders, involved the use of traditional materials and techniques, as well as modern technology and conservation methods, to preserve the original features and integrity of the heritage sites.
The students also learned about the significance of the ceiling paintings, which depict religious scenes and symbols, and how they were carefully reproduced by local artists and craftsmen.
The tour was a culminating activity for the Museums and Galleries Month, which is celebrated every October to promote the value and importance of museums and galleries in society.
It was also a commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Bohol on October 15, 2013, killing more than 200 people and damaging thousands of buildings, including many historical and cultural landmarks.
The activity was part of the efforts of the National Museum and the Provincial Government to showcase the resilience and recovery of Bohol after the disaster, as well as to inspire the younger generation to appreciate and protect their heritage.