via Business Mirror, 30 August 2020: The restoration team of the nearly 200-year-old church found themselves stranded during the recent lockdown.
As a result, the HRP and Escuela Taller inked a partnership that would address the needs of the parish in a 5-year work plan that started in September.
“Currently, the works are focused on removing additions made to the structure over time and repairing masonry defects on the west bell tower. The church had a significant change when its roof was elevated using reinforced concrete which was followed by other interventions that now show signs of incompatibility particularly after the earthquake,” added by Cobilla.
It was in such state when the ECQ’s stricter measures suspended all the work being done at the HRP on April 15.
During the lockdown, “the food and other essential needs of the restoration team were provided by the HRP as part of its effort to give assistance to the community. Escuela Taller also sent additional provisions through its supporters. Since their lodgings are located in an empty lot several blocks away from the Church compound, HRP also provided vegetable seeds for them to grow and harvest, and to have an extra activity to be occupied with as well. They also receive regular counseling from members of the parish. Even the conditions of their teeth concerns one of the HRP personnel!” said Cobilla.
Source: In Isolation and In Restoration of the ‘Big Church’ | BusinessMirror
