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MANILA, Philippines – The magnitude 7.2 earthquake in the Visayas on Tuesday, October 15, damaged at least 10 churches that serve not only as places of worship, but as tourist attractions and historical treasures. (READ: Heartbreaking: 10 iconic churches in Cebu, Bohol damaged.)
Have you been to these churches before the earthquake?
Rappler contributor Fung Yu has immortalized two of these damaged churches – the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon, Bohol, and the St Catherine’s Church in Carcar, Cebu – in 360-degree images.
In a click, enter these historical gems before the earthquake damaged them. Feel free to explore – rotate, zoom in, and zoom out at your own pace.
Completed in 1727, the Baclayon Church is a National Historical Treasure. More than 200 laborers built this church out of coral stone, the Baclayon tourism office says.
(Virtually enter the Baclayon Church below.)
The Carcar Church, which was completed in 1876, is considered the second oldest church in Cebu. It is “admired for its byzantine archtecture,” according to the University of Hawaii’s Center for Philippine Studies.
(Virtually enter the Carcar Church below.)
The Heritage Conservation Society on Tuesday said the recent destruction shows the need to protect these antique churches.
“We call on the Philippine government to allot funds for the proper reconstruction and restoration of these heritage churches, which are priceless Philippine cultural treasures. We also ask government cultural agencies, particularly the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and National Museum to take the lead in restoration efforts and move as one,” the group said.
@rapplerdotcom @MovePH really old churches in Bohol damaged. In Loon, 2nd oldest church in Bohol in shambles. pic.twitter.com/SvCnrVmyF0
— Jed Cortes (@jedcortes) October 15, 2013
The NCCA board announced on Tuesday that the 3 cultural agencies will lead the assessment and restoration efforts.
Tuesday’s earthquake not only destroyed these historical treasures, but claimed at least 28 lives. (READ: Strong quake rocks Visayas; 28 dead.)
The provincial governments of Cebu and Bohol placed their provinces under a state of calamity after the earthquake. (READ: State of calamity in Cebu, Bohol.) – Paterno Esmaquel II/Rappler.com
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