Diocese of Laoag seeks gov’t help for church repair

September 25, 2018 Provincial

LAOAG CITY – Among the structures destroyed by Typhoon Ompong were heritage churches and seminary schools here.
In view of this, Bishop Renato Mayugba of the Diocese of Laoag has sought the help of the Ilocos Norte government to provide heavy equipment and assistance in clearing church compounds devastated by the typhoon.
According to Mayugba, he is grateful of the people’s cooperation when the provincial government called for a pre-emptive evacuation of those who live in highly vulnerable areas which led to a zero-casualty incident, at least in Ilocos Norte, which is among the hardly-hit provinces in Northern Luzon.
“We are thankful that the damage is not as it would have been had we not done pre-emptive evacuation of residents. It’s good that the people cooperated,” Mayugba said in an interview Tuesday (Sept.18).
As of the moment, assessment of damages to heritage churches with blown off roofings and shattered windows and other facilities are being conducted for its rebuilding and repair.
Though the church has a budget for rehabilitation, the bishop said it may not be enough without the cooperation of all concerned communities and the government.
“Let us not forget to pray and to always trust in Him that He will provide,” the bishop said citing it is always good to see people who help each other in times of disaster.
Ilocos Norte’s heritage churches such as the St. Augustine Church in Paoay, San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Church in San Nicolas, Santa Monica Church in Sarrat, St. Joseph Church in Dingras, and the St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Bacarra are among the invaluable churches that form part of the rich cultural heritage of the Ilocanos in this northern gateway of Luzon. Leilanie Adriano, PNA / ABN