Quake inspections eyed for historic Manila churches

Catholic church officials said at least two historic churches in Manila will be evaluated for structural soundness after a powerful earthquake rocked the Philippines' neighboring country Japan last week. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said on Tuesday the Manila Archdiocese will seek to evaluate the structural integrity of the Manila Cathedral (Intramuros) and Quiapo Church. “We are also getting in touch (with) another expert in architecture because we always want to make sure (everything is safe)," Quiapo Church rector Msgr. Jose Clemente Ignacio said in an article posted Tuesday on the CBCP news site. Ignacio said the parish has its own civil engineer that regularly monitors the church’s structural condition for better maintenance. While a recent inspection showed that the church was structurally sound, they may need sophisticated equipment for a more extensive evaluation. “So far the structure of Quiapo Church is okay (as a result of a recent) physical checkup. But if you want a more extensive way of checking of the church’s structure, we will need sophisticated machines to do that," he said. Ignacio said he wants to give particular concern to the front part of the church which was constructed in the 18th century. He noted other parts of the church including the altar area have been built in late 1933. Presently, Ignacio said they are coordinating with the National Historical Commission, which is tasked to undertake restoration and conservation of structures of historical value. Meanwhile, Mandaluyong City has also started inspecting the buildings in its territory, according to a report by dzBB radio’s Glen Juego. City Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr. ordered city engineers’ office teams to be strict in enforcing city ordinances on structural safety of buildings. – VVP, GMA News