MATI CITY, Philippines (MindaNews/8 January)—Engineers collaborating with the Diocese of Mati will convene by the end of January to decide whether the 13-million-peso, three-story rectory of San Ignacio de Loyola should be retrofitted or demolished, as recommended by local authorities following a series of earthquakes, the latest of which occurred on January 7. Parish priest Ronie B. Orellianida stated that Bishop Abel C. Apigo awaits the engineering assessment following a January 30 dialogue at the diocese’s Clergy House in Mati City. Engineers inspecting the building have differing recommendations, but the Municipal Engineering Office (MEO) has advised demolition, citing persistent structural damage since the October 10, 2025 earthquakes. MEO officer-in-charge Engr. Prisco Jr. F. Balaba emphasized that retrofitting would resemble reconstruction due to severe damage, with an MEO inspection revealing compression-crushing failures in the main concrete structural members. A private engineer estimated retrofitting costs at 5.6 million pesos, considering materials sourced from Manila or Cebu. Orellianida noted that funds could instead support constructing a larger, modern two-story rectory, as the building’s original foundation was designed for only two floors. Adding a third floor, along with water tanks, likely stressed the foundation, compromising its integrity. While Orellianida favors demolition for safety, parishioners have urged delay, citing the rectory’s role in hosting traditional Misa de Gallo ceremonies. Built through bayanihan starting in October 2020, the rectory represents years of collective labor, donations, and sacrifice, with parishioners contributing 15 million pesos in cash, materials, and volunteered labor. Although unfinished, the building served as a meeting space, choir practice venue, and temporary lodging before earthquakes halted construction. Parishioners like Rose Caumanday of Barangay Guza recall personally aiding in the construction process and express hope for its completion. Fundraising for reconstruction has begun, with the Diocese of the Immaculate Conception of Pasay donating P151,000 for the building’s future, regardless of the Diocese’s final decision. Meanwhile, parish activities continue near the damaged structure, with volunteers maintaining services despite limited space. (Razl EJ Teman and Alyssa Ilaguison / MindaNews)
