NHCP flags possible soil issues in Cabatuan church

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on Monday, Jan. 12, recommended detailed engineering studies and soil analysis on the façade of the San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Cabatuan, Iloilo, following reports of spalling in November last year.

In a letter to parish priest Rev. Fr. Benjamin Molina, NHCP Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr. said initial findings pointed to possible issues with the soil where the church’s foundation was built.

“Based on our initial findings, the vertical cracks observed on the façade indicate a possible issue with the soil on which the church’s foundations were built,” Jose said in the letter.

“To accurately determine and confirm this condition, the NHCP recommends that the parish secure the following technical documents, to be prepared by duly licensed professionals with expertise in their respective fields: detailed engineering studies and soil investigation and analysis,” he added.

Jose also recommended the installation of barricades around the church premises and the rerouting of traffic to protect the structure from ground vibrations caused by vehicular traffic while the studies are being conducted.

An NHCP team led by architect Reynaldo Lita, the commission’s chief restoration architect and head of the Historic Preservation Division, conducted a rapid assessment of the church on Dec. 17.

The visit followed reports of spalling, or the breaking of construction materials into fragments, after earthquakes in the Visayas also affected Panay Island in November.

Lita also met with Molina and Cabatuan Mayor Elizalde Pueyo during the site visit.

In the same letter, Jose commended the Cabatuan local government for installing safety nets on the church’s façade and for recognizing the structure’s historical and cultural significance.

According to the book “Angels in Stone: Architecture of Augustinian Churches in the Philippines” by Fr. Pedro Galende, OSA, the church was constructed during the term of Fr. Ramon Alquezar, who was appointed prior of Cabatuan in 1833, and was completed under parish priest Fr. Manuel Ruiz in 1866.

The convent was built during the term of Fr. Juan Porras, while minor restoration work was carried out in 1890 under Fr. Manuel Gutierrez.