Cebu City, Philippines – March 3, 2016, President Benigno S. Aquino III led the official turnover of two of Cebu’s most treasured historical landmarks—the bell tower of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and the Magellan’s Cross Kiosk—to the Augustinian friars and the faithful, following their restoration after the devastating 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck in 2013.

The event, held in front of the centuries-old Basilica, marked a significant milestone in the preservation of Philippine cultural and religious heritage. President Aquino, together with National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairperson Ma. Serena I. Diokno and Fr. Harold Rentoria, OSA, Chair of the National Committee on Archives under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), formally handed over the restored structures to the Augustinian friars—Fr. Jonas Mejares, OSA, Rector of the Basilica; Fr. Eusebio Berdon, OSA, Prior Provincial; and Archbishop Jose S. Palma of Cebu.

Restoring a Nation’s Heritage

The Philippine government allocated ₱14 million for the reconstruction of the bell tower and ₱3 million for the rehabilitation of the Magellan’s Cross Kiosk—two structures that stand as enduring symbols of Christianity’s arrival and growth in the Philippines. The Augustinian friars, custodians of these heritage sites since the Spanish colonial era, expressed deep gratitude for the national government’s financial support and commitment to cultural restoration.

According to restoration details, the bell tower’s foundation was reinforced with concrete, while original coral stones were used to clad the exterior—faithfully preserving its historic character after extensive structural damage from the 2013 earthquake. The project took nearly two years due to meticulous engineering and architectural studies conducted by the NHCP.

President Aquino’s Commitment to Heritage Conservation

In his message during the ceremony, President Aquino emphasized the government’s responsibility in protecting the country’s historical treasures:

“These two structures are the most popular sites in Cebu. They are treasures that reflect the rich history of your place. The government has the responsibility to take care of these heritage zones.”

His presence and message reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the preservation of the nation’s cultural and religious landmarks, especially those that resonate deeply with the Filipino identity and faith.

A Symbol of Faith and Gratitude

The restored Basilica bell tower, where the image of the Santo Niño de Cebu is enshrined, and the Magellan’s Cross Kiosk, which commemorates the arrival of Christianity in the archipelago, are not only architectural treasures but also living symbols of Filipino faith and heritage. The Augustinian community, along with thousands of devotees, expressed profound joy and appreciation to President Aquino and the NHCP for restoring these historic sites with care, excellence, and national pride.