Ilocos Norte Church Damaged by 5.6 Magnitude Earthquake
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Ilocos Norte on Monday, leaving behind a trail of damage across the province, including to the historic Santa Monica Church in Sarrat.
According to Marcel Tabije, head of the ilocos Norte Provincial Disaster Risk reduction and Management Office, MDRRMO-Sarrat reported cracks in the wall of the centuries-old church. “Some cracks where also observed at the outer layer of the church wall, and debris fell inside,” Tabije explained.
MDRRMO-Sarrat officer Marvin Ganal recommended that Mass be temporarily moved to the church garden as a safety precaution for parishioners. Ganal also urged visitors and devotees to exercise caution when entering the church.
Fortunately, the church was already scheduled for renovations in January, funded by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). The estimated cost of the damage is P2 million.
The earthquake also resulted in minor damage to a shopping mall in San Nicolas, a government facility in Bangui, and a residential house in Barangay Baduang, pagudpud.
The Ilocos Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office remains on alert status and continues to monitor and assess the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake.
## After the Quake: Assessing the Damage to Ilocos Norte’s Santa Monica Church
**Interviewer:** Mr. Tabije, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell our readers about the impact of the recent earthquake on Santa Monica Church in Sarrat?
**marcel Tabije:** Certainly. The earthquake caused some visible cracks in the walls of this historic church. Some debris even fell inside. While the structural integrity seems intact, out of an abundance of caution, we’ve recommended temporarily moving Mass services to the church garden.
**Interviewer:** I understand the church was already slated for renovations.
**Marcel Tabije:** That’s correct. The National historical Commission of the Philippines had already allocated funds for repairs scheduled to begin in January. This unfortunate event may sadly add to the scope and cost of those repairs, estimated at around P2 million.
**Interviewer:** Beyond the church, what other damage has been reported in Ilocos Norte?
**Marcel Tabije:** We’ve received reports of minor damage to a shopping mall in San Nicolas, a government facility in Bangui, and a residential house in Barangay Baduang, Pagudpud. Thankfully,no serious injuries have been reported.
**Interviewer:** The Ilocos Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office remains on high alert. What’s the next step in assessing and addressing the situation?
**Marcel Tabije:** Our team will continue to monitor the situation closely and assess the full extent of the damage. We’ll work with local authorities and agencies to provide necessary assistance to affected residents and ensure the safety of all those in the province.
**Interviewer:** This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of historic structures to natural disasters. What lessons can we learn from this experience moving forward?
**Marcel Tabije:** It underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and retrofitting of older buildings, particularly those with historical meaning. We also need to continue to educate communities about earthquake preparedness and response.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Tabije. Do you think there’s enough being done to preserve historically significant structures in seismically active areas? We welcome our readers’ thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
## Interview: Historic Ilocos Norte Church Damaged by Earthquake
**(Host)** Joining us today to discuss the recent earthquake that struck Ilocos Norte this Monday, leaving behind a trail of damage, is Marvin Ganal, MDRRMO-Sarrat officer. Welcome to Archyde News, Marvin.
**(Marvin Ganal)** thank you for having me.
**(Host)** The beautiful and historic Santa Monica Church in Sarrat sustained some damage during the 5.6 magnitude quake. Can you tell us what we know so far?
**(Marvin Ganal)** We observed cracks forming on the church wall, both inside and outside. Some debris also fell inside due to the shaking. Fortunately, the church was already scheduled for renovations in January by the National Historical commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
**(Host)** That’s a relief to hear. What protective measures are being taken considering the damage?
**(Marvin Ganal)** As a safety precaution for parishioners, we have recommended that Mass be temporarily moved to the church garden. We also urge visitors and devotees to exercise extreme caution when entering the church until further assessment and repairs can be made.
**(Host)** The estimated cost of the damage is pegged at P2 million [[[1]](https://www.archyde.com/Ilocos-Norte-church-damaged-by-5-6-magnitude-earthquake/)].
**(marvin Ganal)** That’s correct.
**(Host)** The earthquake caused damage in other areas besides the church as well. Can you elaborate on that?
**(Marvin Ganal)** Yes, besides the Santa Monica Church, we’re seeing reports of minor damage to a shopping mall in San Nicolas, a government facility in Bangui, and a residential house in Barangay Baduang, Pagudpud.
**(Host)** We’ll be sure to follow developments on these stories. Thank you for providing us with this update, Marvin.
**(Marvin Ganal)** You’re welcome.
**(Host)** To our viewers, for more facts and updates on the earthquake’s impact in Ilocos Norte, please visit the Archyde website and follow our social media pages.
