The church, built in the 18th century, was significantly damaged when Typhoon Haiyan (local name: Yolanda) made landfall in Guiuan and struck other parts of Central Visayas on November 8, 2013. While the church's roof was destroyed and the façade damaged, the church's walls were largely left intact. Restoration of the damaged church was completed in 2019.
Church history
The church in 1945
Guiuan (also spelled as Guiguan) was founded by the Jesuits in 1595. It was handed over to the Augustinians upon instructions from the Spanish colonial government due to the Jesuits Suppression in 1768. It was then transferred to the Franciscans in 1795 but due to lack of priests, Father Miguel Pérez, the first Franciscan priest of Guiuan was only assigned in 1804.[1] The original church of Guiuan was made of wood and destroyed by fire.[2]
The present stone church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception and was built by the early Jesuits in 1718[3] and was renovated by adding a transept and baptistery during the term of Father Manuel Valverde and Pedro Monasterio in 1844.[4][5] A bell tower on top fort was built in 1854. Another convent was built by Father Arsenio Figueroa in 1872. The church was refurbished in 1935 and the sanctuary was renovated in 1987.[5] On November 8, 2013, the church along with other buildings and structures in Guiuan was severely damaged due to Typhoon Haiyan,[6] which made landfall in the town.[7] While the roof was destroyed and the façade was damaged, the church's stone walls remain unscathed, as do the floors and the crypts.
Guiuan Church before (left) and after Typhoon Haiyan
Guiuan Church is nestled inside a fort. It is well known for its extensive shell ornamentation in its interiors.[6] Studies revealed that at least eight types of seashells were used. Before its destruction, it still has two elaborately carved doors out of the original three doors. The main door on the entrance has exquisite carvings of the Twelve Apostles while a side door has carved representations of angels.[5]Former First LadyImelda Marcos was interested in purchasing the church's door for ₱1,000,000 using government funds siphoned by her husband, Ferdinand Marcos.[13][better source needed]
Present condition
The newly restored Guiuan Church in 2019
Due to Typhoon Haiyan, all of its original retablo, roof (dated 1700s) and other church relics were damaged.[6][14] Only the stone walls and bell tower remained standing.[15] Restoration of the church was under the supervision of the National Museum of the Philippines.[16] Funds for the reconstruction of the church amounting to $300,000 were given by the Embassy of the United States in the Philippines[17] and ₱112 million from the National Museum of the Philippines.[18] Restoration of the church was completed in 2019.[18][19]
^ abc"Guiuan". Panublion: Heritage Sites of the Visayan Islands in the Philippines. Archived from the original on February 11, 2006. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
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