Concerns raised on Tayabas church after series of quakes

Declared a National Cultural Treasure (NCT) by the National Museum of the Philippines, the Minor Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel in Tayabas, Quezon — more widely known as the Tayabas Church — stands as both an architectural and artistic landmark, its eclectic façade and richly painted interiors reflecting centuries of devotion and craftsmanship. 

A legacy of the Franciscan mission, the church was first built of light materials in the late 16th century, then rebuilt and expanded from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The present structure largely dates from the latter half of the 18th to the 19th century, with additional repairs carried out in 1984, 2009 and 2014.

However, it is the 2009 renovation that has recently drawn particular concern. During that intervention, cement was added to the second-level flooring of the belfry and the original wooden planks on the third level were replaced with concrete, significantly increasing the load borne by the adobe tower. This alteration is now being linked to a newly discovered major crack in the belfry — raising fears that the structure might suffer serious damage should a stronger tremor occur.

Other worrying conditions have also emerged. Portions of the topmost railing have been dislodged due to vegetation and other factors; a section of the stone roof shows signs of possible caving in; and water seepage is visible in many areas of the belfry. 

In response, church authorities have cordoned off the bell tower to ensure public safety. Parish priest, Monsignor Dennis Imperial, promptly sought assistance from the local government, the Quezon Province Heritage, History, Culture and the Arts Council (QCHHCAC), and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to determine the best course of action. 

Given the basilica’s Grade I status as an NCT and the potential risk to the community, a multi-agency meeting was convened immediately. Representatives from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), NHCP, QCHHCAC, and the local heritage organizations Atagan and Tuklas Tayabas attended.

During the discussion, the NHCP — through its Materials Research and Conservation Division (MRCD) —recommended to then local government’s City Engineering Office and the Tayabas Cultural Office the removal or treatment of vegetation and the careful repair of resulting material losses using the agency’s prescribed mortar mixture. It further advised the consolidation of weakened masonry with lime-based mortar or adhesive, the fencing off of affected areas, the installation of drop nets, and, if necessary, the systematic dismantling of unstable sections. Prior to the meeting, the NHCP had already ordered the immediate installation of shoring and protective netting around the bell tower.

The NHCP also asked the local government to prepare and submit a detailed proposal outlining the planned interventions, subject to the commission’s review and approval.

Despite the concerns, the basilica recently welcomed a moment of celebration with the unveiling of its updated historical marker on 12 October, replacing the original plaque installed in 1978. Present during the event were NHCP executive director Carminda Arevalo, Diocese of Lucena Bishop Mel Rey Uy — who officiated the preceding mass — Msgr. Imperial and Mayor Anthony Lim.

In his homily, Bishop Uy emphasized both the religious and historical significance of the Tayabas Basilica and urged the faithful to “continue the effort to take care, protect, repair, beautify” not only this cherished heritage church but all other religious structures in the province, ensuring they remain places of worship and community for generations to come.