The quiet town of Daanbantayan in northern Cebu has begun restoring the 140-year-old Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima, which was badly damaged by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake last September.
Green GSM has joined the effort with a P3 million donation to help rebuild the heritage church.
Parts of the church collapsed during the quake, and careful reconstruction is needed to preserve its original character.
The initial recovery phase is expected to take six to nine months. Full restoration, which involves detailed architectural and artistic work, may take several years under the supervision of the Cebu Archdiocese and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Even before the financial support was announced, Green GSM volunteers and partner drivers had already helped in relief operations. They delivered meals, brought essential supplies, and assisted responders in the hardest-hit communities. For many of them, it was a way to give back to the people they serve every day.
“This collaboration shows how local and private partners can work together to protect our heritage,” Fr. Brigoli said, expressing gratitude for Green GSM’s concern. “We thank you and look forward to an ongoing partnership with the Filipino people.”
Dao Quy Phi, managing director of Green GSM Southeast Asia, said the company simply wanted to stand with the community during a difficult time. He shared that sustainability also means caring for people, culture, and places, not just technology.
“We are deeply moved by the resilience of Cebu,” he said. “It is an honor to support the rebuilding of both the church and the community spirit.”