01/10/2025
The Materials Research Conservation Division expresses its solidarity with the people of Cebu and nearby provinces affected by the 6.7 magnitude earthquake (30 September 2025). Our prayers for the affected families.
To the caretakers of moveable historic objects, we offer the following advice: (please do not attempt to enter structures without prior coordination with authorities and after ensuring that aftershocks are no longer felt)
1. Secure the premises of the structure and protect entry and exit points to deter kibitzers and unnecessary people from entering. You can use barricades and caution ribbons for this.
2. Check the stability of the structure before doing any retrieval/salvage work. Wear protective clothing ( i.e. hard hats, appropriate gloves, brightly colored clothes) before entering the premises of damaged buildings.
3. Document/take photographs of damaged objects. Be wary of debris that might fall down on you.
4. With utmost care, retrieve and wrap the objects if possible with japanese tissue/clean cloth on sturdy boxes, taking as many broken parts as you can. If circumstances permit, label and group various broken parts together for easier identification later. It is IMPORTANT to retreive at the soonest time, the damaged objects as they are prone to further damages (should aftershocks occur, or heavy rains, etc.) and in the case of damaged and unguarded buildings, thieves and vandals.
5. If time and circumstances permit, it is recommended that other undamaged moveable objects be also retrieved for protection.
6. Bring the retrieved objects to a safe place identified by the heritage site administrator/s and away from the damaged structure. Take detailed photographs of damage incurred and label broken parts. Do create a quick inventory which contains the name of the object, measurements, component materials, present condition and damage/s observed.
7. Consult professionals and skilled artisans in the restoration of the damaged objects.
REMINDER: Be careful of the photos that you upload on social media as this can be used as reference for displacers, thieves and unwanted personages.
Your personal safety is of utmost concern. Again, do not attempt to enter damaged buildings without consultation and coordination with site administrators and experts. You may report and contact the National Historical Commission of the Philippines at our social media pages or at [email protected], you may also contact the Cebu Archdiocesan Heritage Commission and the National Museum.
Photo credit: Jerick Nin̈o Rosell Bojos
