Disaster Risk and Conservation Management of the San Bartolome Church in Malabon

Abstract

The San Bartolome Church is one of two centuries-old churches in Malabon. It is a heritage site, a landmark in the history of Christianity and one of the oldest churches in Metro Manila. It was founded by the Augustinian friars in 1614 which is more than 400 years ago. Malabon City is also considered as the local Venice due to the area’s frequent floods caused by a number of factors. The church itself was a victim of a number of disasters which caused a considerable amount of damage in the past. Despite its age and disaster prone location, the San Bartolome Church was able to recover from these damages and until present time, the church continues to stand and function for religious activities. The study documented the Disaster Risk and Reduction Management of the San Bartolome Church on the macro and micro level. The macro level includes the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management done in Malabon City along with the accounts of disasters that have affected the city. On the other hand, the micro level discusses conservation methods and renovation projects done for the San Bartolome Malabon church in relation to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in order to prevent the structure’s rapid deterioration. Research, interviews and observation of the church itself were conducted. The study presented what Disaster Risk Reduction and Management methods were taken into account in the conservation of the San Bartolome Church. It also showed the local government’s contribution since disasters threaten to bring damage to the entire city and not just the San Bartolome Church. The study hopes to present the efforts that the cultural heritage managers, and the government of Malabon make in order to conserve heritage sites such as the San Bartolome church while taking to account Disaster Risk Reduction and Management as an important factor. The study will also be able to recommend additional efforts that the church management and the Malabon Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office may take into consideration.