Devastating Quakes Hit Manay: Parish Building Damaged Beyond Repair
A pair of powerful earthquakes struck off the coast of Mindanao on Friday, October 10, leaving a new parish building in Manay, Davao Oriental, severely damaged and recommended for demolition. The Magnitude 7.4 quake, whose offshore epicenter lay about 48 kilometers northeast of Manay, struck at 9:43 a.m., followed by a Magnitude 6.8 tremor at 7:12 p.m., according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
At the San Ignacio de Loyola Parish in Barangay San Ignacio, Diocesan priest Ronie Orellianida recounted the moment the ground shook. He noted that, despite the intensity of the quakes, no parishioners were hurt. Still, the impact on the parish’s new three-story building was undeniable and alarming.
Structural Concerns Prompt Demolition Recommendation
Following assessments by the Municipal Engineer’s Office, the building—funded by years of faithful donations—has been recommended for demolition. The Church building had not yet been completed; it had been used for meetings, choir practice, and as temporary guest accommodation, with finishing touches planned on the third floor.
Officials warned that the structure posed a danger to the neighborhood. Orellianida said a formal report from the local government would empower Bishop Abel Cahiles Apigo, Bishop of Mati, to authorize the demolition.
Quake Aftermath: Parishioners’ Resilience and Safety
When the Magnitude 7.4 quake struck, a portion of the ceiling and a wall collapsed. The foundations appeared compromised, and posts could not reliably support the rest of the structure. Parish workers and residents sought open space in the center of the compound as aftershocks rolled through the area.
Despite the fear, there were no fatalities reported in Manay. Minor scrapes and injuries occurred among some residents, but the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office confirmed the absence of deaths. In the hours after the quake, parish volunteers established a temporary shelter beside the building and later relocated to safety along Diversion Road.
Continuing Worship Amid Uncertainty
Orellianida emphasized that church services would continue while decisions about the ruined structure were finalized. The parish’s response — moving services, maintaining choir performances, and supporting parishioners — underscored the community’s resilience. As MindaNews concluded its interview, the parish choir softly sang Jamie Rivera’s “Heal Our Land,” underscoring a moment of reflection amid ongoing recovery efforts.
Broader Local Impact: Nearby Churches
Other religious structures in the area were affected as well. The St. Francis Xavier Church in Manay’s poblacion reported facade and ceiling damage and restricted access to parts of the building for safety reasons. Nonetheless, community spirit remained strong, with banners and decorations going up in the parish compound for the fiesta scheduled on October 25.
What Comes Next for the Parish and Community
The San Ignacio de Loyola Parish is poised to begin rebuilding efforts once a demolition is completed and safety clearances are issued. The incident highlights the vulnerability of unfinished structures in seismically active regions and the importance of robust engineering and disaster preparedness during redevelopment. Local authorities and church leadership will continue coordinating to ensure the safety of parishioners and the swift restoration of religious services and community activities.
Ultimately, the episode tests the faith and fortitude of those gathered at San Ignacio de Loyola Parish. As Pastor Orellianida affirmed, being alive is the priority, and the community remains committed to supporting one another through the recovery process.
