Plan to restore Jaro Belfry hangs
No restoration works could be made on the historical Jaro Belfry until the Archdiocese of Jaro authorize the local government for any physical changes. The old edifice remains closed for any tourism purposes such as viewing deck and tourist center.
Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) Jaro President Jonas Antonio Bellosillo said they could not initiate any future plans since the Archdiocese of Jaro maintains ownership of the bell tower though the responsibility to maintain cleanliness within the vicinity of the structure was given to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro).
As early as last year, ABC Jaro wants to help in the restoration of the "campanario" as added tourist attraction during the Jaro fiesta celebration. The Jaro Belfry is within the Jaro plaza and situated across the Jaro cathedral. The belfry served as watchtower against invaders during the Spanish time. It was built around 1744.
It was during Bellosillo's term when the ABC conceived a plan for the possible restoration of the Jaro belfry. The belfry's structure is prominent within the plaza. The barangay captains want to promote the structure as one of the must-see tourist attraction in the city.
The belfry which is made of bricks and limestone blocks was heavily damaged by a strong earthquake on July 17,1787. The reconstruction was initiated in 1833 under the supervision of Fr. Jesse Alvarez, an Augustinian friar.
The belfry was damaged again by an earthquake and completely restored in 1881 with Msgr. Mariano Cuartero, the first bishop of Jaro. However, the Jaro belfry suffered its third major destruction on January 25, 1948, during an earthquake.
Bellosillo said they were also told that the belfry could not be opened for viewing as its staircase is not in good condition. People should not be allowed to climb on the top. The engineering aspect of the "campanario" should be considered prior to its opening to the public. The belfry has three stories and 29 meters high.
The National Historical Institute (NHI) would not release any fund for the restoration and maintenance of the belfry if they could not see any effort in maintaining the structure, said Bellosillo.