Manila Cathedral closed for a year, repairs may cost as much as P50 million; 200 couples with scheduled weddings in limbo

ABS-CBNNews.com reports that Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle announced on Monday, February 13, that the 54-year-old Manila Cathedral-which is also called the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica and Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception-will be closed for at least a year to give way to renovation to correct some structural defects.

Tagle said that as it is, they fear that the church may not be able to withstand a strong earthquake. He revealed that the estimated cost of repairs could reach P50 million. He added that groups like the Manila Basilica Foundation have pledged to help raise funds for the renovation project. The church has been closed since February 7.

The report pointed out: "The closure of the Cathedral affected some 200 couples that have made reservations for weddings until March next year. Tagle said they have already formed a team called the Wedding Task Force that would advise and assist the couples in making reservations in other churches."

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