By Helen Castaño | 07:50 PM October 15, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy on Thursday reflected on the lessons of the devastating 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Bohol 13 years ago, saying the tragedy highlighted the fragility of life, the strength of faith and the importance of solidarity.
In a reflection titled “Memorable Lessons from the Bohol Earthquake,” dated Oct. 15, 2026, Uy recalled how the earthquake struck at 8:12 a.m. on Oct. 15, 2013, killing people, destroying homes and damaging centuries-old churches.
“For those of us who lived through that day, the Bohol earthquake was more than a disaster recorded in history. It became a teacher,” Uy said.
He said the tragedy reminded people to cherish their loved ones, noting that while material possessions could disappear in seconds, love, relationships and acts of kindness remained lasting treasures.
Uy also emphasized that faith endured despite the destruction of church buildings, saying the Church was not defined by its structures but by the people who continued to pray, hope, serve and rebuild.
“The Church is ultimately not the building. The Church is the people of God who continued to pray, hope, serve, and rebuild together,” he said.
The archbishop also recalled how communities came together after the disaster, sharing food, water, shelter and emotional support, as neighbors helped one another and strangers became friends.
He said Bohol’s recovery involved more than rebuilding homes, roads, bridges and churches. It also restored courage and demonstrated the resilience of the Boholano spirit.
Uy paid tribute to those who died in the earthquake, as well as families who lost loved ones and survivors whose lives were forever changed.
“Everything around us may shake, but when we hold on to God and hold on to one another, we can rise again,” he said.
Thirteen years after the disaster, Uy said the scars remained in people’s memories, along with the grace that helped them overcome the tragedy.
“We remember. We give thanks. And we continue to rebuild with faith, hope, and love,” he said.
