Website by:
Leo Mamicpic

Photos by:
Faisal Alih
Leo Mamicpic

THE GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE CHURCH AND THE CONVENT

Taken verbatim from the National Historical Institute (NHI) Inspection and Analytical Report prepared by Arch. Arnulfo Dado and Joseph Gayatin.

The San Isidro Labrador Church and Convent are two separate 19^th century structures that stand on two separate lots on an elevated part of Lazi town. Seven municipal roads and several century-old acacia trees surround these prominent wood and masonry structures. 

The Lazi Church (viewed from the right side) which measures almost 85 meters in length is laid out in a cruciform plan oriented in an east-west direction, with its façade on the west end and its transept and apse on the east end. A baptistry and a three-tiered octagonal belltower adjoins the nave’s north wall.

The belltower is accessible through the choir loft. The church is mainly a masonry structure with indications of wattle-and-daub construction (the tabique), and sack masonry construction using rubble stone fillings and square-cut coral stone masonry facings joined by lime mortars. There are indications of wall-embedded round timber posts suggestive of the timber framework. The roof is made of corrugated galvanized iron with gables made of vertical wood boards all on timber framework.  

The Lazi Convent, measuring 42 meters by 38 meters, is laid out in an L-shape with its façade facing east and the church. The two-storey convent has its lower part made of square-cut coral stone masonry, and its upper part of wood. The steep hipped roof is made of corrugated galvanized iron on timber framework.  
Traces of previous alterations exist and are discernable. In some parts of the church walls were interventions made using reinforced concrete, cracks filled up and architectural surfaces replastered with cement. The alterations were associated with the repairs made through the decades ( 1930’s, 1950’s, and the 1980’s). Also, through the years new structures and services were integrated to serve the new requirements of the occupants. The new additions were the toilets and candle-offering area in the church; and the toilets, a pre-school building and a playground within the convent premises.  

The Structural Condition of the Church and Convent 

Cracks are evident in some parts of the church walls. Notable are vertical running cracks close to the wall corners, and predominantly on the south and east walls. Structural repairs using concrete (arches and ringbeam) are evident on the third level of the belltower. 

Cracks are also evident in some parts of the convent arches. Notable are vertical running cracks along the arch masonry joints. There is an apparent sloping down or deflections of some parts of the second level wood flooring.

GENERAL PROBLEMS AND THREATS

Generally, the present physical state of conservation of the church and the convent reflects the lapses in the appropriate preventive conservation and maintenance of the buildings. These could be attributed to the lack of the community’s awareness and technical know-how, and the financial allocation from the Church (as the owner of the property), and the State to sustain a comprehensive conservation work program. 

Earthquake remains to pose a threat to the long term structural stability of the structure. Earthquakes have caused some structural deformation and cracks on the masonry fabric. Ground vibrations attributed to the ground blastings in a nearby quarry may be causing some structural problems, and should be properly monitored. 

Dispersed rainwater from the roof and wind-driven rain has caused problems and poses a threat to the current condition of the masonry walls. Bio-deterioration have also caused some damage. Intrusion of birds and bats remains to pose a threat to the painted metal ceiling of the church. 

Part of the protective and decorative renders of the architectural surfaces had been washed out, eroded, or lost. The remnants of the architectural paintings discernable are sources of valuable information in the reconstruction of the color scheme and decorative elements of the building. 

As the major part of the church and convent are made of wood, fire remains to pose a threat to the structures. 

The non-use and neglect of certain areas within the convent and the church contributes to the gradual decay of the building and its components. Unplanned integration of new services, function, and building components have altered the architectural integrity of the property and diminishes the 19^th century character (design and landscape setting) of the landmark. 

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

The Lazi Church and Convent are generally in good condition, and are both habitable and functional structures. However, the structures’ conditions exhibited the need for treatment to limit the gradually creeping deterioration and decay, and maintain its stable state. Most of the century-old structures’ problems appeared to be related to the presence of moisture brought by dispersed and infiltrating rainwater. On the church structure, the main problem could be attributed to the colonization by birds and bats. The lack of a preventive maintenance program gradually aggravates the structures’ condition (e.g. corroded roofing, weathered wood boardings, etc.). The structural defects are areas that need attention and thorough monitoring investigation considering that a nearby quarry site operates involving earth-blasting that is allegedly felt in the site. Line of actions required should be prioritized and carried out respectful of the historical fabric (materials, design, workmanship, and space) and in a manner that is reversible to the greatest extent possible.

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