H.E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza, representative and permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and the Reverend Ricardo Medina, executive director of the Atlanta-based Catholic World Mission are visiting the devastated heritage structures of Maribojoc town on Wednesday.

 The Bohol Restoration Group (BRG) said the visit is part of its work in rebuilding vulnerable communities hit by the record-breaking disaster 7.2 magnitude tremor wayback in 2013

“We are honored to have these two important leaders in the Catholic community provide their time in joining our efforts on the ground,” Jose L. Cuisia, Jr, Philippine Ambassador to the United States and honorary chair of The Bohol Restoration Group, said. “Their respectable influence lends a tremendous opportunity in bringing awareness and needed support for our people.”

Auza, who hails from Talibon and Medina, a Filipino will be visiting five damaged heritage locations in Maribojoc’s damaged government-declared national treasure territory. The Catholic World Vission will distribute toothbrushes and toothpaste along with slippers for some 2,000 school children.

They will be welcomed by Fr. Gerardo Saco, Jr., parish priest.

BRG executive director Margaret Lacson-Ecarma and Board Director Luis Florendo will hand the grant check  of $30,000 to Escuela Taller, a Spanish-government non-profit, to teach vocational and on-the-job training for out-of-school youth in Maribojoc to restore the main altar of the Maribojoc collapsed heritage church. Program Director Tina Bulaong of Escuela Taller is joining the visiting team.