The MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte where the larger-than-life statues of legendary American general, Douglas MacArthur, Pres. Sergio Osmeña, Gen. Carlos Romulo, among others, is located in a man-made pool, is undergoing major repairs in time for the 75th anniversary of Leyte Gulf Landings on October 20,2019.
The MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte where the larger-than-life statues of legendary American general, Douglas MacArthur, Pres. Sergio Osmeña, Gen. Carlos Romulo, among others, is located in a man-made pool, is undergoing major repairs in time for the 75th anniversary of Leyte Gulf Landings on October 20,2019.
TACLOBAN CITY- As part of the 75th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings this October 20, the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park is now undergoing major repairs.
For this major repairs, a first in 25 years, the national government has allocated P158 million, said Palo town Mayor Remedios Petilla.
The national park, where the legendary American general Douglas MacArthur made his iconic ‘I shall return’ promise which resulted to the liberation of the country from the Japanese invaders on October 20,1944, is located in Barangay Candahug, Palo town.
Mayor Petilla said that among to be refurbished are the bronze-painted statutes of MacArthur, President Sergio Osmeña, General Carlos Garcia and four others, located in a man-made pool depicting their arrivals, the centerpiece of the 6.78 hectare national park.
The scraping and repainting of the larger-than-life statutes are to be undertaken by the National Historical Commission.
The statues were first unveiled in 1981 during the 37th anniversary and made by sculptor Anastacio Caedo who was also behind the Bonifacio Monument in Balintawak.
“We are now 80 percent of the physical preparations and we can finished it on time,” the mayor said.
The repair works at the national shrine, among Leyte’s top tourist attractions, started in December last year and expected to be finished before the 75th anniversary on October 20, this year.
The P158 million funding of the repair of the national park came from Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority(TIEZA) of the Department of Tourism,P104 million; and P54 million from the Yolanda Repair and Rehabilitation Project.
The national park suffered damages when Leyte was pummeled by Super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ in November 8,2013.
Aside from statutes, the works at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park includes the construction of a viewing deck; an amphitheater that has a 700-setting capacity; landscaping; and installation of lights, among others.
The last time the national park underwent major repairs were in 1994 during the 50th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
The restoration works of the Guiuan Church or the La Immaculada Church will be finished at the end of this month as announced by the National Museum of the Philippines.
(Photo: National Museum of the Philippines)
The restoration works of the Guiuan Church or the La Immaculada Church will be finished at the end of this month as announced by the National Museum of the Philippines. (Photo: National Museum of the Philippines)
Destroyed by super typhoon ‘Yolanda’
TACLOBAN CITY – The restoration works of the centuries old La Immaculada Concepcion Church in Guiuan, Eastern Samar will be completed this month.
This was announced by the National Mauseum of the Philippines(NMP) which supervised the restoration works of the 18th century church which sustained major damages when Guiuan was pummeled by super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ in November 8,2013.
The NMP allocated P111.99 million for the repair work while the United States through its embassy in the country donated $300,000.
The Baroque-style Guiuan Church is famous for its extensive shell ornamentation.
The NMP said that the La Immaculada Concepcion Church will be turned over to the local parish after they conduct their inspection to the church which is considered to be a national cultural treasure.
The said church was earlier nominated as national heritage along with other churches in the country like the Baclayon Church in Bohol but was dropped in the roster after it was destroyed by Yolanda.
“We also collaborated with the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation of the University of Melbourne to help us form decisions regarding treatment of some of the moveable heritage,” NMP said.
It was learned that local artisans led by Guy Custodio was also commissioned by NMP to help them on this restoration works like the wood fabrication, painting and gold leafing of the church’s ceiling and its main and side altars.
Prior to the restoration work, the team from NMP had carefully documented the church original altar, ceiling, elaborate carvings especially the door and building.
They also conducted a 3D scanning for reverse engineering to study the construction and the fabric weaknesses of the church even before Yolanda.
La Immaculada Church in Guiuan was built by the Jesuit Missionaries in 18th century and was later taken over by the Franciscan Friars.
The church complex is a fortress that is usual design of old church built during Spanish Era that serves as protection and haven during raid of Moro pirates.
Numerous parts of the church interior are decorated with seashells. It is unique in the country. The church still has its original front door, retablos, statues, and other church artifacts. The walls are made of coral stone.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
President Rodrigo Duterte during his brief visit at the 8th Infantry Division in Catbalogan City on June 19 sees the end of insurgency in the region. Photo shows the President giving award and assistance to families of slain soldiers in ambush incidents against NPA members. (Photo: VICENTE LUKBAN)
President Rodrigo Duterte during his brief visit at the 8th Infantry Division in Catbalogan City on June 19 sees the end of insurgency in the region. Photo shows the President giving award and assistance to families of slain soldiers in ambush incidents against NPA members. (Photo: VICENTE LUKBAN)
Praised soldiers for their gallantry and heroism
BY: JOEY A. GABIETA
TACLOBAN CITY- President Rodrigo Duterte sees that the insurgency problem that has been plaguing the region for decades will soon come to its end.
As he made this projection, the President issued an appeal to the members of the rebel group, the New People’s Army (NPA), for them to surrender and return to the folds of the law.
Mr. Duterte made a quick visit at the headquarters of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City on Wednesday (June 19) night.
And part of his visit was the giving of medal of valor and posthumous awards to soldiers who were injured and killed during ambuscades against NPA members.
In his talks with the soldiers, led by their commanding general, Major Gen. Raul Farnacio, the President said that he sees the end of the insurgency in the region as he praised the soldiers for their continued effort to quell the insurgency problem.
“With such valiant troops in the service of flag and country, I am confident that we can end the communist-terrorist scourge here in Region 8 sooner than later,” the President said in his speech.
“This is why, I encourage the remaining rebels to repudiate your outdated ideology, abandon your extremist activities, and return to the fold of the law,” he added.
Region 8, among the country’s poorest regions, continue to battle with insurgency problem with former commanders of the 8th ID making a promise to end the problem cited to be one of the reasons why investors shy away in coming to the region.
Mr. Duterte, in his speech, said that the soldiers could count on him as he vowed to support them and even promised to provide them more incentives and benefits as they continue to defend the country’s security against the insurgents and other rebel groups.
“This administration will work hard to meet all of your needs and that of your families, and all I ask is that you perform your responsibilities to the best of your abilities. It is now, more than ever, that we need to work hard and work together, if we are to bring the real, lasting, and meaningful change for the country,” the President said.
The second visit of the President to the 8th ID camp, was closed to the media. He first visited the military camp on August 9, 2016.
Captain Raul Aragones, spokesperson of the 8th ID, said that the President arrived at the camp at about 6:30 pm and stayed until 7:45 pm.
He was accompanied by Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana and former close aide and now Senator-elect Christopher “Bong” Go.
The President immediately proceeded to the Camp Lukban Station Hospital to posthumously award the Order of Lapu-Lapu to five soldiers who died due to arm clashes against members of the rebel group, the New People’s Army.
The award were received by the relatives of the killed soldiers.
Mr. Duterte also pinned the rank of Kampilan medals to nine soldiers who were wounded in armed battle against the rebels.
Aragones declined to provide the names of the soldiers killed and wounded who were recognized by the President.
But the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), on its website, identified the recipients of the Order of Lapu-Lapu as Corporal Roberto Bueno; Corporal Alix Saliwan; Private First Class Danilo Constantino, Jr; Private First Class Arthur Garcia; and Private Elben Lagrimas.
Those who received the Kampilan medals were Corporal Eduardo Vigilia, Jr.; Cpl. Mark Lester Amparo; Private First Class Joseph Salinga; PFC Mark Louie Lantecsi; PFC Mark Kevin Frigillana; PFC Joemar Glenn Seligbon; Private Delio Amaro; Pvt Joseph Renel Gentalian and Pvt Rex Español.
The Order of Lapu-Lapu is given to persons in government or private sector who have rendered extraordinary service or have made exceptional contributions to the success of the President’s campaign of advocacy.
The Kampilan medal, meanwhile, is bestowed to persons who were seriously wounded or suffered great loss of property as a direct result of their participation in such action.
GOVERNMENT CENTER, PALO, Leyte-For an efficient implementation of infrastructure projects in Region 8, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the winning bidders signed contract of agreement aimed at forging strong cooperation between concerned parties in project implementation in the region.
During the coordination meeting with the contractors held at DPWH 8 Multi- purpose Hall in May 15, 2019, DPWH RD Nerie Bueno said that the office will be transparent and strict in conducting validation of these winning contractors in the implementation of projects in the regional and district engineering offices.
“It is now clear to our winning contractors our terms and conditions, specifically on the provisions for a transparent project implementation, termination of contracts and blacklisting of contractors violating provisions of their signed contracts and attendance to DPWH bidding process,” RD Bueno said.
“The DPWH is transparent in its operations and will intensify monitoring of infra project implementation particularly in the region,” she added.
DPWH is grateful to the winning contractors as partners in achieving the goals and objectives of the department to provide effective and efficient infrastructure facilities to the public.
To date, there are already 16 signed contracts for project implementation by DPWH which include: Construction of By-Pass and Diversion Roads, Tacloban City By-Pass Road Package A (P98 M) and B (P70.5 M); Construction of By-Pass and Diversion Roads, Tacloban City By-Pass Road Extension Package A (P75.1 M) and B (P55.09 M); P120.1 M Construction of Missing Links/New Roads: Jaro-Rubas-Ormoc Road (Jaro side); P99.69 M Construction of By-Pass and Diversion Roads, Tacloban-Sta-Fe-San Miguel Road; and P54.88 M Construction of Missing Links/New Roads- Mahaplag-Hilongos Road, Package 1 amongst other.
The contract signing was led by RD Nerie Bueno with the winning contractors and assisted by DPWH-8 Assistant Director Eric Ayapana. (PR)
NAVAL, Biliran- An access road leading to Naval seaport has been improved by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO).
From a bumpy and narrow existing concrete road, travelers along Vicentillo Extension to Naval port is experiencing a great difference of travel with the completion of DPWH-Biliran DEO access road project.
David Julian Culibra, who frequently pass along this road section in going home, said that he now enjoys riding his motorcycle along this road.
Before the rehabilitation project of DPWH, the road along this section had intermittent big potholes, posing danger to the travelling public.
“The existing substandard concrete road shows rutting and depressions and it was difficult to drive because the road is uneven,” explained Culibra.
In convergence with the DPWH and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), DPWH-Biliran DEO has included the rehabilitation of this project under its 2017 Regular Infrastructure Program with a contract cost of P37.13 million.
According to District Engineer David P. Adongay Jr., the project was prioritized because of the traffic congestion along this route during peak hours due to its damaged surface.
The said project involves the rehabilitation of damaged substandard local road with a width of 6.10 –meter and a thickness of 0.23-meter and with a length of 1.390-kilometer two lane road. It also involves a construction of 754-meter length of drainage canal and payment of Road-Right-Of-Way (RROW).
Application of asphalt overlay with thermoplastic pavement is also included in the scope of work.
At present, it has already a smooth surface and is much safer for the traveling public.
“This is the kind of road I like to travel every day,” said Culibra. (PR)
PARANAS, Samar – Former president and outgoing House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo paid a brief visit to this town, one of the areas that benefitted the US-funded Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) that started during her administration.
And during her June 14 visit to this town, the House Speaker listened among members of various peoples’ organizations (POs) how their lives were changed after the construction of the MCC road in their area.
Among them are PO’s whose members are all male and former engaging to illegal logging but are now into tour guiding, the Ulot Extreme Torpedo Boat Ride.
Eugene Igdalino, who is the president of the Ulot Extreme Torpedo Boat Ride, told the former President that before the road was constructed, he along with other men were into illegal logging.
But with an improved road network, they were able to change for the better as they became tour guides as tourists were coming in to Paranas in droves.
The extreme boat ride is among the top tourist attractions of Paranas.
Igdalino told Arroyo that as tour guides, they are assured of a steady and legal income. Just last year, their organization generated tourist receipt of about P2.4 million.
Igdalino added that aside from the Torpedo boat ride, they are also developing an eco-trail which will be supervised by women’s group that could augment the income of their husbands who are doing tour guiding in Ulot River.
For her part, Elizabeth Pangilino, president of the Tenani Association for Women and Development (Tawad), also informed House Speaker Arroyo that because of the road project, they became aware and is helping the government in curbing the problem on trafficking on their area.
Lack of opportunities and being remote then made some of the villagers immune to getting trafficked, she said.
But with a new road, not only their village became connected to the rest of Paranas but also they became aware how to fight those who are engaging in human trafficking.
Pangilino added that another big contribution of the MCC road project to the community is the efficient delivery of their farm products and they were able to send their children to college.
Hearing this positive feedback, Arroyo said that she is thankful that the project under her term really benefited the poor communities.
“I am so happy to be here this afternoon because you told me how it helped you and that is one of the happiest things I’ve ever heard,” Arroyo said.
“Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity for me to interact (with you). I hope that tourism will continue to grow and help for you to develop sustainably and to help in addressing poverty in Samar Island and in the whole Philippines,” she added.
The 222-kilometer Secondary National Roads Development Project (SNRDP) was funded by the MCC for $214.4-million which was started during the term of Arroyo.
The project was composed of four contract packages that start in the Pan Philippine Highway along the junction in Barangay Buray, Paranas, going to Taft and end in Guiuan town, both in Eastern Samar.
The project started in 2009 and was finished in 2013.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
