By: Jose Robert Inventor

The ongoing reconstruction project at the Binmaley Catholic Cemetery has drawn criticism following the demolition of what residents believed to be a Spanish-era arch at the cemetery entrance.

Cemetery staff member Catalino Parotcha said the management questioned the backlash, explaining that the project was intended to improve the facility.

The cemetery administration acknowledged receiving complaints from the public after construction began, noting that while many residents initially felt saddened, some later accepted the project.

However, controversy intensified after photos circulated showing the dismantling of the supposed 19th-century arch or old cemetery gate.

Several young residents expressed disappointment, saying the structure represented an important part of the town’s history and should have been preserved.

Parotcha said the demolished structure was not the original arch and had already undergone several reconstructions in the past.

The Pangasinan Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), through its head Malou Amor Elduayan, said the situation could have been avoided if consultations had been conducted prior to the demolition.

Parotcha admitted that the cemetery management was unable to verify the full historical background of the structure before proceeding.

Following the incident, the reconstruction project was temporarily halted upon the order of Archbishop Socrates Villegas of the Diocese of Lingayen-Dagupan.