BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
The Veterans Memorial Park and World War II historical markers located behind the Lingayen Capitol are some of the province of Pangasinan’s significant WWII landmarks.
However, their current location, including the McArthur Marker, is considered inappropriate as it is not where the historic Lingayen Gulf Landing occurred.
Recently, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) approved the proposal to relocate these markers to the Lingayen Gulf coastline.
This is part of the Capitol Redevelopment Project, aiming to make the tribute to WWII veterans more meaningful and aligned with history.
In a letter from NHCP Chairman Dr. Emmanuel Calairo to Governor Ramon V. Guico III on January 24, 2024, the NHCP officially expressed its support for the plan.
As a result, the markers and relics, including tanks and planes used during the war, will be moved to a more appropriate location near the bay area where the Lingayen Gulf Landing took place in 1945.
According to Engr. Alvin L. Bagay, Provincial Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Center, “The National Historical Commission has already approved the provincial government’s proposal to relocate the McArthur Marker closer to the bay area. Along with the war relics such as tanks and airplanes, they will be moved there to pay tribute to our war veterans because it is near the actual site where General McArthur landed in 1945.”
Veterans expressed their support for the project.
Lt. Feliciano De Vera, a veteran, expressed, “It’s better to move it near the beach. It will feel more appropriate. Of course, we don’t visit every day, just once a year, really.”
The project, aside from NHCP approval, also underwent consultations and secured an Environmental Compliance Certificate, ensuring both environmental and historical considerations.
Governor Guico assured that the essence of the Veterans Memorial Park will remain intact despite the relocation.
According to the governor, this move will provide a more significant presentation of the Lingayen Gulf Landing’s role in honoring the heroism of Filipinos and soldiers during WWII.
