LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Cognizant of the value of the rich history and heritage of Pangasinan, Governor Ramon V. Guico III has set sights on showing a much-improved presentation of the role of Lingayen Gulf landings and the importance of the war veterans being shining examples of patriotism.
With this in mind, the present administration endeavored to include preserving World War II artifacts in the new Capitol Complex Plan (CCP).
As an initial step, the Provincial Government sought the approval of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to relocate WW II historical markers at the Lingayen beachfront through a letter dated January 8, 2024.
The NHCP, on January 24, 2024, responded and approved said request.
“We are amenable to the construction of a reflecting pool that would stretch from the relocation site of the markers towards the north facade of the provincial capitol building,” the letter signed by Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo stated.
“The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) has been a partner of the Provincial Government and the NHCP in establishing the WW II outdoor exhibit at the previously named Veterans Memorial Park. When the Capitol Redevelopment Project included the relocation of the site of war artifacts for further improvement of the Lingayen Gulf Landings marker and exhibits, we advised them of the plans and sought their permission as well, just as we did with NHCP,” Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) Chief Ma. Luisa A. Elduayan disclosed.
Furthermore, the PTCAO reported the PVB through Mr. Mike Villareal vowed that their office shall provide technical assistance to the province for the new presentation of the Lingayen Gulf landings in the Liberation of Luzon during WW II in the Capitol Redevelopment Project.
In addition, the PVB recommended that consultation be held with Mr. Tony Feredo, a WW II historian/restoration worker and likewise an advisory board member of the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation.
An inspection was conducted last November 26. It was found that the two anti-aircraft guns (single and double barrel) were generally intact and are due for repainting only.
In time for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Lingayen Gulf Landings this January 9, 2025, the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) was tasked to do the repainting works under the supervision of Feredo.
Restoration works for the two M24 Chaffee Light Tanks and the WW II aircraft shall also be undertaken.
The provincial government assures that all artifacts will be appropriately preserved and will be strategically located within the new Capitol redevelopment site with various refurbishments to make the area an ideal tourism site with a vibe of Pangasinan’s rich history and culture.
(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
