LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The provincial government of Pangasinan wants the Capitol building recognized as one of the country’s Heritage Sites, as activities continue to promote its centennial in December.
Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Malu Elduayan, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday, said the Capitol was given the recognition as one of the eight architectural treasures of the Philippines by the Filipino Festival Foundation in 2006.
“The reason behind this status is that our Capitol Building’s neoclassical architecture has been preserved, and over the years, its beauty and prestige have been well-maintained and restored,” Elduayan said.
However, the provincial government still awaits the confirmation of the building’s status as one of the country’s Heritage Sites from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
The Capitol building was built under the administration of then Pangasinan governor Daniel Maramba.
Construction began on April 21, 1917 and was finished on December 1918.
Meanwhile, as part of its pre-launch activities for the Capitol’s 100th anniversary and to mark Pangasinan’s 438th founding anniversary celebration, the provincial government on Thursday featured its history in a show called “Kidyam Pang-awaran” (Spark of History), with the special participation of the Capitol building.
“The Capitol building was used as the screen for the 3D projection presentation of Pangasinan’s history and development with complements of lights and sounds and a fireworks display at the end of the presentation,” Elduayan said.
She added that the event was educational but entertaining as it seeks to heighten the awareness and sensitivities of Pangasinenses, particularly the young generation, on Pangasinan’s history and development.
Kidyam Pang-Awaran will be screened every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will continue until April 28.
Director Martin Valera of the Department of Tourism in Region 1 (Ilocos) applauded the whole province for its many initiatives in promoting travel and tourism during Pangasinan’s founding anniversary celebration on Thursday.
He said the province, with all its attractions such as beach tourism, faith tourism, ecotourism, farm tourism, and the many festivals annually held in each town and city, will continue to thrive.
Valera also noted Pangasinan’s “Abong na Dayew,” which was opened to the public alongside the celebration of Pangasinan’s founding anniversary.
“This is an additional place of interest for tourists, besides the Capitol Building and other historical relics here in the Capitol Grounds,” Valera said.
The “Abong na Dayew” houses the exhibits and displays of the province’s awards and citations for good governance practices, as well as Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolutions and ordinances. (PNA)
