PGLU CONDUCTS BALAOAN WATCHTOWER SITE VALIDATION, CONSULTATION
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: LGU-Balaoan | Date: May 21, 2021
The PGLU-LGU Balaoan validation team conducts site validation at Balaoan Watchtower located in Brgy. Almeida, Balaoan, La Union on May 21, 2021. The LGU is currently coordinating with the National Museum of the Philippines for the official launch of the site’s heritage marker to bear the cultural and historical significance of the watchtower. Inputs from the site validation will serve as the basis of the province for cultural development planning as well as future policies and regulations.
As part of the cultural and historical site conservation and rehabilitation program, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) through the La Union Provincial Tourism Office (LUPTO) – Culture and Arts Section (CAS) conducted the site validation and stakeholder consultation at Balaoan Watchtower located in Brgy. Almeida, Balaoan, La Union on May 21, 2021.
The said activity is in accordance with this year’s “Bantayán Ang Mga Bantáyan” project of the PGLU to protect and conserve cultural heritage structures specifically pushing for the restoration of five “Mga Bantayan ng La Union” located in the City of San Fernando, San Juan, Bacnotan, Balaoan and Luna collectively recognized as a national cultural treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP).
Immediately after the site inspection, a consultation dialogue with the watchtower’s site landowner represented by Atty. Pablito M. Valdez followed. During the meeting, LUPTO-CAS Senior Culture and Arts Officer Jeddahn P. Rosario explained the validation process being undertaken by the provincial government including the actual tillage, legal options and possible agreement to donate the property to be acquired. Among the issues raised in the dialogue were the project's effect on existing and future commercial projects, size of the land to be acquired, and valuation of lands including the planned improvements.
Balaoan Watchtower overlooking the Darigayos Cove is already known among locals. However, some vandalism marks are still evident affecting the integrity and natural beauty of the historical site. LGU Balaoan is currently coordinating with the NMP for the official launch of the heritage markers along with four LGUs where the other watchtowers are located. These markers will not only bear the cultural and historical significance of the built heritage but also indicate that the site must be preserved and protected from any form of destruction.
The site validation conducted will serve as a basis of the province for cultural development planning as well as future policies and regulations in preparation for the influx of tourists/visitors to provincial cultural sites. Moving forward, LGU Balaoan shall continue conducting dialogues with several stakeholders specifically on seeking common agreements of private lot owners where future projects shall be made. A technical working group composed of concerned local and national stakeholders dedicated to the planning and conduct of projects and programs for the preservation and protection of the watchtower will be formed.
