WATCHTOWER DECLARATION MARKER UNVEILED IN BALAOAN, LA UNION
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: GPC-LUPTO | Date: June 25, 2021
As part of the cultural and historical site conservation and rehabilitation program, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) headed by Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III through the La Union Provincial Tourism Office (LUPTO) – Culture and Arts Section together with the Municipal Government of Balaoan, and the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) unveiled the Almeida Watchtower declaration marker on June 25, 2021 in Barangay Almeida, Balaoan, La Union.
The marker containing the NMP seal and the text declaration is placed on a cement pedestal just in front of the tower’s entrance.
The Almeida Watchtower in Balaoan is one of the five remaining La Union watchtowers along with the Moro Watchtower in the City of San Fernando City, the Baluarte Watchtower in Luna, and the watchtowers in the municipalities of Bacnotan and San Juan. It was collectively declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the NMP in 2014 by virtue of Museum Declaration No. 04-2014. These watchtowers were made of coral limestones and bricks built during the Spanish colonial period which served to protect communities from predators from the sea.
On behalf of NMP Director General Jeremy Barns, NMP Vigan Regional Office’s Supervising Administrative Officer Paolo Mar A. Chan extended his congratulatory message and expressed his support to the local government units (LGUs) of Balaoan and La Union for the protection and preservation of the watchtower. He said that as custodians of a promising future for the people, they will strive to continue working together with LGUs in protecting, conserving and promoting the culture and heritage. Mayor Aleli U. Concepcion, for her part, underscored the significance of the historical marker. She believes that with its perfect location overlooking the Darigayos Cove, the marker will help deepen the people’s appreciation and understanding of history. She also said that it will become one of the tourist attractions not only in the locality but also in the whole province once the tourism industry operation goes full swing.
Others present during the unveiling rites were LUPTO Officer-in-Charge Arthur S. Cortez, Jr., Barangay Almeida officials headed by Brgy. Captain Moises G. Torres, the landowners, Juliet David and former Registrar of Deeds, Atty. Pablito M. Valdez, together with his wife Marietta Almeida-Valdez.
The PGLU headed by Gov. Pacoy has a continuing mandate through the “Bantayán Ang Mga Bantáyan '' program to ensure protection and conservation of cultural and historical sites in the province.
