Mayor Isko to lead Jones Bridge inauguration on Sunday
Published Nov 23, 2019 12:00 am
By Erma Edera
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso will lead the inauguration of the newly refurbished historical Jones Bridge in Binondo on Sunday, November 24, 2019.
Aside from restoring the bridge to its near-original design and rewire the Paris-inspired ornate street lampposts, the La Madre Filipina Statue which was relocated to Rizal Park for decades will likewise return to Jones Bridge – its original home.
(Photos by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno)
On Friday, the City of Manila and the National Parks Development Committee signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the transfer of La Madre Filipina sculpture, symbol of Filipina motherhood stationed at the pillars of Puenta de Piedra, which was later named Jones Bridge during the American period.
During World War II, one of the four statues was damaged, while the other statue was relocated to Rizal Park. The other two are now displayed in the Court of Appeals.
Fulfilling a campaign promise, the restoration project is part of Moreno’s bid to preserve Manila’s heritage and to open more tourist destinations in the nation’s capital.
These include the installation of 80 new lamp posts and ornamental plants on the bridge.
Solar road studs, or road lights to delineate road edges and center lines, have also been placed so that the bridge would be safe for motorists.
The lower walls on both sides of the bridge were painted gold to add to the nostalgic effect of the lights at night.
Opposite the original La Madre Filipina Statue, a replica of another La Madre sculpture which got lost during the war was placed on the bridge.
Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat was amazed at how Jones Bridge turned out to be.
“When I actually first saw the pictures of the Bridge, hindi ako makapaniwala. Para siyang postcard. Alam mo yung unang sinabi ko, Photoshop ba yan? (I was amazed. It was postcard-pretty. The first thing I said was ‘is that photo of Jones Bridge photoshopped?),” Puyat told Manila Bulletin.
Aside from the restoration, Puyat also wanted to revive the river trail.
“Sana buhayin natin yung river trail, kasi sa ibang bansa mayroong ganon. Tayo wala (I hope we can have a river trail because other countries have a river trail. We don’t have that here),” she said.
The Tourism secretary also said she admired the mayor’s efforts in reviving the cultural heritage in Manila.
Jones Bridge, also known as the “Queen of the Bridges” in Manila, was formerly the Puente de España (Bridge of Spain). The final design was created by architect Juan M. Arellano. It was later named after William Atkinson Jones in honor of the lawmaker who authored the Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916, also called the “Jones Law.”
The original design of the historical bridge had four plinths and four statues placed on pedestals at each end of the bridge. It was destroyed during World War II, including one of the statues.
It was reconstructed in 1946 with a new design. In 1998, it was partially restored by architect Conrad Onglao.
The famous bridge which crosses the Pasig River connecting Binondo to the west section of the city is the site where the Hollywood movie, “The Bourne Legacy” was filmed.
Moreno said they hired Jerry Acuzar, the architect behind the historical and heritage resort Las Casa Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan, as consultant for the lamp posts.
Around P20 million was donated by Chinese businessmen for the rehabilitation of the bridge.
Possible changes in Traslacion route
With the newly renovated Jones Bridge, Moreno said there might be changes in the traditional route of the Traslacion of the Black Nazarene which happens every January.
“I think there will be some rerouting. The local government, the church, and national government agencies are preparing for this,” he said during an inspection of the rehabilitation progress of the bridge early Saturday morning.
However, the mayor said he would prioritize the safety of the devotees aside from maintaining the beauty of the bridge.
“Beautification is good. But the safety of everyone is important to me. No kind of beauty could replace a person’s life,” Moreno said.
He said he would consult with other groups concerning preparations for the Traslacion.
“I do not want to preempt the decision,” he added.
Rerouting
Starting 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. today (Sunday), Jones Bridge will be closed to motorists to give way to inauguration rites.
Vehicles bound for Divisoria are advised to take McArthur Bridge to Sta. Cruz Church, U-turn at Plaza Sta. Cruz, straight to Dasmariñas Street, turn right to Quintin Paredes Street to point of destination.
Motorists bound for Taft Avenue, P. Burgos Street and, Roxas Boulevard are advised to take Juan Luna Street, turn to Muelle Dela Industria Riverside to Sta. Cruz area to point of destination
(Photos by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno)
On Friday, the City of Manila and the National Parks Development Committee signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the transfer of La Madre Filipina sculpture, symbol of Filipina motherhood stationed at the pillars of Puenta de Piedra, which was later named Jones Bridge during the American period.
During World War II, one of the four statues was damaged, while the other statue was relocated to Rizal Park. The other two are now displayed in the Court of Appeals.
Fulfilling a campaign promise, the restoration project is part of Moreno’s bid to preserve Manila’s heritage and to open more tourist destinations in the nation’s capital.
These include the installation of 80 new lamp posts and ornamental plants on the bridge.
Solar road studs, or road lights to delineate road edges and center lines, have also been placed so that the bridge would be safe for motorists.
The lower walls on both sides of the bridge were painted gold to add to the nostalgic effect of the lights at night.
Opposite the original La Madre Filipina Statue, a replica of another La Madre sculpture which got lost during the war was placed on the bridge.
Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat was amazed at how Jones Bridge turned out to be.
“When I actually first saw the pictures of the Bridge, hindi ako makapaniwala. Para siyang postcard. Alam mo yung unang sinabi ko, Photoshop ba yan? (I was amazed. It was postcard-pretty. The first thing I said was ‘is that photo of Jones Bridge photoshopped?),” Puyat told Manila Bulletin.
Aside from the restoration, Puyat also wanted to revive the river trail.
“Sana buhayin natin yung river trail, kasi sa ibang bansa mayroong ganon. Tayo wala (I hope we can have a river trail because other countries have a river trail. We don’t have that here),” she said.
The Tourism secretary also said she admired the mayor’s efforts in reviving the cultural heritage in Manila.
Jones Bridge, also known as the “Queen of the Bridges” in Manila, was formerly the Puente de España (Bridge of Spain). The final design was created by architect Juan M. Arellano. It was later named after William Atkinson Jones in honor of the lawmaker who authored the Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916, also called the “Jones Law.”
The original design of the historical bridge had four plinths and four statues placed on pedestals at each end of the bridge. It was destroyed during World War II, including one of the statues.
It was reconstructed in 1946 with a new design. In 1998, it was partially restored by architect Conrad Onglao.
The famous bridge which crosses the Pasig River connecting Binondo to the west section of the city is the site where the Hollywood movie, “The Bourne Legacy” was filmed.
Moreno said they hired Jerry Acuzar, the architect behind the historical and heritage resort Las Casa Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan, as consultant for the lamp posts.
Around P20 million was donated by Chinese businessmen for the rehabilitation of the bridge.
Possible changes in Traslacion route
With the newly renovated Jones Bridge, Moreno said there might be changes in the traditional route of the Traslacion of the Black Nazarene which happens every January.
“I think there will be some rerouting. The local government, the church, and national government agencies are preparing for this,” he said during an inspection of the rehabilitation progress of the bridge early Saturday morning.
However, the mayor said he would prioritize the safety of the devotees aside from maintaining the beauty of the bridge.
“Beautification is good. But the safety of everyone is important to me. No kind of beauty could replace a person’s life,” Moreno said.
He said he would consult with other groups concerning preparations for the Traslacion.
“I do not want to preempt the decision,” he added.
Rerouting
Starting 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. today (Sunday), Jones Bridge will be closed to motorists to give way to inauguration rites.
Vehicles bound for Divisoria are advised to take McArthur Bridge to Sta. Cruz Church, U-turn at Plaza Sta. Cruz, straight to Dasmariñas Street, turn right to Quintin Paredes Street to point of destination.
Motorists bound for Taft Avenue, P. Burgos Street and, Roxas Boulevard are advised to take Juan Luna Street, turn to Muelle Dela Industria Riverside to Sta. Cruz area to point of destination