The local government of San Juan City in partnership with several private entities launched a street mural on Wednesday, May 10, in recognition of the heroism of several national heroes and the frontliners who braved through the Covid-19 pandemic. The inauguration of the Asphalt Art Street Project was led by San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, Makati Business Club (MBC) Executive Director Coco Alcuaz, Boysen Philippines marketing head Vergel Dyoco, Country Social Performance Manager of Shell Pilipinas Corporation Conrad Parizal, National Students Art Competition (NSAC) artists led by Master Artist Emil Aldrine Alarcon, and members of the San Juan City Council. The mural features the heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the heroes of the battle of Pinaglabanan led by Gen. Emilio Jacinto and Gat. Andres Bonifacio. Zamora said the Asphalt Art Project is inspired by Bloomberg Philantrophies’ Asphalt Art Initiative where visual interventions on roadways and pedestrian structures are placed via art to improve street safety and brighten up public spaces. The Asphalt Art Street Project proponents hope that the painted roadways will calm traffic and heighten the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. “Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa MBC, Shell, at Boysen sapagkat sa araw na ito ay meron tayong papasinayaan na Asphalt Art Street. Ito po ay isang napakagandang artwork kung saan ipinapakita po ang kahalagahan ng ating mga bayani na si Andres Bonifacio at Emilio Jacinto dito mismo sa tapat ng ating San Juan City Hall sa pedestrian crossing patawid ng Pinaglabanan Elementary School (I would like to express my gratitude to the MBC, Shell, and Boysen for this Asphalt Art Street. This is a very beautiful artwork displaying the importance of our national heroes Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto right in front of the San Juan City Hall at the pedestrian crossing opposite of Pinaglabanan Elementary School)," Zamora said. The mayor added that he hopes to create a lot more programs and initiatives such as the asphalt art project that aims to not just celebrate the heroism and patriotism of our heroes, but also symbolize San Juan's goal of being a sustainable city. For his part, Parizal said, “Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa San Juan at MBC sapagkat pinili niyo ang Shell Pilipinas na maging partner. Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga students na nagpinta dahil kayo ang tunay na bayani dito. Sa pagtatapos ng ating asphalt street art, ito po ay sumasagisag kung saan layunin ng ating lungsod na maging safe 'yung ating lugar. Mas magiging maaliwalas kasi napakaganda ng view at sinasagisag nito ang kabayanihan ng mga taga-San Juan (We are grateful to San Juan and the MBC because you've chosen Shell Pilipinas to be your partner. I would also like to say thanks to the students who painted the mural because you truly are heroes. At the end of our asphalt street art, this signifies our goal to make the city safe. The city's view will be more beautiful and pleasing to the eye, and it symbolizes the heroism of San Juaneños)." Dyoco expressed his gratitude to the mayor and all San Juaneños, and assured them that Boysen will remain a partner in beautifying the city. Meanwhile, Alcuaz said that the MBC's role is to become a bridge between the LGUs, agencies and  private companies in the creation of meaningful projects such as a the mural. Zamora said the Department of Tourism (DOT) has approved the inclusion of the Pinaglabanan Shrine in its Metro Manila “hop on, hop off” tour which includes other historical locations in Metro Manila. “Patuloy tayong gagawa ng paraan upang mas lalong makilala ang historical significance ng ating lungsod (We will continue to create programs to further make our historical significance known). We continue to give honor and reverence to our national heroes for the sacrifices they have made to bring us all to national independence," the mayor said.