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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Lapulapu monument relocated to Maria Orosa Street in Manila

Lapulapu monument relocated to Maria Orosa Street in Manila

Published May 17, 2025 02:08 pm

At A Glance

  • The monument was previously located at the Agripina Circle within the eastern portion of Rizal Park in Manila, but has been relocated to a more prominent and accessible site fronting Maria Orosa Street, where it can be seen more easily by pedestrians and visitors.

The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) will formally inaugurate the Lapulapu monument on Sunday, May 18, at its new location along Maria Orosa Street in Rizal Park, Manila.

The ceremony, set for 8:30 a.m., coincides with International Museum Day and will also include the unveiling of a new National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) marker officially recognizing the museum complex as the Pambansang Museo ng Pilipinas.

The monument was previously located at the Agripina Circle within the eastern portion of Rizal Park in Manila, but has been relocated to a more prominent and accessible site fronting Maria Orosa Street, where it can be seen more easily by pedestrians and visitors.

Former Senator and Tourism Secretary Richard J. Gordon, who secured support for the project during his time in office in 2005, will serve as the guest of honor.

The P28-million monument was a gift from the Korean Freedom League in tribute to Filipino soldiers who fought alongside South Korea during the Korean War, and to the heroism of Lapulapu, the first recorded Filipino hero.

“The French gifted the Statue of Liberty to the Americans, in tribute to the revolution that inspired their own,” Gordon explained.

“The Koreans followed that tradition and gifted us with the Sentinel of Freedom — honoring our shared fight for democracy.”

The monument highlights the continuity of Filipino resistance against foreign domination, from Lapulapu’s victory over Magellan in 1521, to the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, and through the Philippine Revolution, World War II, and the Korean War.

Now standing near Rizal’s monument, Lapu Lapu adds a new dimension to the national narrative.

Gordon acknowledged initial hesitation when informed of the relocation by NMP Director General Jeremy Barns, but said he now sees the benefit.

The reopening of the Maria Orosa Street gates will give the public easier access to the monument and museum grounds.

The ceremony also anticipates the 75th anniversary of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) in September.

“This monument reminds us — au naturel, by nature — that we are patriots,” Gordon concluded. “We are ready to fight for our country, and ready to serve.”

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