IN COMMEMORATION of the spirit of resiliency, determination and unity of the Kapampangans amid the huge devastation wrought by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, the Provincial Government of Pampanga, together with the business and private sector in the City of San Fernando, is eyeing the construction of a P50-million Mount Pinatubo monument made of bronze.
In a meeting, Governor Lilia Pineda, businessman Levy Laus, renowned Kapampangan sculptor Willie Layug, Engineer Marni Castro, Board Member Rosve Henson and Provincial Administrator Andres Pangilinan Jr. agreed to put up the proposed 38-feet monument along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) beside the San Fernando North Exit.
Pineda said the monument will be the symbol of hope for present and future Kapampangans highlighting the miracle of resiliency despite being nearly buried by lahar flows and volcanic ashes.
“Napakaimportante nito kasi ipapakita nito na nakatayo pa rin ang mga Kapampangan kahit akala ng mga tao na hindi na tayo babangon. Maganda rin ito para makita ng mga susunod na henerasyon kasi parang milagro ito (This is very important as it will show that Kapampangans have bounced back when others thought otherwise. This will also be good for future generations because this is a miracle),” she said.
Laus said the monument was tasked to them by Pineda for the 25th anniversary of Mount Pinatubo eruption but it took a while because they had to look first for a strategic location within the city.
“We are getting the support and cooperation of North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Corporation and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will write to NLEx for a usufruct for a particular island at the San Fernando North Exit,” he said.
He added that Layug produced a concept that will capture the struggle of the Kapampangans, the people behind it, and the present state where there is triumph over adversity of eruption and calamities brought about by the Pinatubo eruption.
“Artisan Willy Layug from Betis produced the initial design of the monument where it will portray the struggles, efforts, and triumph of the Kapampangans over adversity,” Laus said.
Layug, meanwhile, explained that this will be a great challenge for him to create the monument. He said the monument will be made of bronze, 38 feet in height, and will be adorned with lights and landscaping.
He added that they are eyeing to finish the monument by the first quarter of next year.
Henson, for his part, said the Provincial Board is looking to provide the necessary budget and funding of about P50 million, with support from the private sector.
He said they will authorize the governor to enter into a negotiation with the Manila North Tollways Corporation for a usufruct contract for the usage of a piece of land near the San Fernando North Exit.
The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 is considered the second largest volcanic eruption in the twentieth century that caused massive destruction not only in Pampanga but also in neighboring provinces. (Philip Ocampo/Pampanga PIO)