SAN FERNANDO CITY -- Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin is now coordinating with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) for the re-acquisition of a historic steam locomotive formerly owned by the Pampanga Sugar Development Corporation (Pasudeco).
Lazatin has been initiating efforts to bring back the old steam engine, which was reportedly sold a couple of decades ago for still unknown reasons.
“We are now in the process of getting it back. We are currently coordinating with the NHCP if they can help us purchase it back,” he said.
The vice mayor cited the significance of the old Pasudeco train in the heritage of San Fernando, which was used during the early 1920’s for the importation of sugarcane.
He added that the said locomotive is among the remaining steam engines in the country that is still in good condition and still has its builder’s and number plates.
“We all know that Pasudeco is responsible in bringing up the economy of the whole Pampanga through sugarcane trade and this train is one of the instruments used to bring development,” Lazatin said.
Once re-acquired, he said that the steam locomotive may be put inside the San Fernando Old Train Station which now houses some of the World War II and Bataan Death March relics and artifacts donated by Fernandinos.
The NHCP Executive Director III Ludovico Badoy said that their office is willing to help the City Government in their concern, especially if it will promote the history of this city.
“We are glad that when it comes to history, culture and heritage, the City of San Fernando is always taking the initiative and as an agency whose mandate is to conserve and preserve the history of the country. It is our pleasure to help them,” he said.