CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Finally, the historical monument of Kapampangan hero Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos has found its proper place in a park near the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Interchange along Jose Abad Santos Avenue here.
Last year, various groups and officials opposed the construction of the monument, which was located at the center island of the avenue. They cited the place was not befitting of a hero who sacrificed his life for democracy and freedom during the Japanese regime.
But on Monday, February 19, officials lauded the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 1st District Engineering Office and NLEx for providing the right location for the life-size bronze monument covered by a certificate of turnover and acceptance signed by the DPWH, NLEx, City of San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago and Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. president Jess Nicdao.
Abad Santos’ monument and marker was unveiled Monday in time for the commemoration of the late chief justice’s 132nd birth anniversary.
Santiago thanked the DPWH for installing a memorial along the avenue that was named after the hero. He said he hopes this will remind every passing motorist or tourist of the heroism of Abad Santos.
“It is with pride and honor to have a historical monument built in our city, the hometown of our beloved hero Jose Abad Santos. More than an additional tourist attraction, this monument will surely inspire fellow Fernandinos to reflect and relive the good deeds of the Chief Justice,” he said.
With Santiago during the unveiling of the monument were former President now Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. Davao City Representative Karlo Alexei Nograles, Governor Lilia Pineda, Pampanga mayors, Councilor BJ Lagman, DPWH officials headed by Regional Director Antonio Molano and District Engineer William Bustos, and the descendants of Abad Santos led by his granddaughter Susana Abad Santos Madrigal Eduque. (JTD)