DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora Forge Partnership for Heritage Preservation and Tourism Advancement

On the occasion of the 125th Philippine Independence Day at the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco pledged collaboration with the local government of San Juan to preserve and promote the city’s rich heritage and historical sites. The commitment aims to further advance the country’s tourism industry.

Following the ceremonial wreath-laying and offering of flowers at the Spirit of Pinaglabanan, Secretary Frasco, in her speech, emphasized the theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan” and highlighted the unity of Filipinos despite their diversity. She spoke of moving towards a future where every Filipino has an opportunity to succeed and live a decent life, echoing the vision of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for economic prosperity.

Secretary Frasco underscored the significance of the strength of the Filipino spirit, particularly recalling the first battle of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonizers that took place at Pinaglabanan.

Joining the commemorative ceremonies were Congresswoman Ysabel Maria Zamora, NHCP Chief Restoration Architect Reynaldo Lita, Mayor Zamora’s wife Keri Zamora, and PNP Eastern Police District Director Police Brigadier General Wilson Asueta, among other city officials.

Hop-On Hop-Off in San Juan

Mayor Zamora expressed gratitude to Secretary Frasco for supporting San Juan’s planned inclusion in the DOT’s Hop-On Hop-Off tour. This program showcases historical sites and art galleries throughout the metro, providing tourists with convenience and flexibility in touring destinations.

Mayor Zamora stated, “I am deeply grateful to our esteemed guest, Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, because as the head of the Department of Tourism, I know she can greatly contribute to making this sacred place known not only to Filipinos in our country but also to those overseas.”

San Juan’s inclusion in the program will enhance the city’s cultural, arts, and historical portfolio, featuring the 140-year-old historic underground tunnel beneath the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine, known as the El Deposito tunnel.

Secretary Frasco highlighted the massive potential for tourism development and education, both for Filipinos and international visitors. The El Deposito tunnel, the country’s first water reservoir, is one of the oldest and largest remaining Spanish artifacts in the Philippines, drawing hundreds of students on field trips and educational tours.

Secretary Frasco affirmed, “On behalf of the DOT and under the administration of our President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., we are here to fully support the initiatives of the local government of San Juan.”