DPWH to remove 13 statues from Roxas Boulevard

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is planning to relocate 13 statues as part of a project to redevelop a segment of Roxas Boulevard into a “walkable” area, an official said yesterday.

The removal of the monuments was one of the suggestion of PGAA Creative Design. Its architect, Paolo Alcazaren, is the consultant for the redevelopment plan, according to engineer Joy Bacual, officer-in-charge of the DPWH-National Capital Region’s construction division.

Among the statues that would be relocated are those of former Presidents Jose Laurel, Ramon Magsaysay and Elpidio Quirino; former Vice President Salvador Laurel; former senator Benigno Aquino Jr.; National Artist for film Fernando Poe Jr.; diplomat Carlos Romulo; The STAR’s founding publisher, Maximo Soliven; and those of a family at play.

The proposal is to transfer them to strategic areas along Baywalk while others would be placed in plazas along the boulevard’s service road.

Bacual said the statues must be moved to give way to the construction of drains, sidewalks, gutters, and plant boxes.

She said they cannot proceed with the transfer without the consent of the families of those honored by statues depicting them. The DPWH has been sending out letters to these families, but not all of them have responded, she said.

In an earlier interview, DPWH-NCR director Reynaldo Tagudando said the idea of DOT and PGAA in their Roxas Boulevard Redevelopment Plan is to make a section of Roxas Boulevard, from T.M. Kalaw street to P. Ocampo street “walkable” to local and foreign tourists.

“This will be a Manila Bay walkable area wherein those passing through would be able to see the beautiful sunset,” Tagudando said.