Lingayen World War II Memorial unveiled

MANILA, Philippines - The Pangasinan Provincial Government in partnership with Philippine Veterans Bank and the Veterans Federation of the Philippines recently unveiled the newly refurbished Lingayen World War II memorial, located at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, Lingayen, Pangasinan.

The memorial is a tribute to the Filipino Freedom fighters and remembers the historic Lingayen Gulf Landing of the Allied forces close to 65 years ago under the command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. The landing paved the way for the complete retaking of Luzon and surrender of the Japanese forces led by Gen. Yamashita nine months later.

The unveiling was led by Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr., Vice Gov. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, PVB president and CEO Ricardo Balbido Jr. and National Historical Institute (NHI) deputy executive director Emelita Almosara.

The project entailed the updating of the history panels and photo display, with a timeline of events and paintings that documented the landing and Pangasinan during the war. The pillars in the center of the Memorial now contain new WWII memorabilia and artifacts.