MacArthur Park in Leyte gets facelift ahead of 80th landings anniv

HISTORIC SITE The historic MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte, is being improved in preparation for the 80th Leyte Landings anniversary on Oct. 20. —Photo courtesy of Beyahero

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Philippines — The provincial government of Leyte is spending P40 million for the renovation of the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo town, ahead of the 80th anniversary of the historic landings on Oct. 20.

The renovation, which began in August, would be completed before the commemoration, according to Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla.

This is the first major renovation since the park underwent improvements for the 50th anniversary of the Leyte Landings in 1994.

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More enriching experience

“We understand that visitors may be disappointed by the ongoing works, and we apologize for any inconvenience. But we want the park to offer a more enriching experience not only for local tourists but also for visitors from outside Leyte,” said Petilla early this month.

The 6.8-hectare park, located at the province’s Government Center in Barangay Baras of Palo, is the site of the annual remembrance of the famous return on Oct. 20, 1944, of US Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who came with a group of seven that included then President-in-exile Sergio Osmeña and Filipino diplomat-turned-wartime Brig. Gen. Carlos P. Romulo, which marked the beginning of the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation during World War II.

Among the enhancements done in the park are new restaurants and the addition of a lagoon, which is expected to elevate the park’s appeal.

Petilla was optimistic the park would attract even more tourists once the renovation is completed.

“I was informed by AirAsia that Leyte is now the third busiest destination after Cebu and Boracay, which amazes me. We should take advantage of it,” he added. —Joey Gabieta