‘Romulo’ regains footing on Leyte shores, thanks to MMDA

The 300-member contingent sent by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to the typhoon-ravaged provinces of Samar and Leyte is set to return next week after days of clearing debris and restoring some of the major structures.

Of the many devastated areas visited by the MMDA team, one was a historic World War II site that required special attention from MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino.

The agency on Thursday said workers supervised by Tolentino had restored the MacArthur Landing Memorial in Barangay Carandang, Palo, Leyte, which was damaged by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” on Nov. 8.

After being left unattended for 20 days, back on its feet was the statue of Gen. Carlos P. Romulo, who together with US Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur and other Allied commanders landed on Leyte on Oct. 20, 1944, to start the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation, the MMDA said. The memorial features six bronze figures.

“This historical monument that depicts our history should not be neglected. By restoring this memorial, we hope to inspire the Leyte people to rise again. Like what General McArthur declared, we shall return,” the MMDA chief said in the statement.

The MMDA sent rescue and relief units, including dump trucks and other equipment, to Tacloban City and Samar on Nov. 10, two days after Yolanda’s onslaught.