NEWSFLASH

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BALANGIGA HISTORICAL PARK FUNDED

Malacanang, May 4, 1998 - President Ramos has allotted P18 million for the development of the Balangiga historical park in Eastern Samar to house the Balangiga bells.

Eugenio Roy Daza, head of the Task Force Balik-Kampana project of the National Centennial Commission, said the initial release of P4 million from the President's calamity fund will be used to construct a belfry and fund renovation of the church near the park.

Last month, the Task Force went to Balangiga for consultations with local officials and church leaders. Town Mayor Renato Anistoso and other provincial officials agreed on the details of the project, such as the facelifting of the church facade, landscaping of the church surroundings, improvement of the playground, pathwalk, fence and facelifting of the auditorium.

The general objectives of the project are to preserve and promote the rich history of the town of Balangiga and to develop tourism as an instrument of economic growth.

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