Mount Nagpatong in Maragondon, Cavite, stood witness to the 1898 assassination of Gat Andres Bonifacio, considered the national hero of the poor, oppressed, and exploited.
Wittingly or unwittingly, however, 126 years after the tragic execution, the same town recognized his heroism and contribution to the country’s liberation by constructing a shrine cum eco-tourism park in his honor.
This is one of the historical sites across the country ordered rehabilitated and enhanced under the administration of President R. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in an effort to preserve such historical locations of national pride and importance.
Upon the directives of President Marcos Jr. right after he assumed office, the Gat Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park, through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) was completed on April 26, 2023.
Restoration and preservation of historical sites is in line with PBBM’s “Build Better More,” an ambitious infrastructure program under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
With the efforts of his administration, visitors can now enjoy the charm of the environment and at the same time reminisce about the rich cultural and historical memories of the past that unfolded within the shrine.
At the heart of the Gat Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-Tourism Park lies a magnificent relief mural, depicting the hero’s contribution to the country’s independence, his sacrifices, and the values he stood for.
Thanks to President Marcos Jr., visitors of all ages can travel back in time and explore for themselves Bonifacio’s sacrifices, teachings, and contributions.
The renovation and upgrade of the shine enhances Cavite’s historical identity while attracting travelers to explore the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty. (Photo courtesy: TIEZA)
Honoring “The Father of the Philippine Revolution”
Joel Cansin, a history professor, thanked the agencies and people behind this shrine in honor of the great plebeian. “This well-thought-out history and art combined make this park a cultural gem in the region,” he said.
Joel and his history class have been tracing the struggles of Bonifacio within the Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang, Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan, or KKK, and his tragic prosecution and execution at the hands of the last KKK leadership.
Cansin thanked the efforts of TIEZA to go beyond the usual cultural preservation, envisioning the Gat Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-Tourism Park as a catalyst for sustainable tourism and local economic growth.
One of his students, Nemia Salazar, noted that the shrine is perfect for history students and history buffs. ”This Gat Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-Tourism Park has become a meaningful blend of cultural preservation and sustainable tourism. It enhances Cavite’s historical identity while attracting travelers eager to explore the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty,” she added.
The renovation and upgrade of the shrine is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s flagship program, “Build Better More”, to create as many infrastructure projects as possible during his term. These projects include not only roads and bridges but the building or renovation of existing museums, parks, and other historical sites.
The history professor said that after Bonifacio and his brother Procopio were sentenced to death by the “kangaroo court,” they were executed in Mt. Nagpatong. On March 17, 1918, their bones were exhumed and placed in an urn and turned over to the National Library of the Philippines for safekeeping.
The bones, however, were lost due to the destruction of the Second World War. Gat Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-Tourism Park now stand where his remains were found.
The project features Maragondon’s natural charm and historical significance combined, making it a potential destination for families, students, and history enthusiasts.
An ideal destination for families, students, and history enthusiasts, the shrine stands to create more opportunities for employment and local businesses. (Photo courtesy: TIEZA)
Preserving history and shaping the community
On top of the historical contribution, this initiative likewise aims to provide long-term benefits to the community. The shrine also stands to create more employment opportunities, ranging from maintenance and tourism services to guiding and educational roles.
Local businesses are also poised to benefit from increased visitors. Restaurants, souvenir shops, and transportation services in the area stand to gain from the influx of tourists, boosting the local economy.
The Gat Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park has long been erected, but has been rehabilitated and upgraded by TIEZA, the infrastructure arm of the Department of Tourism, from April 5, 2022 until its completion on April 26, 2023.
Gat Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park is not only a place for historical significance; it is also a haven for nature lovers as well. It is a place where history and nature intertwined, creating a unique and enriching experience and a fitting tribute to a man who fought for the nation’s freedom, a place where that freedom could be enjoyed in peace and tranquility.
History would tell us that momentous events—good or bad, constructive or destructive—will be recorded and forever remembered. Let history then remember that during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s government, numerous historical sites and cultural heritage were preserved and restored. (PBS)
