PHL CONSULATE GENERAL IN AGANA TO INSTALL NEW STATUE OF APOLINARIO MABINI IN GUAM 05 September 2014 – Philippine Consul General Marciano R. De Borja was granted the rare opportunity of appearing before the Mayors’ Council of Guam (MCG) on September 04 to present his proposal for the installation and unveiling of a life-size statue of Apolinario Mabini In Guam to highlight the celebration of the Mabini Sesquicentennial. The Mabini Statue, sculpted by renowned Filipino artist Julie Lluch, is a donation of the First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (Faith). Consul General De Borja’s presentation during the MCG Regular Monthly Meeting on September 03 in Hagatna, Guam was arranged upon the suggestion of Mayor Vicente “Ben” Gumataotao of Piti village so that all the other mayors would have the chance to voice their ideas regarding the proposal. Consul General De Borja had earlier called on Mayor Gumataotao to discuss the project with him, Piti being the location of the port at which Mabini and the 45 other Filipino exiles first landed upon their arrival in Guam. The presentation of Consul General De Borja was approved by current MCG President Mayor Paul McDonald of Agana Heights. Consul General De Borja emphasized the historical significance of Guam to the life of Mabini, noting that his last two years alive were spent on the island as an exile. “Mabini is perhaps the most famous Filipino on Guam owing to the fact that he lived here as an exile. This project will not only reinforce the strong ties between the Philippines and Guam, but once installed, the Mabini Statue will not only serve as a potential tourist attraction for Filipinos visiting Guam but will also be a point of pride for Filipino-Guamanians,” Consul General De Borja told the mayors during his presentation. Nearly a third of the population of Guam are Filipinos or have Filipino heritage. The mayors responded by expressing strong support for the project and offered valuable suggestions and feedback immediately after the presentation. Piti Mayor Gumataotao and Asan-Maina Mayor Joana Margaret Blas agreed to discuss where the statue could be located, Asan-Maina being the acknowledged location of the presidio where Mabini and the other exiles were confined. Mayor Rudy Matanane of Yigo, on behalf of his Filipino constituents, also volunteered to provide the transportation and manpower once the statue is ready to be moved to its final site. Mayor Melissa Savares of Dededo suggested that several Filipino contractors who are well-established In Guam may be willing to do the the civil works necessary for the statue to be properly installed. The Philippine Consulate General hopes to unveil the Mabini Statue to the public before the end of the year. END
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 04:53:52 +0000
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