Gen. McArthur gets immortalized in Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Feb 1 (PNA) - City officials lead by Mayor Constantino G. Jaraula will lead on Friday morning, the formal groundbreaking rites signalling the construction of General Douglas McArthur's marker at the Old Pier in Barangay Macabalan, here.

This developed even as a top official from the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation based in Norfolk, Virginia expressed elation over the city government’s preparation for the commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of the landing of World War II hero Gen. Douglas McArthur here on March 13.

“I know that we will be able to help each other and preserve the legacy of General MacArthur,” says Bill Davis of the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation, in a handwritten letter sent to Mayor Jaraula.

“Please let me know (of) your plans for the MacArthur monument dedication once they are finalized,” Davis added.

Extremely passionate about the project in an attempt to relive history, the mayor even went to Norfolk, Virginia last December. Davis gave Jaraula a tour of the McArthur Museum and Library. He was received warmly by the Norfolk city officials, who expressed enthusiasm to visit Cagayan de Oro and forge a sisterhood city agreement.

After the marker's completion and innauguration, Mayor Jaraula envisions to make it one of the Philippines' top destinations.

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney and other US government officials are expected to attend the event.

The establishment of the marker, which will have five huge stars as its foundation, a giant replica of McArthur’s hat as its roofing, a replica of a PT Boat, souvenir shops as well as a park, could be an instrument in strenghtening further the diplomatic ties between Cagayan de Oro and the American governments.

According to history, Gen. McArthur landed at the Macabalan Wharf at dawn on March 13, 1945, aboard a PT Boat with submarines and proceeded to Del Monte Clubhouse where he uttered the famous line, “I shall return” before his departure to Australia.

As part of the city’s grand preparation, Mayor Jaraula recently signed Executive Order No. 2008 CGJ 004 creating the MacArthur Marker Committee (MMC) with Engr. Elpidio Paras as chairman; Engr. Ruben Vegafria, vice chairman; Frank Rolida, treasurer; Arch. Richard Tan, secretary and Hong See, Albino Limketkai, Rodolfo Meñes, John Mark Sarraga and Pastor Genesis Udang as members.

The MMC is tasked to assist the city government in the establishment and construction of the MacArthur Marker; accept donations and raise funds as may be necessary; open bank account, dollar and peso denomination, with any bank under the name of the committee with the MMC chairman, MMC treasurer and the city mayor as signatories. (PNA)