DBM allots P25M for Corregidor

Malacañang has earmarked P25 million for the refurbishing of historical facilities in Corregidor due to the rising number of tourists arriving in the island, according to Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad.

“The Aquino administration recognizes the importance of preserving historical sites like Corregidor,” Abad said. “Apart from preserving our cultural heritage, this also supports our bid to boost tourism in the country.”

Also known as “The Rock,” Corregidor symbolizes for many the courage, valor and heroism of Filipino soldiers who fought side by side with the Americans during World War II.

“That is certainly a cultural heritage that we would want to preserve and showcase to the world,” the budget chief said.

Abad added that the implementation of the restoration project is needed to save the historical structures in Corregidor Island from collapsing.

The fund release, which is part of the P72-billion economic stimulus package, will go to the continuation of structural retrofitting of the Cine Corregidor Building.

The fund will also cover the cost of peripheral works such as the concreting of access roads, solar lampposts installation and the installation of new solar panels for the Pacific War Museum’s power supply system.

“Completion of the project is necessary since there is a 7-percent increase in the number of tourist arrivals in Corregidor to 76,224 so far this year from 70,891 in 2010,” Abad said.

“This is aside from the upcoming international marathon event on Dec. 19, which is expected to bring 500 to 1,000 runners in the island,” he added.