The bust of Ferdinand Marcos along the Aspiras–Palispis Highway in Tuba, Benguet, Philippines, was a 30-meter (98 ft) concrete monument of President Ferdinand Marcos.
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The monument became a subject of controversy as its construction displaced indigenous Ibaloi residents in the sparsely populated area, and Ibaloi residents were reportedly forced to sell their land at very low prices.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Around 1978, the bust's construction began along Marcos Highway. The bust was constructed by the Philippine Tourism Authority and was meant to be the centerpiece of the 300-hectare (740-acre) Marcos Park that would include a golf course, sports club, convention center, and hotel.
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| The bust of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Monument at Mt. Shontoug |
The bust was positioned near the peak of Mt. Shontoug so it could be seen by Baguio-bound motorists as far as 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) away from the monument.
Sculptor Anselmo B. Dayag who built the Eagle of the North (Agoo, La Union) and Lion's Head (Kennon Rd. Baguio) was chosen to design the bust. Dayag died before completing the bust, as did an engineer hired to take over the project.
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| Anselmo B. Dayag, the builder of Marcos' Bust |
Prior to the sculptors' demise, scaffolding covered with plywood was reportedly erected to deliberately hide the bust's construction from the public. A typhoon later blew the scaffolding away, exposing the bust.
THE DESTRUCTION
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| Marcos Monument destroyed |
The bust was destroyed using dynamite before dawn on December 29, 2002, by suspected treasure hunters who thought that the bust contained parts of the rumored Yamashita treasure.
Benguet Governor Raul Mencio Molintas said that the police learned that a white Toyota FX van was around the area prior to the incident.
It was initially thought that the New People's Army was behind the bombing of the monument. The rebel group's Chadli Molintas Command claimed responsibility for the incident in a press release a day later.
THE BUST OF FERDINAND MARCOS SR. TODAY
Today, some of the remains of the bust are still seen on site.
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| Ferdinand Marcos Monument today |
Some, if not many, still drop by to take a photo or selfie with the bust.
In 2003, Baguio city mayor Ramon Labo Jr. made an offer to the Marcos family to restore the bust. Imelda Marcos, the widow of Ferdinand Marcos, treated the offer as a kind gesture, but stated that any move to fix the monument should be a "collective decision of the Marcoses and their supporters".
Bongbong Marcos, the son of the former president, said the family did not feel the need to have the bust fixed despite the offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related To Ferdinand Marcos
- Who built the statue of Ferdinand Marcos?
Sculptor Anselmo B. Dayag who built the Eagle of the North (Agoo, La Union) and Lion's Head (Kennon Rd. Baguio) was chosen to design the bust. - Why is it called Marcos Highway?
Marikina–Infanta Highway or Marikina–Infanta Road is alternatively known as Marcos Highway, after former President Ferdinand Marcos. It is more known as such especially in Metro Manila and Rizal. - What are the projects of Marcos?
Buildings cited as examples of the Marcos era edifice complex include the buildings of the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex (conceived in 1966), the San Juanico Bridge (conceived in 1969), the Philippine International Convention Center (conceived in 1974), the Philippine Heart Center (conceived in 1975) and more. - Is Marcos highway better than Kennon Road?
Marcos Highway, which starts from Agoo, La Union, and Naguilian Highway, which starts from Bauang, La Union, are longer routes but are safer than Kennon Road and are the preferred routes for coaches, buses and lorries.
READ MORE ABOUT FERDINAND MARCOS
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