More than six decades ago, General Douglas MacArthur fulfilled his famous parting words, “I shall return.”

Mac Arthur with the American troops indeed returned to liberate the Philippines from the hands of the Japanese in Lingayen Gulf, Pangasinan on January 9, 1945.

Up to this day, the provincial government of Pangasinan commemorates the day. But since the day fell on a Sunday this year, the celebration was rescheduled to Monday, Jan.10.

Nonetheless, I saw some Pangasinense enjoying the afternoon at the Veterans Memorial Park, which is situated at the back of the Provincial Capitol.

Warcrafts used during the World War II can be found on display in this park. Snippets and snapshots of history were also posted for visitors to see.

The Lingayen Gulf covers 56 kilometers of the coastlines of Pangasinan and La Union. It’s best seen at the viewing deck of the American-inspired architecture of the Provincial Capitol.

Trivia:

-The name Pangasinan came from pang-asinan- which means a place where salt is made.

-The Provincial Capitol of Pangasinan constructed between 1917-1918 is considered to be one of the eight architectural treasures of the Philippines according to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. It was refurbished in 2007.

-The construction of the capitol building back in 1917 costs around Php 400,000, said Judith Cabillo (Youth Development Officer, Provincial Government of Pangasinan)

-Since 1901, Pangasinan has 27 governors. The streets of Pangasinan have been named after them.

Where to stay in Lingayen:

*El Puerto Marina Beach Resort and Spa

-www.elpuertomarina.com

Contact Numbers: 0920 950 6822 /0917 8674128

Other helpful link:

Department of Tourism-