“Every community bears witness to the aspirations and hardships of its forefathers.”
Malaybalay City’s Ereccion de Pueblo monument honors the town’s founding on June 1, 1877, when it came under Spanish domination. Nine human figures—one mounted—represent significant players in the historic agreement between the Spanish colonial administration and the local village chiefs at the monument in Plaza Rizal.
The contract marked the subordination of the local authorities to Spanish power in exchange for protection and recognition of their duties. The chief of the community around the Sacub River (now Rizal Park), Datu Mampaalong, was instrumental in persuading other leaders to embrace Christianity and Spanish rule
Don Jose Pares y Gallego, the military-political governor of Mindanao’s second district, is one of the personalities on the monument. The local chiefs Datu Mampaalong, Sugola, Mindaguin, Apang, and Bansag; the parish priest, Mateo Bernard de San Miguel; the deputy governor, Don Felipe Martinez; and the Spanish government secretary, Don Abelardo dela Cuesta y Cardenal.
The town’s founding, originally known as “Oroquita del Interior,” signaled the start of Malaybalay’s development as a municipality, with a territory that currently includes the whole province of Bukidnon. The word ” Erección de Pueblos” is a Spanish word that translates to “The Creation of the Town”.
The monument was originally intended to be erected close to Freedom Park, but because of site ownership concerns, it was ultimately moved to Plaza Rizal. The project was approved 12 years before its completion and construction began in October 2009. The figures are carved out of fiberglass, which is stronger and more durable than cement.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Rate:
- Entrance fee: The monument is free for the public and tourists to visit
Other Information:
- Always Open for the Public and Tourist
How to get there?
Exact Location of Erección de Pueblos Monumento in Malaybalay: 543H+HGX, Sayre Hwy, Malaybalay, Bukidnon
- Walk or Take a Tricycle: The monument is located in Plaza Rizal, which is a central area in Malaybalay City. If you’re staying near the city center, it’s just a short walk or you can take a tricycle (a common mode of transportation in the Philippines) to get there.
- Public Transportation: If you’re coming from a farther location within the city, you can take a jeepney or bus that passes through the city center and ask the driver to drop you off at Plaza Rizal.
It’s a fascinating piece of history that highlights the complex interactions between the indigenous people and the colonizers. Have you visited the monument, or are you planning to?
