Iriga to fete famed daughter Nora Aunor with statue
IRIGA CITY—A railway station once known mainly as a stop for the Bicol Express may soon become a major tourist destination.
The city government has unveiled plans to build a monument in honor of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, popularly known as Nora Aunor or Ate Guy.
Still in its preparatory phase, the project is set to begin construction beside the Philippine National Railways (PNR) station on Felix Monte Street in Barangay San Francisco, where a young Aunor once sold ice water and peanuts before rising to unprecedented national fame as one of the country’s most-acclaimed and adored show-business personalities.
The local government unit and PNR officials are optimistic that the tribute will transform the area into a cultural landmark.
“This is more than a statue. It’s an invitation to rediscover Iriga through the lens of history and hope,” Mayor Wilfredo Rex Oliva said in an interview on Monday.
Humble beginnings
Based on city engineering plans, the monument will feature a half-body, life-size (1.7-meter) statue of Aunor alongside a 1.4-meter bust. Both will be mounted on a circular platform with a total diameter of 7.6 meters.
Once completed, the structure will stand nearly four meters high and include a depiction at its base of a child selling water—symbolizing Aunor’s humble beginnings.
The PNR has expressed full support for the project, viewing it as both a tribute to shared history and a potential tourism boost.
“Nora Aunor’s story is part of PNR’s story. She used to sell goods here, and she rode the train to Manila in pursuit of her dreams. This monument brings dignity to that journey,” said PNR General Manager Deovanni Miranda in a separate interview on Wednesday.
“The (statue’s) location won’t disrupt train operations, but it will be easy for travelers and tourists to visit and appreciate,” he said.
“This will have a big impact. It will encourage tourism and promote the train as a viable and scenic way to travel,” he added.
Family’s blessing
Aunor rose to stardom after winning a singing contest in Manila. She went on to build a colorful, legendary career as a multi-awarded actress and performer, eventually getting conferred the title of National Artist in 2022.
Oliva said he has informed Aunor’s son, actor Ian de Leon, about the monument. De Leon expressed his family’s gratitude, calling the project a fitting tribute to his mother’s legacy.
The Iriga City Council has already declared May 21 as Nora Aunor Day, and the planned statue is expected to lend further significance to the annual celebration.
