Samar to preserve ‘baluartes’
TACLOBAN CITY — The Samar provincial government is moving to preserve its centuries-old “baluartes” (bulwark or watchtowers) as part of its tourism program and to promote awareness of their historical significance.
The project, done in partnership with the University of Santo Tomas (UST), has identified at least 22 of these defensive structures, that were the locals’ sentinels against bandits, located in 11 towns in the province.
“Through this project, we aim to instill in the next generations an appreciation for the efforts of our ancestors who built these structures to safeguard Samar from Moro raiders (centuries ago),” said Gov. Sharee Ann Tan.
She expressed gratitude to UST and other partners such as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for their contributions to the project dubbed as “Safeguarding the Sentinels of the Samar Seas: Conservation of the Samar Fortifications.”
These defense structures, which were studied by the UST Graduate School for Conservation of Cultural Heritage and Preservation, can be found in Catbalogan City, the provincial capital; and in the towns of Basey, Jiabong, Zumarraga, Pinabacdao, Villareal, Tarangnan, Pagsanghan, Gandara, Paranas, and Santa Rita.
According to the study, these baluartes were built during the 19th century to protect locals from Moro raids.
The project began in 2017 when the provincial government invited UST to conduct a study and mapping of Samar’s historical watchtowers as part of its cultural heritage preservation initiative which complements the province’s tourism program, Spark Samar.
Dual purpose
It subsequently received funds amounting to P14 million from the Ambassador’s Fund of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes highlighted the dual purpose of the project, emphasizing the baluartes’ potential as tourism assets.
“We at the DOT are committed to sharing the stories of our ancestors, and this is where our role in the project comes in,” she said.
NHCP chairman Regalado Jose commended the provincial government’s initiative, announcing plans to install historical markers at these sites.
He also encouraged the people of Samar to deepen their understanding of their local history and culture.
“We need to become experts in our own history to truly appreciate and celebrate Samar’s rich cultural heritage,” Jose remarked.
Melanie Turingan, dean of UST’s Faculty of Arts and Letters, emphasizing Samar’s significance in Philippine history.
“Samar is considered one of the birthplaces of our civilization. It is high time for people to recognize the efforts of our ancestors and value the legacy they left behind,” she said.
