Of Historical Significance: A Walk at Plaza Independencia

On a fine sunny day, it is good to take a walk at Cebu City's Plaza Independencia. While this park is nestled at the city center, it is a relaxing place to go to.

Beyond its utility as a public park, it is a memorial to Cebu's history. The plaza has several monuments commemorating several historical personages connected to Cebu.

The first elegant monument at Plaza Independencia is the Legazpi Monument obelisk which honors Miguel Lopez de Legazpi,  a Spanish navigator and governor who established the first Spanish settlement in the East Indies. His expedition crossed the Pacific Ocean from the Viceroyalty of New Spain in modern-day Mexico and they arrived in Cebu in 1565. 

The Legazpi Monument obelisk. 

On the other side of the plaza, you will find the statue of former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay. It is a fitting tribute for him because his last flight took off from Cebu City's Lahug Airport and it crashed in Balamban town also in Cebu province. 

Monument of Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay 

On the further end of Plaza Independencia near the Malacañang sa Sugbo, you will see this memorial to the veterans who fought during World War II. 

Veterans Memorial 

I also like the garden at the plaza. It's a relaxing place to stroll right at the city center. It has nice landscaping featuring various plants.  

Gardens at Plaza Independencia 

On one edge, you can find a monument to the Augustinian Recollects. It was constructed to celebrate the four hundred (400) years of Augustinian Recollects' presence in the Philippines.  

Monument to the 400-year presence of the Augustinian Recollects
in the Philippines and Asia.

The stately Malacañang sa Sugbo which served as the official residence of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the Visayas is located adjacent to the park. It was previously known as the Aduana (Customs) building originally built in 1910 to house the Bureau of Customs (BOC) office of the Cebu City Port. It was designed by William E. Parsons, the architect of the Philippine Government from 1905–1914.

Facade of Malacañang sa Sugbo 

Strolling at Plaza Independencia can be both a recreation and learning activity. It is a good way to relax and relive history which significantly shaped our identity.