By Ricky Bautista
CATBALOGAN CITY — In a collaborative effort led by the Samar Parole Probation Office, a successful cleanup drive was conducted on April 22, 2024, at Catbalogan Parola in Barangay Mercedes, Catbalogan City.
Participating in the cleanup drive was the Catbalogan City Tourism, Culture, Arts & Information Office (CTCAIO), as part of the “Adopt a Heritage Site” Project.
This project is a joint initiative between the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and The City Government of Catbalogan, led by City Mayor Dexter Uy.
Catbalogan Parola is a registered tangible immovable cultural property under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and is listed in the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP).
Perched atop a hill at the end of the New Antiao Bridge, Catbalogan Parola boasts a breathtaking view of the sea. Originally known as Cadena de Amor Park due to the abundance of the Cadena de Amor vine, it was later renamed Miramar Park for its stunning sea views.
Between 2014 and 2016, the Department of Tourism funded the “Seafront Tourism and Entertainment Park” project under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP).
This initiative aimed to convert the lighthouse area into a street food park and viewing deck. Unfortunately, the project faced challenges, including unstable soil and landslides caused by heavy rainfall, which halted its completion.
The new partnership seeks to ensure the regular maintenance of the area by the partner agencies in the coming months. It also aims to pave the way for the redevelopment of Catbalogan Parola as a significant heritage site for the community and mariners who rely on the lighthouse. (With additional reporting and photos from CCTCAIO)
