CATBALOGAN, Philippines — The City Government of Catbalogan has expressed deep concern over ongoing unauthorized demolition and development activities at Pieta Park, a significant local landmark. This comes after reports emerged that heavy equipment was deployed and initial work had commenced at the site, despite a lack of necessary permits.
On April 3, 2025, the City Engineering Office, which also serves as the Office of the Building Official responsible for enforcing the National Building Code, issued an official Notice of Violation. The notice ordered the immediate cessation of all activities at Pieta Park and instructed the responsible party to submit the required building permits within three days. The notice further warned that failure to comply would result in legal action.
Despite the notice, demolition activities continued, prompting a second inspection on April 5, 2025, by personnel from the City Engineering Office. Workers on-site assured authorities that they would cease demolition work and focus solely on debris clearing.
During the inspection, it was confirmed that the La Pieta (Madonna) statue was still intact.
However, by the end of the day, the City received reports that the statue had been destroyed, and demolition work had resumed.
City Mayor Dexter M. Uy swiftly ordered the City Administrator and the City Tourism Officer to visit the site and ensure all activities ceased. The foreman on-site was again informed that the work was being carried out without the required permits, and all activities must stop immediately.
In a conversation facilitated by the foreman, the property owner admitted to knowing the demolition was being done without permits. The owner also acknowledged cutting trees without authorization and claimed that the demolition, including the destruction of the La Pieta statue, was done with the knowledge of Father Noel and the Bishop. The owner stated that plans to improve the site were underway and promised to submit the necessary documents for permitting by Monday.
Mayor Uy emphasized that the City Government had acted promptly to enforce the law and protect the community’s cultural heritage. The City is actively engaging with the City Culture and Arts Council and the Katbaloganon Foundation Inc., the group responsible for establishing Pieta Park, to discuss next steps and ensure future compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
“We are fully committed to preserving the cultural heritage of Catbalogan,” Mayor Uy said.
“We will continue to work with all concerned stakeholders to resolve this matter and ensure that all developments are done in accordance with the law.”
In response to the ongoing situation, local historian Jhonil Bajado, a faculty member at the Samar State University (SSU), voiced his concerns about the potential cultural impact of the demolition.
“Pieta Park holds historical and cultural significance for the people of Catbalogan,” said Bajado.
“It was not just a site for reflection but also a symbol of our community’s shared values and heritage. The destruction of the La Pieta statue is a tragic loss, not just for the park, but for all of us who value our local history.”
Bajado further emphasized the importance of adhering to legal procedures when it comes to the preservation of historical sites.
“While development and improvement are important, it must be done in a way that respects our heritage. The community and experts in history, like those in SSU, must be consulted before making any drastic changes to places like Pieta Park.”
Meanwhile, Professor Ronald Orale, a vocal commenter on social issues in Samar, also expressed deep disappointment over the situation, calling it another example of neglecting the province’s cultural heritage in favor of profit-driven development.
In a passionate statement posted on social media, Orale wrote: “Here We Go Again: Another Heritage Site Lost in the Name of Profit”
“When our own provincial government and city officials allow the desecration of properties with historical and cultural significance, it sets a dangerous precedent. What follows is expected: private lot owners (in this case, the Church) will feel entitled to do the same,” Orale said.
He continued, recalling previous instances of heritage sites being destroyed in the pursuit of commercial gain, such as the demolition of the town’s first sports center, known as the grandstand, and the conversion of the old tennis court into a housing site for rebels.
“Today, history repeats itself. A new desecration unfolds—this time, at the plaza fronting the Catholic Church. Like many town plazas across the Philippines, this space has served as a venue for gatherings, resistance, prayer, and community life, especially during foreign occupations. In later years, it became Pieta Park, a sacred landmark to remember those who perished in the MV Doña Paz tragedy.”
Orale expressed outrage at the destruction of the La Pieta statue, a symbol of the community’s collective memory and reverence.
“Today, that park lies in ruin. The Pieta—a statue of Jesus and Mama Mary—has been vandalized or carelessly damaged, with Jesus nearly crushed and Mama Mary’s head severed.”
He also criticized the Church for allowing the statue’s destruction. “The Church allowed the crushing of the statue of Jesus and the beheading of Mama Mary’s statue? This isn’t leadership; it’s betrayal.”
Orale concluded with a call to action: “In a country where very few heritage sites remain, we keep losing them—not to war or disaster—but to sheer neglect and greed. What we see being built are commercial spaces, private profits, and forgotten values.”
He urged the public to demand better leadership and protection of the province’s cultural and historical sites.
“Samar is failing. We are not serious about protecting what’s left of our cultural and historical identity. Shame on our leaders—for not understanding the true value of these places. Shame on those who were entrusted with care, but instead sold it for revenue.”
Orale’s passionate remarks underscored the growing concern among local residents about the future of Catbalogan’s heritage and the role of government officials in preserving the city’s cultural landmarks.
“This is not the kind of leadership or legacy we should be proud of. Lame. Very lame. Never a good model. Never worth emulating. Ayaw kamo pagpa-tikang hin diri tama na susbaranan. (Don’t start a legacy that is wrong.)”
The City Government has vowed to keep the public informed as they continue to monitor the situation and collaborate with local organizations to safeguard the integrity of Pieta Park. | Ricky J. Bautista, The Samar Chronicle
