Bayanihan Park Explained

Bayanihan Park
Location:Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City, Philippines
Coordinates:15.168459 120.586597
Area:7.5ha

Bayanihan Park is a park in Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City, Philippines.

Background

Bayanihan Park is geographically located in the city of Angeles, Philippines.[1] While the park is situated outside the physical gates of the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, the park itself covering an area of 7.5ha is declared as part of the freeport zone as per Republic Act No. 9400.[2]

It is formerly known as Astro Park. One of the major landmarks of the city of Angeles, the Salakot Arch, is situated inside the park. The structure's roof resembles that of a salakot, a traditional hat. It was built during the administration of then-President Ferdinand Marcos to commemorate the revision of the Military Bases Agreement between the Philippine and United States government in 1979. The deal recognized Philippine sovereignty over the Clark Air Base which was then controlled by the United States.[3] The Salakot Arch was formerly situated inside the Clark Air Base (which was later converted to the Clark Freeport Zone) but was later relocated inside the park. The park was renamed as the Bayanihan Park when the Clark Airbase was converted to a Philippine-controlled base.[4] The park serves as an area for recreational and sports activities and hosts basketball and volleyball courts.[3]

In November 30, 2018, the park serves as the venue for the countdown ceremony of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. A 15m (49feet) structure consisting of 11 rings representing the 11 participating countries were also built inside the park grounds for the countdown ceremony.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Historical Landmarks - Bayanihan Park . Provincial Government of Pampanga . 3 December 2018.
  2. News: Pelayo . Jay . Drainage improvement clogs traffic flow . 3 December 2018 . Sun.Star Pampanga . 30 January 2017.
  3. Web site: Landmarks . 3 December 2018 . Angeles City Local Government.
  4. News: Bayanihan Park . 3 December 2018 . City Guide Philippines . 12 October 2015.
  5. News: Cervantes . Ding . Countdown to SEA Games 2019 starts . 3 December 2018 . The Philippine Star . 2 December 2018.