CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Historian Michael Charleston "Xiao" Chua lauded on Tuesday the City Government's preservation of historical landmarks here.
Chua, who is known as a consultant for numerous historical films, said that the maintenance of the markers shows Fernandinos love for their culture and history.
"It is very good that they were able to preserve a lot of heritage houses and landmarks, especially those that were really resided by our local Kapampangan heroes. The spirit of nationalism is very much alive here," he said.
He added that preservation of the heritage houses shows the coordination of the city government and heroes' families who are in custody of the said landmarks.
He also cited the city's old train station which is restored and has been housing several exhibits for Fernandinos and tourists to visit.
Chua also commended the establishment Heroes Hall, an extension of the city hall where monuments of various local and national heroes are installed.
"I am very happy that the city has a Heroes Hall and a heroes park where people can see memorials of heroes, not only Kapampangans but national heroes as well," he stressed.
Chua said that the cooperation of teachers on the programs of the city which tackles its history and culture manifest that Fernandinos' awareness to their roots will be passed to younger generations.
"The consciousness of our teachers here is a positive sign of how the youth will benefit from it," he noted.
Chua expressed his hopes that the city will continue preserving its culture and reinforce its identification as Pampanga's heritage district despite the expected development.
"Nandiyan na yan e, nai-preserve na natin. Ngayon pa ba natin wawasakin? Let's just benefit from it. Ang kasaysayan parating may business side. We can develop and promote tourism through this," he asserted.
Chua, who served as resource person in this city's commemoration of the National Heroes Day, shared to teachers, students and government employees the value of preserving the freedom with discipline.
"Freedom is never absolute. Freedom must respect the freedom of others, meaning one's freedom must not put another person's sake in danger," he said.
