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LAOAG CITY - PLACES OF INTEREST |
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ILOCANO HEROES HALL Another milestone in the province’s infrastructural development happened in the 70’s when a significant landmark found in the heart of Laoag was finally completed – the Ilocos Norte Heroes Memorial Hall (INHM) or more popularly known as “Heroes Hall”. Formerly called “Ablan Heroes’ Memorial Hall”, this edifice is situated just a stone-thrown away from the Laoag City Plaza, Marcos Hall of Justice, Laoag Central School, Laoag Bell Tower, Aglipay and Roman Catholic Churches, the Laoag City Hall and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte. It took over a period of 33 years for tis building to be finished. The area where the Heroes Hall stands today has a significant contribution to our province’s history. It once was a spacious open ground which served as the regular venue for large social, cultural and political events such as civic-military parades, folk dances, playground demonstrations, trade fairs, political rallies, evening dances, coronation rites and carnival shows. When the Gabaldon building of the Laoag Central School was established in 1929, it remained an open ground until its construction began after the Second World War. The construction of the Ablan Heroes’ Memorial Hall started during the incumbency of Dr. Damaso T. Samonte as the first district congressman of Ilocos Norte 1946 to 1949. Unfortunately, shortage of funds caused the project to stop. However, with Gov. Elizabeth Marcos Keon’s motion, the provincial board of ilocos Norte approved in 1971 resolution no. 48 appropriatin P10,000.00 from the Roads and Bridge Fund of the province for the completion of the Ablan Heroes Memorial Hall and more improvements were made in 1974. With the direction of Gov. Elizabeth Marcos-Keon, the Ablan Heroes’ Memorial Hall was renamed Ilocos Norte Memorial Hall in dedication to all the heroes of Ilocos Norte. Once regarded as an architectural marvel and symbol progress in the province, the Heroes Hall today is a covered four-storey with rooftop overlooking the Padsan River or Laoag River and the entire span of the Gilbert Bridge. Its design is characterized by a dramatic use of columns and arch-windows like those of American government buildings. Content: Ilocos Norte Provincial Library
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