Monuments at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City, Philippines

The Plaza Independencia may be the most popular public park among Cebuanos. The public space teems with people on weekends doing a variety of activities ranging from picnics, school activity rehearsals, jogging, skateboarding, preaching, and many others.

One overlooked fact is that this plaza can also be used as an aid in teaching Philippine history. Educational field trips at Plaza Independencia will sure yield amazing results for students of Philippine history. Sadly though, little information about the history of Cebu can be gained from there. 

Monuments at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City, Philippines

One way of using Plaza Independencia as an aid in teaching Philippine history is to use the monuments that stand there as points of discussion. Continue reading to find out what monuments were erected in the plaza.

Legazpi Monuments 

There are two (2) memorials erected in the area of Plaza Independencia. The Legazpi Monument obelisk is on the north side of the plaza.

Legazpi Memorial obelisk at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City, Philippines

A life-size statue is right outside the northwestern corner of Fort San Pedro on Plaza Recoletos (generally accepted as an extension of Plaza Independencia).

Life-sized statue of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City, Philippines

President Ramon Magsaysay Monument 

Endeared as the "Idol of the Masses", former Philippine president Ramon Magsaysay has a monument erected in his honor at the Plaza Independencia. The Zambales-born Magsaysay died in a plane crash at Mount Manunggal in Cebu's Balamban town eight (8) months before his term as president ends in 1957.

President Ramon Magsaysay monument at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City, Philippines

Andres Bonifacio Monument 

Andres Bonifacio was among the founders of the Katipunan. He is also the most prominent leader of the organization that played a pivotal role in the fight towards Philippine independence from Spain. In his honor, he has a life-size statue at the southeastern section of Plaza Independencia.

Andres Bonifacio monument at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City, Philippines

Veterans Memorial 

A memorial to honor World War II veterans stands at the southern end of Plaza Independencia. Annual programs are held here on April 9th, the Araw ng Kagitingan holiday.

Veterans Memorial at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City, Philippines

Antonio Pigafetta Monument

One of the more obscurely-placed monuments at Plaza Independencia is the Antonio Pigafetta life-sized statue outside the southern wall of Fort San Pedro and fronting the Philippine Postal Corporation office. 

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