PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PHILLIPINE ARMY鈥橲 8th INFANTRY DIVISION
TACLOBAN CITY 鈥� The MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte, has secured the 15th spot in Google Maps鈥� list of the Top 20 Most Searched Tourist Attractions in the Philippines鈥攁 recognition that highlights the growing interest in Leyte鈥檚 historical significance.
Frances Anne Petilla, provincial tourism consultant and wife of Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla, welcomed the ranking as a testament to the province鈥檚 rich heritage and the ongoing efforts to promote its tourism sector.
鈥淭his recognition is heartwarming, as it reflects the growing interest in our province鈥檚 rich history and the collective efforts to enhance tourism in Leyte,鈥� Petilla said in a statement on Wednesday, Feb. 26.
鈥淪eeing Leyte鈥檚 landmarks receive such recognition motivates us even more to preserve and promote our cultural and historical treasures,鈥� she added.
READ: MacArthur Park in Leyte gets facelift ahead of 80th landings anniv
No data was provided as to the number of visitors at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, a key historical site where the annual commemoration of the return of General Douglas MacArthur and Allied forces on October 20, 1944 during World War II, marking the beginning of the Philippines鈥� liberation from Japanese occupation.
The site has since become a major tourist attraction, drawing both local and international visitors.
The MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park is situated on a 6.78-hectare area in Barangay Candahug in Palo that features seven double-life-size bronze statues on a man-made pool depicting the return of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Leyte province.
MacArthur Park was declared a national park on July 12, 1977, through Letter of Instructions No. 572 signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos.
Last year, the Leyte provincial government allocated P40 million for the rehabilitation of the park which included the construction of a lagoon and restaurants.
Google Maps, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, has been instrumental in showcasing top destinations worldwide.
The platform鈥檚 Top 20 Most Reviewed Visitor Attractions in the Philippines features a mix of historical landmarks and natural wonders, with the Quezon Memorial Circle, Magellan鈥檚 Cross, and Temple of Leah leading the list.
With its inclusion in this prestigious ranking, the MacArthur Landing Memorial continues to stand as a symbol of bravery and freedom, reinforcing Leyte鈥檚 status as a must-visit historical destination in the Philippines.