When is PHP7.8 million a fair price to pay to fix a flagpole? When it’s the flagpole from where the Philippine flag first flew over a newly-independent country in 1946.
That, at least, is the Department of Tourism’s explanation for the cost of the project, which earned criticism after netizens noticed a sign announcing the project. Photos of that sign spread online after the Million People March on Monday. The project is meant to restore the flagpole, damaged by a typhoon in 1995, to its original height of 150 feet.
“Restoring the Independence flagpole, which currently stands at 105 feet, to its original height of 150 feet requires the strengthening of the structural integrity and stability of the flagpole base, which involves a mechanically assisted pulley and a stately marble base,” the DOT said. It said the project was bidded out and that the price is “reasonable and consistent with prevailing market prices.”
The project is expected to be completed by December 30, 2013, the 100th year of the National Monument of Dr. Jose Rizal.
Photo: Philippine Presidential Museum and Library
