GMA, Cavite — A former mayor of General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite has expressed concern and disappointment after a stage structure reportedly obstructed the monument of the town’s namesake hero at the municipal plaza.

In a statement, the former local chief executive said he was deeply troubled by what happened at Liwasang Mainam, the town’s central plaza, where a large stage equipped with a roof and LED wall was set up during a recent event. According to him, the structure nearly covered the statue of General Mariano Alvarez—a historical figure widely regarded as a symbol of the town’s heritage, honor, and identity.

The former mayor emphasized that monuments such as the statue of General Mariano Alvarez are not merely decorative structures but representations of the community’s history and collective memory. Seeing it almost hidden from public view, he said, raised concerns about whether the town’s cultural symbols are being given the respect and protection they deserve.

He also cited provisions from the Local Government Code of the Philippines, particularly the section outlining the responsibility of a municipal mayor to enforce laws and ordinances related to local governance. In addition, he pointed to Municipal Ordinance No. 2024-332, which sets rules on the use and preservation of Liwasang Mainam.

Under Section 6 of the ordinance, several acts are prohibited within the plaza, including placing structures or objects that may damage the monument or block the public view of it. Activities inconsistent with the intended purpose and order of the plaza are also restricted.

Based on these provisions, the former mayor suggested that obstructing the monument could potentially violate the ordinance. He therefore called on the Sangguniang Bayan, led by the town’s vice mayor, to conduct a thorough review of the incident and take appropriate action if necessary.

For him, the issue goes beyond a single event setup. It touches on how communities treat their historical landmarks and whether sufficient attention is given to preserving symbols that reflect local identity.

As towns and cities increasingly host public events in shared spaces, the situation raises a broader question: How can communities balance modern public activities with the responsibility of protecting historical monuments that represent their heritage?

(Larawan mula kay: Mayor Maricel Echevarria Torres / Facebook)