The city of Dagupan, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Ilocos Region, recently broke ground for the MacArthur Landing Museum at Bonuan-Tondaligan village.
For decades, the precise location of MacArthur’s historic landing on January 9, 1945, has been a topic of contention, with the towns of Binmaley, Lingayen, San Fabian, and the city of Dagupan each staking a claim.
However, new evidence has finally settled the debate.
James Zobel, historian and archivist at the MacArthur Memorial in the United States of America (USA), confirmed the exact site of General Douglas MacArthur’s landing that marked the fulfillment of his iconic vow, “I shall return.”
His recent lecture at the CSI Stadia in Dagupan City presented a photograph taken by Time-Life photographer Karl Midens on Jan. 9, 1945, that captured MacArthur stepping onto Blue Beach in Bonuan-Tondaligan, Dagupan City.
Supporting this are the office diaries of MacArthur and his aides that detail their movements that day.
“At 2:00 PM, MacArthur, accompanied by Generals Sutherland, Aiken, and Marshall, landed at Blue Beach No. 2,” Zobel stated, citing a document with proof.
The personal diary of General Richard Marshall further confirmed this account.
“We went ashore at 2:00 PM, Blue Beach No. 2,” the diary stated.
Significance of arrival
Though MacArthur’s return to Leyte on Oct. 20, 1944, began the Philippine campaign, his arrival in Pangasinan gave the Allies a strong position to advance toward Manila, cut off Japanese supplies, and lead to the city’s liberation.
Confirming that he first stepped onto Dagupan’s Blue Beach highlights its role in the Allied victory and strengthens its role as a historical landmark.
Tribute to history
The confirmation inspired plans for a museum to help future generations understand MacArthur’s return.
Phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed within a year, with a budget of 60 million pesos, funded through the office of Senator Grace Poe, according to Architect Julius Gazeta of DPWH Region 1.
Mayor Belen Fernandez emphasized that the museum would remind future generations that a promise once made and honored can shape history and inspire hope.
“In this area, we will tell our children not only about the path that led to the liberation of the Philippines but also about the development and progress of the country, including our city of Dagupan,” Fernandez said.
She expressed gratitude to Zobel for providing facts that will help preserve the site’s historical significance.
Inspiring young minds
In a phone interview on March 4, Dagupan City resident and senior high school student Angela Grace Capua said the lecture was a great way for young people to fact-check history and remember MacArthur’s purpose in returning.
“As Dagupeños, it is our pride and honor that our ancestors witnessed such a significant historical event. In a way, we became part of something meaningful,” she said.
With the confirmation of MacArthur’s first landing site in Dagupan City, history now stands on firmer ground.
The construction of the MacArthur Landing Museum ensures that the story of courage, liberation, and fulfilled promises remains alive for future generations. (CCMT/AMB/JCDR, PIA Pangasinan)
