NHI unveils Honorio Lopez historical marker and monument

MORIONES, TONDO - The National Historical Institute (NHI) unveils on Saturday, January 16, 2010, a historical marker “Honorio Lopez” at the Moriones St., Tondo, Manila.

Honorio Lopez was born in Tondo and grew up in Sta. Cruz, Manila.  He studied at Letran where he got his bachelor of arts degree. He took the surveying course  at the University of Sto. Tomas.

When the revolution broke out, he sought Gen. Artemio Ricarte’s group and became the colonel in the Philippine revolution under Gen. Mariano Trias.  He was an official interpreter of the Philippine government.  Lopez, later entered politics and became councilor of Manila for 1916-1920 during the administration of Mayor Justo Lukban. During World War II, Lopez was imprisoned for giving moral and material assistance to the underground forces. After WWII, he worked for the promotion of peace and order and was responsible for the surrender of firearms and ammunitions to President Manuel Roxas. He became technical assistant  to President Magsaysay and then to President Carlos P. Garcia. Lopez joined  Freemasonry while remaining a Roman Catholic until his death on July 3, 1958.

In recognition of his services to the country in general, the City government of Manila renamed North Bay Boulevard to Honorio Lopez Boulevard in 1967.

The unveiling ceremony is being organized by NHI in cooperation with the Tondo Historical and Cultural Society.

NHI Executive Director,  Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and the descendants of the honoree will lead the unveiling and wreath-laying ceremonies.  The marker shall be officially turned-over to the City Government of Manila. Hon. NHI Deputy Executive Director Emelita V. Almosara, Cong. Benjamin “Atong” Asilo and Cong. Jaime C. Lopez  will stand as witnesses during the signing of the Certificate of Transfer of the historical marker.

The NHI is a national government agency mandated to promote and preserve Philippine history and heritage through research, information dissemination, conservation, including the marking of historic sites and structures, and the maintenance and administration of national shrines, monuments and landmarks.

For more information, contact Eleonor B. Samonte at NHI, tel. 5231037/5239050.