ANTIQUE – The provincial government of Antique will relocate the iconic “First Malayan Settlement” historical marker from Malandog Elementary School to the Malandog River Esplanade in Barangay Malandog, Hamtic, to improve visitor safety, accessibility and tourism development.
Tourism Promotion Officer Celestino Dalumpines IV of the Office of the Provincial Tourism Officer confirmed on Thursday that the marker would be transferred to Sitio Datu Sumakwel, where it will stand alongside the statues of the Ten Malay Datus.
Governor Paolo Javier, who also serves as provincial tourism officer, said the relocation would give the historical landmark a setting befitting its significance while making it more accessible and tourist-friendly.
The marker commemorates Hamtic’s historical association with the first Malayan settlement in the Philippines.
“We want to give the historical marker a place that reflects its importance in our history. We also want to make it more accessible and tourist-friendly,” Javier said.
He added that the provincial government wanted visitors to better appreciate Antique’s historical identity as the First Malayan Settlement.
The provincial government has allocated P3 million for the relocation and development of the new site. Planned improvements include a mural, landscaping and a man-made pond surrounding the 50-foot statues of the Ten Malay Datus.
The relocation and construction are expected to be completed in time for the Binirayan Festival in December.
Dalumpines cited safety and accessibility concerns at the marker’s current location as key reasons for the transfer.
The existing site occupies land owned by Malandog Elementary School, although Dalumpines clarified that the school administration had not requested the property’s return.
Its location along a busy national highway also poses risks to visitors, particularly schoolchildren joining educational field trips. The area has limited parking space and is frequently used by various vehicles, including large trucks.
The new location is expected to provide a safer environment and more parking facilities for tourists.
Beyond improving visitor access, the relocation is expected to support tourism development and generate livelihood opportunities for residents in nearby communities.
Dalumpines said a tour guide would be stationed at the esplanade to welcome visitors and explain the historical significance of the Malandog settlement and the Ten Malay Datus.
The site’s location along the Malandog River could also pave the way for future tourism ventures, including a possible river cruise with dining services.
Increased tourist arrivals are likewise expected to benefit local entrepreneurs through the sale of souvenirs, handicrafts and other locally made products./PN
