The place would be eventually transform into a major tourist destination.
The project could be likened to the Mt. Rushmore monument in South Dakota, United States where the faces of former US Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt were carved.
The project was launched during the formation of the 14th chapter of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) in Ilocos Sur.
Joining the NAITAS in the undertaking is the Travel Cooperative of the Philippines (TCP), which is said to be the first travel cooperative in the world.
The four Ilocano Presidents to be featured in the monument are Elpidio Quirino, who was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur; Ramon F. Magsaysay, who hailed from the Ilocano side of Castillejos, Zambales; Ferdinand E. Marcos, who was from Batac, Ilocos Norte; and Fidel V. Ramos, who is from Pangasinan.
The monument will be constructed on the side of the Bantay Mountain facing the historic Quirino Bridge that spanned the Banaoang River.
NAITAS said the project could make Bantay in particular and the region in general a destination for both local and foreign tourists.
Aside from the monument, also to be constructed in the area are a chapel, stores for local delicacies and products and a perpetual light.
A foundation will be created to handle the particulars of the project.
It will be initially known as the Right Foundation with leaders of the travel and tourism industry as incorporators.
Completion of the project is targetted in three years.
Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson was appointed chairman emeritus of the project committee when the NAITAS officers presented to him the plan for the project.
Incumbent Ilocos Sur Govenor DV Savellano also accepted the vice chairmanship and membership in the executive committee.
Mila Magsaysay, daughter of the late President Magsaysay, and Eddie Quirino, grandson of the late President Quirino, were enthusiastic about the project and expressed their support for it.
The group will tap the assistance of the Marcos and Ramos foundations and the provincial governments of Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan and Zambales.
Well-known architect Jun Palafox has agreed to undertake the project for free.
Informed about the project, many local officials in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Zambales and Pangasinan are also excited about the project.
Some Ilocos Sur officials said the project would complement the Vigan World Heritage village which has been attracting both local and foreign tourists. (Freddie Lazaro)
