Bantayog ng mga Bayani in QC: Remembering the Martyrs and Heroes of Martial Law
On September 21, 1972, late dictator Ferdinand Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1081, which put the whole of Philippines under Martial Law. It was only two days later when he appeared on television to formally announce it, citing threat of rebellion and communism as reason.
The period is by far one of the darkest in Philippine history as it is marked by thousands of killings, human rights violations, and extreme media censorship. Number of victims still remain unclear as thousands remain missing and unaccounted for.
And as a way to honor the martyrs and heroes who wholly offered their lives for the country’s freedom, justice, and democracy during the period, Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation was formed.
Meaning monument to the heroes, Bantayog ng mga Bayani stands along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City. The seemingly unassuming building houses years of history, aimed to never let people forget the Martial Law era and the people who fought against it.
Probably the most known feature of the memorial center, the 35-foot Inang Bayan (motherland) sculpture by Eduardo Castrillo depicts a woman cradling a man, representing the Philippines and the fallen martyrs.
In the open amphitheater behind the statue, on the other hand, is the Wall of Remembrance, which are slabs of black granite carved with names of heroes and martyrs who valiantly fought the Marcos regime in gold.
Inside the two-story center is the Bantayog Library & Archives, Hall of Remembrance, and Museo ng Bantayog. The first level is solely dedicated to the Bantayog Library & Archives, where documents, newspapers, magazines, books, references, and other relevant materials to the period can be found.
On the right side of the second level is where the Hall of Remembrance is located. It details more on the lives of the martyrs and heroes whose names can be found on the Wall of Remembrance. It is divided according to their professions like students, labor workers, and religious members.
To the left is the Museo ng Bantayog or the Bantayog Museum, which narrates the events from pre-Martial Law era leading to its end in 1986.
The museum has photographs, documents, and other artifacts that help people better understand the happenings and atrocities of the Martial Law era.
Inside the museum is a depiction of a cell of a political prisoner during Martial Law
There is also a small theater room in the center—the Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco Auditorium is where film showings and programs organized by the foundation is held.
It is best to visit the memorial center with a guide to have a better understanding of the artifacts inside. Bantayog offers guided tours from Tuesday to Friday at 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
How to get here
- Bantayog ng mga Bayani is located along the stretch of Quezon Avenue.
- From EDSA, take a bus going to UE Letre and get off at Eton Centris. The memorial center is only a few walks behind the mall.
General information
Address: Quezon Ave., Barangay Pinyahan, Diliman, Quezon City
Business hours: Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: 02-985-1126 / 0977-622-0828 / 0908-505-4761
Email: bantayog@bantayog.foundation / museum@bantayog.foundation
Website: bantayog.org
Facebook: facebook.com/bantayogngmgabayani
This first appeared in Philippine Primer Japanese and English magazine’s September 2019 issue.
