Burauen opens restored park honoring Norberto Romualdez Sr.

The local government in Burauen, Leyte officially opened a renovated park on Friday to honor President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s grand uncle, Norberto Romualdez Sr., who was born and played a significant role in enriching local literature.

Mayor Juanito Renomeron led the launch of the restored 177-square meter park, which includes refurbishing the original monument and constructing a pavilion, benches, and path walk near the town's Roman Catholic church.

The PHP500,000 restoration project began last May and was completed on June 8, with assistance from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The park is located at the corner of Sta. Ana and Ave Maria Streets where Romualdez once lived.

Norberto Romualdez, born in Burauen on June 6, 1875, was a distinguished figure who served as an educator, jurist, writer, and statesman. He authored a Visayan grammar book for American soldiers in 1908 and founded the Academy of the Visayan Language to promote Waray-Waray.

The local tourism office designated June 6 every year as Norberto Romualdez Sr. Day and named him a local hero, recognizing his contributions to Leyte's cultural heritage.