PLAZA DE PEARANDA

Governor Jose Ma. Pearanda was the first Governor of Albay. During
his regimen (1834-1840), he improved the coastal defense systems that lessened
the attacks of Moro and Dutch invaders. He was also responsible for the opening of
public highways and postal routes in Northern and Southern Luzon. He transformed
Albay into one of the most progressive provinces through his encouragement and
promotion of agriculture and industry. Thus at his death the people of Albay
perpetuated his memory with a
plaza

and

thoroughfare

bearing his name. The Plaza de

Albay located at the center of
Albay

Nuevo

(now

Albay

District) became the Plaza de

Pearanda or the Pearanda
Park and a highway was called
the

Pearanda

Street.

monument was also placed at

the plaza.

The Plaza de Pearanda (formerly known as Plaza de Albay) follows the

traditional style of Spanish type plazas, the park is surrounded by administrative and
religious institutions. The four prominent structures around it are - the Casa Gobierno
(now the City Hall of Legazpi), the Casa de Administracion de Hacienda (now
Provincial Capitol), the Casa Tribunal (now the site occupied by the Tourism
Building) and the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Great.

One of the measures of economic status of a town during the Spanish colonial
period was the presence of structures along the town plaza. The greater the number
of these structures, the more economically prosperous was the town. The reason
was that the townsfolk and not the government paid for their construction. As
indicated, we can say that Legazpi City is economically progressive during that
period.
Lies within the park is the historic Liberty Bell, it is
a bronze bell that was installed by the American
liberation forces as a gift to commemorate the liberation
of the city from the clutches of the Japanese oppression
at the end of the Second World War. The bell is enclosed
with a dome-shaped concrete structure, engraved on it
are the words, Whenever oppression knocks at your
door, feel free to ring this bell. The park is also the home
of the Jose Ma. Pearanda Monument. It was built as a
tribute to honor the late Governor of Albay. This
monument was also unveiled by Her Majesty Queen
Sofia of Spain. Beside the monument is a small cannon.

The Pearanda Park is a 5000 square meters public domain. It

serves as a playground to elementary and high-school students after school. On
a clear day, there is a spectacular vista of the Mayon Volcano that makes the plaza a
splendid dating place for lovers and picnic area for families.
In recent years, new developments were made. The park was renovated to a
more modern venue for outdoor activities. It features new landscaping, fountains,
lights and ornamental plants. On the one side of the park there is a spacious stage
where crowd-gathering events such as concerts, festivals, rallies and meetings takes
place occasionally.
With the Old Albay District emerging as the citys next business district, being
at the center of it, the Pearanda Park has all the advantage. There are prominent
establishments found around the area, Legazpi City Hall, the Albay Provincial Capitol
and also the Tourist Information office are among the administrative institutions.
There are also an educational and religious institution found nearby like the Divine
Word College of Legazpi and the Cathedral of St. Gregory. Due to its strategic
location the park is easily accessible from all points of the city. It is located at the
intersection of the main highways, Rizal Street and Washington Drive that links it to
all sorts of establishments and facilities. Like the Albay Astrodome, it can be found a

couple of meters going north and along Rizal Street, cafes, fast food joints and
restaurants are located which visitors can leisurely stroll from the park.
At present, the Pearanda Park is a place with a lot of possibilities. With the
emergence of new business ventures like the on-going construction of the Gregorian
Mall around the area, opens a lot of opportunities for the park to be the center of new
developments.

SITE ANALYSIS
The urban whole of the Old Albay District currently follows some of the Urban
Principles that makes the whole area function as what it should be. While it is
situated in the current contemporary times, it also reflects some of its rich history to
its totality, particularly the Penaranda Park and its surrounding buildings and
structures.
The Old Albay District was originally known to be a town that bears economic
status with the number of structure present along the town plaza, which is now
where the Penaranda Park is located. Some of the prominent civil buildings are
located there even today, as is and still used, and that made the Old Albay District
retained its economic status and it is still managed to be improved. The town plaza
was also made into a park wherein some of the objects that holds historic relevance
are displayed such as the liberty bell. As what they earlier believe as an economic
marker the Penaranda park is now surrounded by not only government structures
but also commercial buildings and landmarks such as St. Gregory the Great
Cathedral or better known as Albay Cathedral.
The structures surrounding the Park mostly provide arcades over sidewalks
that provides shade for pedestrians and there are also a few trees that are present
that also gives the same purpose, and it also provides an ease of transferring from
one building to another. The major roads itself particularly Rizal Ave. is wide enough
for the vehicles to maneuver with ease. The roads also gives an ease of access to
other areas of the city. The location itself provides opportunities for economic growth
which is why commercial establishments emerged within its vicinity. The park, if

improved, could have offered a better leisurely space since its ideally placed where
it complements with its surrounding structures thus creating harmony.
The park may have its good points, but it also has some aspects that needs to
be taken care of. The parks perimeter gets flooded during rainy seasons which
cause greater disturbance and higher risk in safety and security. The park itself
needs improvement, and should be landscaped in order to provide a better space for
relaxation. Parking spaces should also be managed because off street parking may
cause traffic congestion.

SITE RECOMMENDATION
The vision of the City of Legazpi is to stand as the model of a progressive
community, where governance draws strength from an active and empowered
citizenry and where social, economic and physical development is tempered by a
commitment to democracy, social justice, balanced ecology, cultural integrity and the
welfare of the future generation. As part of the city, the Old Albay District abides with
the same vision, and its physical aspects should be in par that will hold said criteria.
The district, being in an urban area, must follow urban norms that will support the
way of life that is currently existing thus, the principles of Urban Design must be
present in order to provide a high quality of life.
Necessary improvements must be implemented:
1. Promotion of Walkable and Accessible Public Space
2. Development of a set of regulations to inform development of pedestrianoriented public area, under this must consider the following:
a. Functionality
Safe footpaths and road crossing points
Walking should be facilitated without obvious barriers to
impede progress
b. Aesthetic attractiveness
Avoid visual pollution
Restrictions on noise and other disturbing factors
Parks should be pleasing
c. Space for creativity and leisure
Points of attraction (playgrounds, etc.)
d. Accessibility for all

Safety of people day and night

Design should accommodate all those with physical

impairments
e. City-wide connectivity
There must be harmony among the different aspects within
the area
f. Appropriate land-use and densities
g. Improve drainage system