Gen. MacArthur's landing point in Lingayen revealed

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The long-drawn debate as to where exactly Gen. Douglas MacArthur first landed in Pangasinan is over – at least, in the account of former Gov. Conrado F. Estrella, Sr.

In his speech during the 66th Anniversary of the Lingayen Gulf Landings and Pangasinan Veterans’ Day at the Veterans’ Park here Monday, Estrella said MacArthur himself provided the answer during the beloved World War II hero’s visit in 1961.

“Gen. Douglas MacArthur landed first in Lingayen on Jan. 9, 1945,” said Estrella, quoting MacArthur on his sentimental visit in this province on July 6, 1961.

Estrella, who was then the governor, had the chance to ride in the presidential limousine of then President Carlos P. Garcia with MacArthur.

“It was a stormy day but despite the bad weather, people went down the streets to wave at the General and as we reached Lingayen I brought him straight to Urduja,” Estrella, now 93, said.

Estrella recalled asking MacArthur where he landed first and the general quickly answered with a query: “Where is the Capitol?”

In response, Estrella said he escorted MacArthur to the porch of the Urduja House and then pointed in the direction of the Capitol.

MacArthur then replied while gesturing: “It was right there on the beach at the back of the Capitol.”

Estrella said as MacArthur pointed out the spot where he landed, the general narrated that upon seeing Japanese troops were no longer there, he and his troops went back to their boat and proceeded to Bonuan in Dagupan.

From Dagupan, MacArthur said he rode a jeep to look for suitable headquarters and picked the Home Economics Building in which to set up his headquarters there, said Estrella.

The former governor and Agrarian Reform minister identified that building as the West Central Elementary School now located on Burgos Street formerly in Dagupan City.