There is only one word to describe the PHP7.8 million flagpole to be constructed at Rizal Park – extravagant. With an eye-popping price tag of close to PHP8 million, the 150-foot pole is set to become the tallest flagpole in the country.
Newsman Ira Panganiban broke the story by taking a photo of the project’s job order and posting it on his Facebook page. The photo captured the flagpole’s whopping PHP7,865,425.03 (USD 176,555.20) price tag. This quickly went viral and riled up netizens a day after the #MillionPeopleMarch in the same area.
In an interview with Radio DZMM, Public Works and Highways NCR director Reynaldo Tagudando said the 150-foot flagpole is a project of the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC). It is meant to replace the existing flagpole which measures 100 feet.
The Public Works official explained that constructing a much taller pole would also mean modifying the base and its foundation. Tagudando also said that flagpole will be made of imported metal and have a mechanized pulley . All of these add up to the published contract price. Tagudando also defended that the project was not overpriced, since it went through the public bidding process.
The new flagpole is expected to be completed before Dec. 30, the death anniversary of national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. The old flagpole, on the other hand, will be moved to the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.
How Much Do Other Landmarks Cost?
Think the new flagpole is expensive? Paris’ iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower, cost USD1.5 million to build in 1890. New York’s Empire State Building cost USD41 million in 1931.
Is PHP7.8 million for a flagpole too expensive? Let us know your thoughts below.
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