History Of Almeida Watch Tower.docx

IV. HISTORY OF ALMEIDA WATCH TOWER La Union’s history is rich considering that the province was formed during the Spanish colonial period.Five watchtowers still exist on the west coast of La Union.They may have serve their purpose but their antiquity will always be part of the province history.They still continue to battle the elements.Some were already damage due to the constantly changing sea escape and ways of man. This old Spanish watch tower was used by the Spanish soldiers as a look-out point for possible attack of pirates/enemies from the sea.Later on,this watch tower served as a guide to the shore by La Union fishermen.Almeida watch tower in Baloan is connected to the watch tower found in the neighboring towns of Luna,Bacnotan and San Juan.

IMPORTANCE : Heritage building/sites basically represent the past history and culture.They constitute together the architectural heritage of an area.Heritage buildings possess historical values resulting from their beautiful architecture. The impact of heritage driving the tourism industry is obvious in the town. Due to the exploitation of heritage .When the heritage tourism is done right the biggest beneficiaries are not the visitors but the local residents who experience a renewed appreciation for and pride in their local town and its history.It also gives people a connection to certain social values,beliefs,religions, and customs.It allows them to identify with other mindsets and backgrounds.Cultural heritage can provide an automatic sense of unity and belonging within a group and allows us to better understand previous generations and the history of where we can from. Therefore,heritage buildings need an important tool to protect them.Conservation of heritage buildings is very important because it provide sense of identity and continuity in a fast changing world for future generations.

ALMEIDA WATCH TOWER Balaoan,La Union

PRESENTED BY: EVITA JOYCE VALDEZ MA.CARMEN JAMANDRE NIKKA BAÑEZTA ALMIRA JOY GALERA