Lagusnilad

The Lagusnilad Underpass refers to the pedestrian underpass in Manila, Philippines which connects the Manila City Hall and Intramuros. It also refers to the nearby vehicular underpass where part of the Taft and Padre Burgos Avenues merge.

Lagusnilad
Vehicular and pedestrian underpass

The vehicular underpass (top), and the pedestrian underpass prior to the 2019–20 renovations (below)
Completion1960s
OwnerCity of Manila
LocationPadre Burgos Avenue, Manila, Philippines
Coordinates:
Pedestrian underpass:
14°35′22.8″N 120°58′50.9″E
Vehicular underpass:
14°35′19″N 120°58′52″E

History

The Lagusnilad vehicular underpass is said to be the first in the Philippines and in Asia.[1] The underpass built in the 1960s,[2] near the Manila City Hall was named as "Lagusnilad" by the city government of Manila during the tenure of Mayor Antonio Villegas.[3]

The vehicular underpass was prone to flooding from around the 1980s to the early 2010s due to high level of rainfall during the monsoon season. Water flowing from the Intramuros Golf Course also contributes to the flooding.[4] By 2014, this problem was remedied by the installation of new pumping system and cleaning of the underpass' drainage in 2014 during the administration of then-Mayor Joseph Estrada.[5]

Prior to the 2020s, the pedestrian underpass is reputed for its high incidence of crime as well as vendors doing business in stalls in its walkway including a thrift bookstore.[6][7] The walkway was decorated by tiles and white-painted walls.[8]

In 2019, Mayor Isko Moreno started a major renovation of the pedestrian underpass. In preparation for the renovation, illegal vendors were cleared from the walkway. The Manila city government partnered with University of Santo Tomas College of Architecture alumni John Benedict Fallorina, Sean Patrick Ortiz, Leon Centeno Tuazon, and faculty member Juanito Malaga, MTLA; and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for the underpass’ overall design. [9][10][11]

The renovated pedestrian underpass was inaugurated on August 24, 2020 where a 25-meter-long (82 ft) mural depicting significant figures and events throughout the history of Manila was unveiled. The mural also featured frontliners and civil servants as a tribute to their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.[12][13] As part of the redesign, many features were implemented to address previous common complaints about the pedestrian underpass.[8][14]

The vehicular underpass was partially closed beginning on May 2, 2023 for rehabilitation works that would last for several months.[15] It was later completely closed on June 13.[16]

Features

Vehicular underpass

The road of the Lagusnilad vehicular underpass is below ground level. If the underpass is flooded, the water may be as deep as 20 meters (66 ft). Above the vehicular underpass' tunnel is a bridge carrying the northbound lanes of Padre Burgos Avenue.[17]

Pedestrian underpass
The Manila City Hall in 2020, with the Lagusnilad pedestrian underpass entrance in the foreground.

Design

The redesign was proposed by University of Santo Tomas College of Architecture alumni John Benedict Fallorina, Sean Patrick Ortiz, Leon Centeno Tuazon, and faculty member Ar. Juanito Malaga, MTLA.[9][10][11]

The design takes inspiration from the Spanish Colonial influences of Intramuros and the displays of art found in the National Museum of the Philippines, both of which are connected to Manila's City Hall by the pedestrian underpass.

As part of the redesign, many features were implemented to address previous common complaints about the pedestrian underpass. Non-slip slate tiles were installed to prevent slipping during rainy seasons. 24/7 lighting and security cameras were installed to deter crime. Books from Underground, a thrift store which formerly did business in the underpass' walkway will be the only establishment allowed by the city government to operate.[8][14]

The underpass also features directional signages that include writing in Baybayin designed by Far Eastern University alumna Raven Angel “Ramri” Rivota. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Baybayin Buhayin, Inc. also helped to ensure accurate translation and proper use of font.[18][11]

Mural

The 25-meter-long (82 ft) and 2.4-meter-tall (7.9 ft) mural was designed and completed by artists Marianne Rios, Jano Gonzales, and Ianna Engano; members of the artist collective Gerilya. The artists were chosen by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts who were tasked by the Manila City Hall's Department of Engineering and Public Works.

The mural, titled "Masigasig na Maynila", depicts significant events and figures throughout the history of Manila. Such figures depicted include Andrés Bonifacio, José Rizal, Emilio Jacinto, Rajah Sulayman, and many others. Production on the mural started in late February 2020 but was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When work resumed, depictions of frontliners and civil servants were added to the mural as a tribute to their efforts throughout the pandemic. The mural was unveiled as the main centerpiece during the inauguration which took place on August 24, 2020, a week before National Heroes' Day.[9]

Bas relief

As part of the redesign, a Bas relief is planned to be installed to complement the mural.[10][11]

Interactive display

An interactive display showing information about the City of Manila including tourist destinations and public transport routes is also planned to be installed.[11]

Books from Underground

In 2019, Mayor Isko Moreno started a major renovation of the pedestrian underpass. In preparation for the renovation, illegal vendors were cleared from the walkway. Due to public outcry, one vendor, AJ Laberinto of Books from Underground, was permitted to operate once more at the pedestrian underpass.[19] A stall complete with bookshelves was included in the design to allow the bookstore to operate.

References
  1. Adel, Rosette (May 29, 2020). "Isko Moreno shows off resumption of Lagusnilad underpass rehab". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  2. Calleja, Niña (August 22, 2013). "How do you solve a problem like flooding on Lagusnilad?". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  3. Ocampo, Ambeth (October 18, 2012). "The Last Word on Maynila". Looking Back (Volume 1 ed.). Anvil Publishing, Inc. ISBN 978-9712736087. Then came the term of Manila Mayor "Gat" Antonio Villegas who placed the word "Maharnilad" on the facade of the city hall and "Lagusnilad" on a nearby underpass.
  4. Sauler, Erika (August 22, 2013). "Manila gov't to study drain system of flood-prone underpass". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  5. "Rehabilitation of Lagusnilad underpass brings better production in the city". DZRH News. December 9, 2015. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  6. Manglinong, Dan (May 4, 2018). "Commuter walkways in Metro Manila: The highs and lows of overpasses, underpasses". InterAksyon. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  7. Limos, Mario Alvaro (August 16, 2020). "This Is How the Lagusnilad Underpass Will Be Like Once Renovations Are Done". Esquire. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  8. Barcelon, Paolo (August 16, 2020). "Rehabilitated Lagusnilad underpass to open by end of August". CNN Philippines. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  9. "Manila opens newly-renovated Lagusnilad underpass". Manila Bulletin. 2020-08-24. Retrieved 2020-10-17.
  10. "Newly-redeveloped Lagusnilad Underpass inaugurated Lungsod ng Maynila". Retrieved 2020-10-17.
  11. "A peek into Lagusnilad's fresh, new look". Manila Bulletin. 2020-08-16. Retrieved 2020-10-17.
  12. "Manila LGU inaugurates Lagusnilad Underpass". GMA News. August 24, 2020. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  13. Chua, Johannes (August 24, 2020). "Manila's Lagusnilad Underpass shows us #DesignGoals with big visuals and nod to history". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  14. "Renovated Lagusnilad Underpass unveiled soon". Tempo. June 20, 2020. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  15. Patinio, Ferdinand (May 1, 2023). "Lagusnilad underpass partially closed for 4 months starting May 2". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  16. Ong, Ghio (June 10, 2023). "Lagusnilad to be totally closed". The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  17. Patinio, Ferdinand (January 3, 2018). "Minor changes made in Traslacion 2018 route for safety". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  18. "FEU alumna brings Tamaraw artistic pride to City of Manila • Far Eastern University". Far Eastern University. 2020-08-27. Retrieved 2020-10-17.
  19. Adel, Rosette. "'Books from Underground' may re-open at Lagusnilad Underpass as legitimate business, Isko says". philstar.com. Retrieved 2020-10-17.
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