Faro de Isla Corregidor

Faro de Isla Corregidor, a stone lighthouse built in the Island of Corregidor as part of the Spanish government's construction project in the 19th century. It has proven its worth to many ships that enter Manila Bay from the time it was erected in 1835.

   

Faro de Isla Corregidor during the Spanish Colonial era (1893).
photo source here.

When the Americans assimilated the Philippines, they saw Corregidor Island's strategic location to set up a line of defense for the capital of their new colony. Hence, they transformed the "island of corrections" into a heavily fortified island (Fort Mills) that was once thought to be impenetrable. Faro de Isla Corregidor remained in the island and continued to give light to the ships in the sea.

the Farola now serving its new American masters (1899)
photo source here.

The old sentinel, however, did not survive the Japanese ferocity during the second world war. Day and night, Corregidor Island received heavy shells from the Japanese aircraft above and battleships from the sea. According to some accounts, not even a single blade of grass remained on the island, everything was destroyed including the Faro de Isla Corregidor.

Corregidor Lighthouse after the second world war (1945)
photo source here.

The lighthouse, torn down by the war, was demolished and reconstructed in 1950 using its original stones.

Today the new lighthouse, with its new lantern, continues to help in navigation and it is being maintained by the Philippine Coast Guard. 

the current lighthouse taken by me during my visit in 2011.

Batang Lakwatsero visited this lighthouse last April 13, 2011 on a FamTour with fellow travel bloggers. I was able to climb its top and view the surrounding sceneries.

 *reference: www.unc.edu/~rowlett/lighthouse/phl-esp.htm

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Farola Series

Faro de Rio de Pasig | Faro de Punta Capones | Faro de Isla Corregidor | Faro de Punta de Malabrigo | Faro de Cabo Engaño | Faro de Cabo Bojeador