"MORO TOWER"
The Moro Tower is a historic landmark, which, surprisingly, remains unfamiliar to most Capiznons. Until recently, I thought Moro Towers only exist in other parts of the country until I was able to glance at the local history books of Capiz and yes, there are indeed Moro Towers in my hometown.
There are actually two Moro Towers located here in Roxas City. The first one is situated at Barangay Dumulog, near the Roxas City Domestic Airport. The second one is the more familiar Moro Tower situated at Sitio Nipa in Culasi, Roxas City, just a few meters away from the Roxas City Port.
The Moro Towers were built by the Spanish authorities in 1814 to protect the province from marauding Moros and Portuguese pirates. They were built from black pebbles and once stood up to 20 ft high.
The Moro Towers have witnessed several upheavals in the history and politics of Roxas City. It withstood the Philippine Revolution and the Fil-Am War that ensued afterwards. However, the towers nearly met their fate during the World War II. Today, these towers stand half-torn, almost obscure from the eyes of the public. They are constantly eroding, thus, calling the attention of the local government to salvage one of Roxas City's oldest existing historical structures. I hope that decades from now, the Moro Towers are still standing so that the next generation can relish the rich history and culture of Roxas City.
The Moro Towers continue to be a living landmark of the rich and awesome history of Capiz. They are here to remind us that despite the change of time, the richness and glory of the past are still here to remain, ready to stay with us no matter how hard we partake from them.
The Moro Towers are here. And they are here to stay. They are here to provide us the glimpse of the awe and wonder of our history, culture, and locale. Let us not forget to preserve them for they are treasured gems to no material wealth of today could ever surpass.
With its array of natural and man-made wealth, Roxas City is indeed a piece of heaven here on Earth that's worth cherishing, protecting, loving, and keeping in our heart.
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