The 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division reopened the Historic Fort Ramon Magsaysay Amphitheater on July 18 as part of its pre-anniversary activities for its 38th founding anniversary. The restored landmark, long known as the “Aliwan ng mga Kabataan,” symbolizes the Philippine Army’s continuing commitment to preserving its heritage while promoting patriotism, community engagement, and historical awareness. (Photo courtesy of 7ID, Philippine Army)
FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division (7ID) of the Philippine Army officially reopened the Historic Fort Ramon Magsaysay Amphitheater on July 18, marking a key milestone in its heritage preservation efforts ahead of the division’s 38th founding anniversary.
In a statement issued Sunday, the 7ID said the reopening ceremony was led by Maj. Gen. Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte, division commander, and attended by commanders of Philippine Army major units, military personnel, civilian human resource personnel, members of the Pamilyang Kaugnay, and invited guests.
The event also featured the blessing of the restored amphitheater, the Grotto, and the Heroes Monument, officiated by Rev. Fr. Elmer Villamayor, parish priest of St. Joseph the Husband of Mary Parish in Bangad, Cabanatuan City.
For decades, the amphitheater—widely known as the “Aliwan ng mga Kabataan”—served as a venue for military ceremonies, leadership training, graduation rites, cultural performances, and community activities, making it one of the most iconic landmarks inside Fort Ramon Magsaysay.
The 7ID said the restoration was made possible through the collective efforts of its Technical Working Group, military personnel, civilian employees, and partner stakeholders as part of the division’s commitment to preserving the Army’s historical and cultural heritage.
In his keynote address, Pasamonte described the amphitheater as an enduring symbol of the identity and shared history of generations of soldiers and the Fort Ramon Magsaysay community.
He said the reopening marks the first phase of the rehabilitation of the Aliwan Complex, with plans to fully restore the area and eventually reopen it to the public as a venue for culture, education, recreation, and community engagement.
“We will try our best to revive what this place used to be, and we will showcase it to everyone,” Pasamonte said.
He emphasized that preserving the landmark is a shared responsibility, noting that its historical significance extends beyond the military installation.
“This doesn’t belong to the 7th Infantry Division; this belongs to the people of Fort Magsaysay. Ipagmalaki natin ito,” he said.
The reopening of the Historic Fort Ramon Magsaysay Amphitheater forms part of the division’s pre-anniversary activities and underscores its continuing commitment to preserving military heritage, strengthening community partnerships, and promoting patriotism as it prepares to celebrate its 38th year of service to the Filipino people. (Jason de Asis)