Plaza de Nueva Caceres (Oragon Monument)

FB page: NA
General Luna Street
Type: Monument/Park/Plaza
All types

Plaza de Nueva Caceres commemorates the history of Naga City (formerly called Ciudad de Nueva Caceres) starting from its pre-colonial roots up to the Spanish rule when it became one of the four oldest cities and seats of powers of the Spaniards.

Plaza de Nueva Caceres, also known as the Oragon Monument, is a square in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines. It was established to commemorate the arrival of the Spanish forces in Naga and the courageous resistance of the indigenous people against foreign oppression. The plaza is located at the intersection of Padian (now Caceres) and General Luna Streets, near the public market and close to the Naga River.

The plaza covers an area of 225.5 square meters and has a distinctive layout. Its length measures approximately 37.27 meters, while its width is about 6.05 meters.

Monument Details:

At the center of the plaza stands the “Oragon” monument, featuring 13 figures arranged in two groups.
There are six Spanish figures facing Caceres Street (formerly Dinaga): one soldier standing guard, a praying friar, a seemingly defeated soldier, and two soldiers—one with a sword and the other with a rifle. The sixth figure represents danger during the evangelization process.
On the opposite side of the monument, facing the Tabuco Bridge, another group depicts the indigenous people of Naga. It includes a native woman in traditional attire, holding a staff, and her child beside her. Nearby, a wooden chest symbolizes the wealth of the Bicol region.

This monument and plaza was built to celebrate the 62nd founding anniversary of the City of Naga in 2010.

Significance

The monument serves as a reminder of Naga’s history, the struggle for independence, and the resilience of its people. It was sculpted by Jose “Jojo” Barcena, Jr., following the design of Federico Barcena, who also created the Quince Martires monument. The unveiling took place on June 18, 2010, marking the 62nd anniversary of Naga’s cityhood as a modern urban center.