The Malinta Tunnel
To the east of Bottomside, a hill rises abruptly to an elevation of 390 feet called “Malinta.” The North and South Shore roads curved from its slopes and girdle the hill and run on down the curving tadpole tail. To facilitate passage and to create a bombproof shelter, the Americans drove a shaft from a rock quarry at Bottomside directly trough the hill, creating the Malinta Tunnel. Construction of the tunnel took about 10 years. A double-track electric trolley line used to run through the main tunnel which is reinforced with concrete walls, a concrete floor, and overhead arches. Blowers were installed to allow the circulation of fresh air.
Malinta Tunnel also served as the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth Government under President Manuel L. Quezon. At the vicinity of the tunnel’s west entrance in the afternoon of Dec. 30, 1941, Manuel Quezon and Sergio Osmena were inaugurated into their second term respectively as president and vice-president of the Philippine Commonwealth in simple ceremonies attended by members of the garrison.
Page last modified January 8 2007 at 16:33 GMT + 8 Hours.