Thai Embassy turns over life-size elephants
TOURISTS coming to the Summer Capital have something to look forward to when they visit the Botanical Garden.
This after the Royal Embassy of Thailand and the City Government of Baguio launched on Monday the completed five life-size elephants that were erected within the garden with Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Thanatip Upatasing leading the turn over
ceremony.
“Each of the elephants has its own character and the five means lucky charm for the city. It is a good symbol for both countries’ friendship,” said the Thai ambassador.
Upatasing said initial planning of the project started in 2016 when he visited the city.
The Thai Ambassador added other local government units have also shown interest in replicating the statues which is also a symbol of Thailand.
Upatasing, was joined by Siam Cement Group Country Director Surasak Kraiwitchauchareon, Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Rep. Mark Go and other city officials join the inauguration rites of the elephants.
Construction of the life-size Thai elephants was done by the Royal Embassy of Thailand in cooperation with the Siam Cement Group, the leading ASEAN conglomerate advocating for sustainability that creates and distributes innovative products and services that respond to the current and future needs of the consumers.
Measuring over 5 feet tall, the sculpture symbolizes the friendship and great diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Thailand that has existed for many generations. It also reminds both countries that more than the political, and economic interests, it is the shared history and values that bind the two nations.
The life-size sculpture is made of type 1 cement manufactured by SCG, the leading ASEAN business conglomerate with more than 100 years of experience in producing cement and building materials. SCG’s type 1 cement provides high compressive strength and durability, sustainable for general construction, perfect for buildings and huge cement-based sculptures.
Kraiwitchaicharoen, country director of SCG in the Philippines, expressed during the hand-over ceremony that “SCG would like to gratefully extend our thanks to the Royal Embassy of Thailand and City Government of Baguio for your kindness allowing SCG to be a part of the ‘Family of Thai Elephants’ sculpture marking the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Thai Relationship.”
“Being the leading ASEAN business conglomerate with commitments towards sustainable development, it is SCG’s pleasure to work on this project and be a part of longstanding relationship between the two counties,” he added.
Domogan expressed his gratitude to the officials of the Royal Embassy of Thailand and SCG for making the put up of the life-size elephants a reality in the city.
“The structures will definitely entice more foreign and domestic visitors to consider the Botanical Garden one of their must-see areas in the city, especially since the Yuletide season is underway and people flock to the city to escape from the extreme heat of the lowlands,” Domogan said.
The mayor also lauded the partnership, particularly the Royal Embassy of Thailand in contributing to the sustained robust growth of the city’s tourism industry and strengthen the sisterhood ties which could last for centuries. Roderick Osis with a report from Dexter See