Gaze upon the Benavides Monument a bronze testament to a remarkable man. This statue in Plaza Benavides at the University of Santo Tomas isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a window into Philippine history. The monument commemorates Miguel de Benavides founder of the University of Santo Tomas.
Originally it stood in Intramuros’ Plaza de Santo Tomas. After World War II it found its current home in Sampaloc. Imagine the journey this statue took the scars of war etched onto its bronze skin. Bullet marks a silent reminder of a turbulent past.
The sculptor’s name Tony Noel is subtly inscribed at the base. Notice the four seated lions flanking the pedestal. They guard the legacy of Benavides. The old UST seal adorns each side. Above the lions eight elephants carry a vase a symbol of the university’s enduring strength. Benavides himself holds the Santo Evangelio the Holy Gospel a symbol of his faith and mission.
But the Benavides Monument’s story extends beyond its artistic beauty. It speaks of a man Miguel de Benavides a tireless Dominican missionary. He was the first bishop of Nueva Segovia and the third Archbishop of Manila. He authored the Doctrina Cristiana in Chinese one of the Philippines’ first printed books. His legacy extends far beyond his lifetime. He left behind a personal fortune of 1500 pesos and a personal library. These gifts laid the foundation for the University of Santo Tomas. The university stands as a monument itself to his enduring vision.
The monument itself wasn’t without controversy. Jose Rizal in his novel El Filibusterismo satirized a fundraising campaign for a monument. Many scholars believe Rizal’s fictional monument referred to the Benavides Monument. This shows the statue stirred passionate feelings even in its early days.
Today the Benavides Monument remains a central point at the University of Santo Tomas. It’s a place for students to gather and reflect a symbol of the university’s rich history. A replica stands in Intramuros a reminder of the monument’s original location and its journey through time. The Benavides Monument is more than just a statue. It is a symbol of faith education and the enduring legacy of a remarkable man.