Ifugao town prepares adventure,peace fest

By Dan B. Codamon

MAYOYAO, Ifugao--This municipality is busy preparing for its annual Adventure for Peace Festival called “Lenong Ad Majawjaw” set on August 8 and 9.

The celebration is in commemoration of the “fiercest battle fought in the Eastern Ifugao Campaign” during World War II called Battle for Mt. Nagchajan,  which according  to war historian,  commenced on July 25 until August 9, 1945 against 1,000 Japanese soldiers commanded by Gen.lTogozuma who occupied Mayoyao.

Reports have it  that 500 of these Japanese soldiers were well-entrenched at the apex of Mt. Nagchajan  that the liberation forces composed of the 11th Infantry with elements of the 14th Infantry of the United States Forces in the Philippines (USAFIP) commanded by Lt. Colonel Donald Blackburn were to dislodge.

           

After weeks of continuous fighting, massive aerial bombing with incendiary fire bombs and intense land battles, Mt. Nagchajan was captured on August 8, 1945 and Mayoyao was liberated on August 9  leading  Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita to surrender on September 2, 1945 in Kiangan, Ifugao.

           

This achievement was recognized by the world and in 1995, the UNESCO declared this place as a world heritage site and with the help of the National Historical Institute,  a memorial marker  for the  the hundreds of brave men who dedicated their lives so that freedom is achieved and a reminder to the present and future generations to come that eternal vigilance and the sacrifice of life is the price of freedom, was put up.

           

In the book authored by CeledonioAncheta entitled the “Liberation of Northern Luzon”, he quoted that it was in this Mayoyao Ridge that was one of the scene of the fiercest battle between the Japanese Imperial Forces and the combined Filipino-American soldiers.

           

The festival aims not only to commemorate the end of the battle but also to instill in the minds and hearts of the young generations the evils of war and the lessons of history.

           

The “Lenong Ad Majawjaw” committee composed of the municipal mayor, municipal officials, department heads, Department of Education, Philippine National Police, Chairman of the Veterans Federation, senior citizens, non-government organizations and the women organizations are  preparing  various significant activities for the occasion.

           

On August 8, there will be the ball at the municipal gymnasium honoring the war heroes and featuring dances such as waltz, swing,cha-cha, tango, samba, rumba, modern dances and barn dance, a fashion show and the Ifugalethnic designers competition.

           

On  August 9 at Mt. Nagchajan will be the playing of taps for the war heroes, wreath laying at the Mayoyoyao Ridge Marker, 11 gun salute in honor of the WWII heroes and then proceed to the town center for the Tribal Music and Dance Festival and community dances.