Japanese royals urged: Visit Ifugao,

IFUGAO Representative Teddy Brawner Baguilat has invited Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko to visit Ifugao to complete the healing of the relationship between the Philippines and Japan, former combatants during World War II.

Baguilat said Ifugao figured prominently during the last world war with remains of Japanese soldiers still being found today, thus a visit by the Japanese royals would go a long way in promoting healing and goodwill between the two nations.

It was in the town of Kiangan where on Sept. 2, 1945, Tomoyuki Yamashita, Supreme Commander of the Japanese Imperial Army, surrendered to Filipino and American forces, thus marking the end of World War II. 

The Kiangan War Memorial Shrine was erected in 1974 to mark the occasion of the surrender of Yamashita, with his command staff, at the Home Economics building of the Kiangan Central School. From Ifugao, he was brought the next day to Camp John Hay in Baguio City where he officially signed the surrender of the Japanese Imperial Forces to the Philippines.

Sept. 2 is commemorated in Ifugao every year as Victory Day and also became known as the Anniversary of the End of World War II in the Philippines. 

Baguilat said that with the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan, it would be fitting for Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko to bring their message of peace to Ifugao, where the last battles of World War II were waged.

“We would like them to come and see where war ended, and promote healing and goodwill between our two nations. They would also be pleased to see that the former enemies are now firm partners in development,” said Baguilat.

He shared that significant overseas development assistance funds have gone to Ifugao.

Among the major projects are a maternal health improvement program, mini-hydro infrastructure deals and a multi-million-peso reforestation project.

“The emperor will see that the funds from the Japanese people are being used well and have had a positive impact on the province,” said Baguilat.

The Japanese royals are set to arrive on Jan. 26 as part of their peace mission in Asia. The visit marks the first time that a Japanese emperor and empress will visit the Philippines.

During their visit, the Japanese royals are scheduled to meet with beneficiaries of Japanese ODA as well as visit World War II memorial sites. Baguilat hopes that even at the last minute, the Japanese royals would find the time and see the need to travel to Ifugao.