Lenong Ad Majawjaw Peace Festival

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

(Daniel B. Codamon of the Philippine Information Agency based in Ifugao writes this week’s piece)  

Do you know that one of the last epic battles that led to the end of World War II happened in a ridge in a place called Mayoyao?

               Mayoyao is one of the municipalities of Ifugao with land area of about 33,000 hectares and estimated population of about 20,000 spread in its 27 barangays.

                It is blessed with rich cultural tangible and intangible heritage.

               The Mayoyao Rice Terraces is one of the five clusters of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras declared by the UNESCO as World Heritage Site in 1995.

              In 2011, with the help of the National Historical Institute, a historical marker was unveiled to attest and commemorate the end of the Battle of Mayoyao Ridge at Mt. Nachajan during World War II that happened from July 13-August 9, 1945 helping end WWII.

             The inscription in the marker reads:  “Ang labana sa Mayoyao. Dito naganap ang sagupaan sa pagitan ng mga pwersang Hapon at pinagsanib pwersang USAFIP-na kinabibilangan ng 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry; 3rd Battalion at ilang element ng 11th Infantry, 25 Hulyo 1945 hanggang 7 Agosto 1945, ng mabawi ang Mayoyao sa kamay ng mananakop. Natapos ang labanan, 9 Agosto 1945. Ito ang huling labanan bago sumuko si Heneral Tomoyuki Yamashita sa Kiangan, Ifugao, 2 Setyembre, 1945.”

            This is memory to the hundreds of brave men who dedicated their lives for the liberation and freedom of the country from foreign invaders, and a reminder to the present and future generations that eternal vigilance and sacrifice is the price of freedom.

            In his book, “The Liberation of Northern Luzon,” author Celedonio A. Ancheta wrote it was in this Mayoyao ridge that was once the scene of the fiercest battles between the Japanese Imperial Forces and the combined Filipino and American soldiers.

           He said that 1,000 Japanese soldiers commanded by Gen. Toguzuma occupied Mayoyao and 500 more were well-entrenched at the apex of Mt. Nagchajan.

           The liberation forces commanded by Lt. Col. Donald Blackburn were to dislodge the enemy at Mt. Nagchajan and after weeks of continuous fighting, massive aerial bombings and intense land battles, Mt. Nagchajan was captured.

           Mayoyao was liberated on August 9, 1945 forcing Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita to surrender in Kiangan on Sept. 2, 1945 hence ending WWII.

           Inspired by this historic event that happened in the area, Councilor Letty Lim-ang authored an ordinance in 2011 establishing a peace festival called “Lenong Ad Majawjaw - An Adventure for Peace Festival” celebrated every 9th of August of each year.

           The “Lenong” which means peace in the local dialect aims not only to commemorate the end of the battle but also to instil in the minds and hearts of the young generations of the evils of war and lessons of history.

          This is also to give recognition to the efforts and sacrifices to the many Mayoyao and Ifugao soldiers and people, who in their own little ways and unmindful of the perils to their lives, helped and supported the local forces.

           Moreover, it aims to encourage and attract tourists to visit the municipality, develop, promote and sustain adventures in eco-tourism sites and forge friendship with Japanese people.

          The venue for the festival was at Mt. Nagchajan for the wreath-laying, playing of taps and the 21-gun salute while the other activities were done at the municipal ground.

           The festival was first held on August 8 and 9, 2011. Now on its eighth year, it continues to draw people. Activities last August 8 included Adventure Bike for Peace, WWII film viewing and photo exhibits and the Grand Ball featuring ballroom dances competition and red carpet ceremony and awards including an all day-long trekking around some scenic areas of the town.

            August 9 was marked by the wreath-laying ceremony, playing of taps and gun salute at the historical marker at Mt. Nagchajan followed by a parade, program, cheerdance competition, ethnic inspired-fashion and modeling competition at the town center where national, provincial and local government officials including foreign and local tourists were invited to join.