Ifugao prepares for 2012 Victory Day rites

KIANGAN, Ifugao -- Preparations are underway for the commemoration of the 67th Victory Day marking the surrender of the Japanese Imperial Army Commander General Tomoyuki Yamashita in this town.

History tells that Yamashita, the erstwhile “Tiger of Malaya,” surrendered in this town on September 2, 1945, thus marking the end of World War II. He was later moved to Baguio City where he formally signed his surrender papers at Camp John Hay on September 3, 1945.

Various activities are being lined up by the Victory Day ad hoc committee for the three-day celebration starting in the evening of August 31 with an interfaith rally at the Kiangan municipal gymnasium.

The opening program will be on September 1 after the commemorative mass, opening of the “bakle ad Linda” and mini-agro trade fair and commencement of photography contest. The “bakle ad Linda” is a cultural gathering of the community after harvest.

Other activities for the day include processing of license by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), free skills services by Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (Tesda), free medical mission, bikers trekking at the Yamashita trail and sky diving, ethnic games and a concert.

The main celebration on September 2 will start with a parade followed by a re-enactment of Yamashita’s surrender, wreath laying and a program. President Benigno Aquino III is the invited guest in this occasion.

The afternoon will be devoted for the marching band competition. (Marcelo Lihgawon)