A MEMBER of the newly-created committee tasked to collect historical data of Cagayan de Oro during World War II has called out an error in the executive order issued by Mayor Oscar Moreno creating the said committee.
Raul Ilogon, representing the Cagayan de Oro Historical Committee Stakeholders, said the executive order used “Cagayan de Misamis” in reference to the former name of the city in World War II, which he said is a big mistake.
Ilogon said the correct name is Cagayan, Misamis Oriental, citing that the timeline doesn't match.
“The American administration had started dropping the ‘de Misamis’ as soon as they got settled in their newest colony.
“I have told my colleague about this in the past and I have written about this many times. I attempted to correct it before this executive order came out. Maybe they don't believe me. This big mistake could have been avoided if they only did their homework,” he said.
Ilogon went on to explain that Cagayan de Misamis was only used in the Spanish era while from 1903 to 1928, the city was called Cagayan, Misamis-American Era. From 1929 to 1949 meanwhile, the city was already called Cagayan, Misamis Oriental.
It was only in 1950 when the city was called Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.
“Cagayan de Misamis refers to Spanish Time Cagayan de Oro. But using the same for World War Two Cagayan de Oro is like being trapped in a time warp...wala ka move on!” Ilogon wrote.
“This executive order must be corrected. Cagayan de Misamis must be change to Cagayan, Misamis Oriental. This executive order will become historical documents in the future,” he said.
He said he doesn't want his name to be “part of an erroneous future historical document.”
“Thank you, Mayor Moreno for considering me as part of the committee. But if we will start this on the wrong foot...ayaw na lang!,” he said.
City Administrator Teodory Sabuga-a Jr. said he was not aware of the mistake, but urged Ilogon to formally write about his concern and address it to his office.
“The most human way to do it is to write about it. Ang constructive criticism is always welcomed, because that means you like the idea, only there are suggestions,” he said.
Former City Mayor Constantino “Tinnex” Jaraula has been named by Mayor Oscar Moreno as chairperson of the Cagayan de Oro Committee for World War II and Veterans Studies which is tasked to collect and collate historical data, stories and mementos of Cagayan de Oro during World War II period.
Serving as co-chairperson is local economic and investment promotions officer Eileen San Juan while former Oro Chamber president Elpidio Paras is the vice chairperson.
Sitting as members are: Historical and Cultural Commission member Nicolas Aca, Rotary Club of Northern Bukidnon president Dr. Benjamin Albarece, Mindanao Daily editor-at-large Rene Michael Baños, port manager Isidro Butaslac Jr., Philippine Marines veteran Vicente Cabrera Sr., Hiscom stakeholders Kerwin Salvador Caragos, Raul Ilogon and Menardo Sonny Tiro lll, Heritage conservation advocate Clara Marie Elizaga, Ret. Col. Jose Paler of the Veterans Federation of the Phils., PVAO officer Ma. Luisa Revecho, Capitol University History Department professor Ryan Sanchez, Xavier University History Department professor and Kristian Ian Sulmayor.