A MOUNTAIN in Barangay Lantawan, Silay City served as a symbol of victory for the American soldiers who fought and defeated Japanese combatants in the said highland.
Simeon Tingson, a former Bantay Bukid recalled that Mount Banderahan was the site of the battle between two strong countries--Japan and America--in 1944.
The mountain was named after Banderahan because when the American soldiers won the war against the Japanese soldiers, they planted their national flag at the pinnacle of that mountain.
There were many soldiers who died in the area, making it a historic place in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
He also said that the place was named Lantawan because when the war was over, the vegetation was damaged and got deteriorated, thus, the places surrounding the upland can be seen from above.
"You can see places like Bacolod City and the neighboring towns and cities including Guimaras and Panay island. The mountain has three waterfalls beautifully located near it, " he said.
Currently, Lantawan is a tourist destination as the mountain and the areas enveloping it have regained its jewel through the years.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, people frequently visited the area due to its cool ambiance and picturesque stance.
Even now amidst the pandemic, there are people who come to the place to loosen up, he said.
The place holds dear to nature lovers. It is a haven for them to relax and rejuvenate in stillness.
The flower that blooms, the water that comes from a natural stream and vegetation that surrounds the place can make one calm down and value the real and simple life.