Ilocos town seeks NHC support for historical marker installation

SUYO, Ilocos Sur, Feb. 7 (PIA) - - Local officials have sought funding support from the National Historical Commission (NHC) for the construction and installation of a historical marker where the Filipino and American soldiers liberated the town from the hands of the Japanese soldiers during World War II.

 

On Friday, Mayor Mario B. Subagan led the surviving veterans and residents for the commemoration of the 76th Liberation Day of Suyo town with police Brigadier General Emmanuel Baloloy Peralta, the newly-designated police Region 1 director, as the guest of honor and speaker.

 

“Every 5th day of February is a very significant day for us because this is the day when our forefathers have bravely fought and successfully took over the encampment of the Japanese soldiers at Sitio Tapao, Barangay Poblacion during the WW II,” Subagan said.

 

“We are seeking assistance from the NHC for the recognition of the Sitio Tapao as a historical site, and for the installation of a landmark in honor to the WW II veterans, who fought for our freedom and liberty that we are all enjoying now,” he said.  

This topmost place of a mountain in Sitio Tapao, Barangay Poblacion, Suyo, Ilocos Sur is the place of the Japanese soldiers’ encampment that  had successfully took over by the Filipino and American soldiers on February 5, 1945. The place, which is the proposed area of the economic zone of Suyo town, overlooks the Tagudin town’s proper and the West Philippine Sea. (Courtesy photo from LGU - Suyo)

 

Anchored on a theme: "Sibibiag a Lagip – Napintas a Suyo", the 76th commemoration of the Suyo Liberation Day highlighted with the offering of wreaths to the tomb of the fallen heroes in Sitio Tapao.

 

“This year, we simply celebrated the Suyo Liberation Day due to the effect of COVID – 19 pandemic,” he added.

 

In his message, Brigadier Peralta emphasized the importance of commemorating the efforts, sacrifices, and heroism of the Filipino patriots during WW II even at this time of the pandemic.

 

“As we fight and overcome this pandemic, let us highlight the sacrifices of our ancestors and take this opportunity to demonstrate that we possess the same gallantry of spirit and nobility of character by simply becoming responsible and law-abiding citizens,” said Peralta.

 

Meanwhile, Suyo is a fourth class municipality composed of eight barangays and 45 sitios. The town is aptly called as “watershed municipality” in Ilocos Sur as it is upstream of the Chico River Watershed. The town is also the gateway to Bessang Pass and Sagada, Mountain Province. It has fertile soil and favorable climatic condition for the production of tobacco, coffee, cacao, banana, ginger, sweet potatoes, tiger grass, and exotic fruit trees and vegetables. (JCR/FGL, PIA 1)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)