Time-travel experience now possible in Palawan

102-year old 3rd Lt. Jesus Barracoso receives his award in his hometown in Busuanga City

Travelling back in time is now possible as we embark in the quest of reclaiming the lost pieces of history through a historical exploration of sovereignty, honor, and home as Palawan Liberation Task Force brings you the “4th A Salute to Valor: Palawan Liberation Day”— a commemoration of the legacy and sacrifices of the Filipino War Veterans who had lived to tell the untold stories of Palawan.

Voted as the Best Island in the World for the second year by Conde Nast Traveler, Palawan also takes you to a destination where the future and the past collide and where time travel takes only one stride. Behind Palawan’s beauty is an untold story of what happened 73 years ago that brought freedom to its people. Explore the city through its historical trails and witness Palawan as it gives honor to its PH and US war heroes this April 21-23, 2018 at Puerto Princesa, Palawan City.

The 3-day event will commence with the Awarding Ceremonies for the war veterans to recognize them from the Palawan brigade. A Wreath Laying Ceremony will happen on the 2ndday at the Higinio Mendoza Park, which was launched last 2017 in commemoration of the Palawan hero, Dr. Higinio Mendoza. It will be preceded by the civil and military parade/motorcade and a US wreath-laying ceremony on the 3rd day in memory of the 139 American soldiers who were incarcerated and scorched by Japanese army at Plaza Cuartel.

102-year old 3rd Lt. Jesus Barracoso was awarded in a special ceremony arranged for him last February 26, 2018 at his hometown, Busuanga City.

Palawan Governor Jose Ch. Alvarez said that the tourists will have new and exciting attractions to look forward as PLTF boosts the city’s historical tourism, adding that “The role of Palawan guerrillas who liberated the island from Japanese invaders during World War II was crucial to Philippine history. It’s about time we recognize their heroism through historical tourism programs.”

Travel back in time through Rajah Travel’s “A Salute to Valor: Palawan Liberation tour” (3 days/ 2 nights) and be a part of this noble endeavor to honor the unsung heroes of Palawan by signing up: https://goo.gl/3kCKNb

ABOUT US: MILESTONES AND HIGHLIGHTS OVER THE YEARS

1st A Salute to Valor 2015

Wreath Laying Ceremony at Plaza Cuartel

 Awarding Ceremony for 15 PH and 1US Honorees
 Wreath Laying Ceremony and Commemoration at Plaza Cuartel, which stood witness to the “Palawan Massacre” during the World War II where 139 POWs were burnt alive
 Installation and launching of the Plaza Cuartel photo walls
 Creation of the documentary with the musical score, “A Salute to Valor” played by a 32- piece orchestra led by Mr. Reginald Espiritu

2nd A Salute to Valor 2016

Guest roam around to observe the photowalls in the Iwahig prison and Penal Farm

 A Provincial and City Ordinance declaring April 22 as the “Palawan Liberation Day” has been passed
 Awarding ceremony for 9 PH and 1 US Honorees
 Installation of the English translation of the NHCP Marker at Plaza Cuartel
 Installation of the photo walls at Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm. Now tagged as the “prison without bars,” Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm was first intended to isolate the worst offenders in Old Bilibid Prison in Manila and stood refuge for the underground resistance movement during the
war. POWs who have managed to escape the “Palawan Massacre” swam across the Iwahig River.

3rd A Salute to Valor 2017

Secretary Delfin Lorenzana of the Department of National Defense graced the Palawan Liberation Day last 2017

 Awarding Ceremony for 19 PH honorees (5 living veterans; 14 posthumous awards)
 Unveiling of the Dr. Higinio Mendoza statue at Mendoza Park, a tribute to the Palawan Hero whose resistance to Japanese control led to his execution in 1944
 Ribbon cutting of photo walls at the Puerto Princesa Baywalk Park, which served as a refuge for the American and Filipino soldiers who swam across the water to escape the Japanese spite during the war.
 Dr. Ricardo Jose of the University of the Philippines Third World Studies Center also graced the event stressing that Palawan’s strategic location played a big role in ending the war.

Read more...