MADONNA OF JAPAN TACLOBAN LEYTE PHILIPPINES
Madonna of Japan Tacloban Leyte Philippines
Introduction
Madonna of Japan can be described as a
Memorial Park located on Kanhuraw Hill that is not too far from Tacloban City Hall.
After World War 2 there was hatred between Filipinos and Japanese but the two
nations eventually reconciled. The Japanese Government erected a monument of
Maria Kannon in this area. This became known as The Madonna of Japan Memorial
Park. Link to location map
It is a
symbol of friendship between the Filipino and Japanese people after World War
2. What I find odd is this area where the park has been erected was the camping
ground for Japanese troops during occupation!
MADONNA OF JAPAN MEMORIAL PARK
First let’s look at the
history to understand the significance of the Madonna of Japan Memorial Park.
One has to remember there was significant civilian loss of life during
invasion, occupation and liberation.
History
It is part of history the Japanese invaded and occupied the Philippines.
On the 25th May 1942 the Japanese armed forces landed in Tacloban
City which was the beginning of a three year occupation of Leyte. This is
considered one of the darkest moments in Tacloban City history..
Looking out at San Pedro Bay it can be seen how ideal it was for larger
vessels of the Japanese Navy. The city was fortified and the airfield was
upgraded. There were incidences of torture and the Filipinos responded by
forming guerrilla groups.
Locally the occupation was not just Tacloban City. Palo, Tanauin, Tolosa
and Duag were also heavily occupied by Japanese Forces.
Liberation
Leyte was the first province to be liberated. General MacArthur’s
assault troops including Filipinos landed on the beaches of Tacloban (White
Beach) Palo (Red Beach) and Dulag(Blue Beach). I have read the history of the
invasion and the Dulag area where I live was severely bombed prior to invasion.
The town was virtually destroyed. The reason for the severe bombardment was the
presence of a Japanese air field in a local barangay of Rawis.
The first American Flag was raised at Hill 120 at Dulag on the 20th
October 1944. General Douglas MacArthur had fulfilled his promise “I shall
return”
Conclusion
Madonna of Japan is worth a visit as it is a pretty place overlooking
the water front. If there was to be a criticism it would be the grounds could
be maintained a little better.
Time has passed and forgiveness is there for what happened during this
dark time in Tacloban History although not by all. The Madonna of Japan is a
great gesture but the history of events during World War 2 should never be
forgotten.
References
More pictures below of Madonna of Japan Memorial Park
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