As the Palawan Liberation celebrates 72 years of freedom, it honors the heroism of the Filipino and American Veterans who fought at the island of Palawan from the Japanese oppression.

Now on its 3^rd year, the Palawan Liberation Task Force composed of the Provincial Government of Palawan, City Government of Puerto Princesa, Puerto Princesa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Palawan Tourism Council, Filipino and American Memorial Endowment, Palawan Special Battalion World War II Memorial Museum, and Rajah Travel Corporation, will come together on April 21-23, 2017 inviting everyone to once again witness this commemoration of sovereignty, highlighting the untold victory which gears up historical tourism.

The 3-day event will begin with a city and heritage tour followed by a gala dinner ceremony to recognize the veterans from the Palawan brigade. The second day will kick off with a civil and military parade/motorcade. Witness the PH and US wreath-laying ceremony, in memory of the 139 American soldiers who were incarcerated and scorched by Japanese army at Plaza Cuartel-- a former Japanese garrison situated along the Puerto Princesa City Bay.

In previous years, the task force has successfully launched the Plaza Cuartel and the Iwahig Prison and the Penal Farm as major historical destination. This year, it is the Puerto Prinscesa Baywalk Park that the task force aims to highlight. The Baywalk area was formerly known as a seaplane base during World War II which is now a famous tourist attraction by the bay. Be a witness and experience the unveiling of the historic photo wall and be captivated by nature during the firefly watching tour.

Palawan’s grim past dated back in March 1942 after General Douglas MacArthur withdrew from the Philippines and all of its islands fell to the Japanese military. It wasn’t until around February 1945 that the US liberation forces took action and seized the retreating Japanese forces.

The island was liberated by an extensive Philippine movement composed of 1,000 Filipino guerillas. Dr. Ricardo Jose of the University of the Philippines Third World Center Studies, “Palawan was one of the most strategic spots in the region.” The rest was history and as a commitment to sustain our heroes’ legacy and to commemorate their sacrifice, the City Council of Puerto Princesa has approved an ordinance declaring April 22 as Palawan Liberation Day. 

As shared by the Palawan Governor Jose Ch. Alvarez, the tourists will have new and exciting attractions to look forward to when visiting the province. With the island’s rich cultural history, Palawan was voted as the Best Island in the World for the second year running by readers of the prestigious magazine, Conde Nast Traveler. “The role of Palawan guerrillas who liberated the island from Japanese invaders during World War II was crucial to Philippine history,” said Governor Alvarez, “It’s about time we recognize their heroism through historical tourism programs.”

Thus, Rajah Travel Corporation’s invitation to travel back in time and embark on a one of a kind promotional package tour to experience the historic trail of the Palawan Liberation “A Salute To Valor: Tales of Courage” 16days/15 nights tour. Now available via https://goo.gl/67OGTk.    

Media Contact:

Palawan Liberation Task Force Secretariat