Virtual activities highlight this year’s commemoration of the first hoisting of US flag in the country, at Dulag Hill 120

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 17, 2020): Virtual activities highlight this year’s commemoration of the first hoisting of US flag in the country, at Dulag Hill 120 (By Olive P. Tiu) 

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 17 (PIA) -- The Local Government of Dulag, Leyte has cancelled all the “live” or face-to-face annual traditional activities on October 19 in line with the Leyte Gulf Landings 76th Anniversary, as the safety and health of its constituents is the paramount concern of the LGU.

This was disclosed by Mr. Rolando Cagara, SB Secretary and Chair of Dulag Cultural Heritage and the Arts Council, who represented Mayor Mildred Que during the October 16 episode of PANINDUGAN, virtual Kapihan among PIA and Friends.

This year, the LGU opted to have a virtual video presentation via the LGU FB page. The presentation will only have three parts, Mr. Cagara said, the message of Mayor Que, the singing of the newly composed song, Isao Yamasai dedicated to Japanese Captain Yamasai who was very kind, helpful and friendly to the people of Dulag during the Japanese Occupation, and one musical rendition by the San Jose National High School Ensemble.

To recall, it has become a tradition that the town of Dulag in the province of Leyte is the center of activities every October 19, in connection with the Leyte Gulf Landings anniversary.

The Dulag Commemorative Celebration which is sponsored by the Municipal Government of Dulag, Leyte led by Mayor Mildred Que, and the Provincial Government of Leyte led by Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla, is usually held at the Hill 120 at Barangay San Rafael, where the American flag was first raised in the Philippines during the Liberation.

At Dulag Hill 120 fronting the main highway of Dulag, is a historical marker narrating the historic significance of the place.

It reads: "Atop the height of this hill 120, Blue Beach, Dulag Leyte, Philippines at 10:42 a.m. 20 October 1944, only 42 minutes had elapsed since the first assault troops of the 3rd BN of 382D Infantry, 96th Division of the American forces of liberation had landed 1st Lt. Clifford W. Mills raised the American flag in Philippine soil after it had been lowered at Bataan on 9 April 1942. Floating high and proud was tangible proof that the Americans had made good their promise to the Filipinos."

"In grateful memory of the unknown American soldiers, who with untold magnanimity and valiance fought and paid the supreme sacrifice on this foreign shore to liberate a people foreign to them."

Also present at the Hill is a Japanese Memorial and Cenotaph of the bloody encounter which reads: "Cenotaph Dedicated to console all souls of Filipinos, Japanese, Americans who passed away in Leyte during World War II. Sworn that the same tragedy and mistake should never be repeated. Prayer for the true world peace and friendship forever."

Going up, there is a trail of concrete steps to the top of Hill 120 which require a five-minute trek.

On top of the hill is a touching scene, a figure of the American Marine climbing a coconut tree and carrying an American flag… another American Marine follows him from behind.

From the top of the hill, one could see the Blue Beach of Dulag where a part of the Allied Forces landed.

The annual activity at Hill 120 is aimed at keeping alive the importance of the hill in the Liberation of the country from foreign invaders.

Indeed, the young people of the municipality and the whole country must know the important historical events that took place in their respective areas. (PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056285