As part of its continuing product development and heritage advocacy, the Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region recently held a test run of its World War 2 Historical Journey which retraces the crucial events of the Pacific War.
The three-day caravan started in Baguio City, where World War 2 started in 1941 and ended in 1945, covering Baguio Museum, the Mirador Jesuit Villa Retreat House and Eco Park, the Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral, Teachers’ Camp, The Mansion, Wright Park, and Bell House at Camp John Hay where the Welcome Dinner was held.
The Journey also motored to Camp Maj. Bado Dangwa in La Trinidad, Benguet; Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corp. in Mankayan, Benguet; Bessang Pass Natural Monument in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur; Camp Lt. Geronimo Montes in Bontoc, Mountain Province; Hungduan Heritage Village, and Kiangan National Shrine in Ifugao.
According to DOT regional director Jovi Ganongan, the tour will help create awareness among municipal governments on the need to rediscover and develop their historic spots to rekindle patriotism and pride of place among locals.
She said that some of the World War 2 sites can be incorporated into existing tour packages to enhance the heritage component of the travel itineraries, and complement similarly-themed tours in the nearby Ilocos, Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley regions.
Taking part in the event were members of the Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa), universities in Baguio City, and local tour operators and guides.
At the closing ceremonies at the Kiangan Shrine are project researcher and historical reenactor Bernard Supetran, Philtoa president Fe Abling-Yu, Ifugao vice governor Glenn Prudenciano, DOT regional director Jovi Ganongan, Ifugao provincial board member Joselito Guyguyon, Kiangan vice mayor Michelle Baguilat, Office of the Presidential Assistant for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) consultant Brig. Gen. (ret) Ramon Yogyog, and Cordillera World War 2 Journey tour director Karlo Altomonte.