The occupation of Japan in the Philippines happened between 1942 and 1945 when the Imperial Japanese Army occupied the Philippines during World War II. Japan started to invade the Philippines on December 8th, 1941, right after the attack that happened in Pearl Harbor.
Tomoyuki Yamashita surrender
On September 3rd 1945, General Tomoyuki Yamashita’s surrendered to the US Army Major General Edmond Leavey which led to the ending of the occupation of the Japanese in the Philippines.
U.S General Douglas MacArthur accepted Japan’s unconditional surrender on the deck of Missouri in Tokyo Bay and World War 2 ended.
Mark Go the Rep. in Baguio City explained the bill that was passed by Rodrigo Duterte No. 11216, “Many Filipinos are unaware that Baguio was where the Second World War in the Philippines begun. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the first casualty of Japanese air raids in Luzon was Camp John Hay together with Manila,” According to the PhilStar publication.
Ifugao Province holiday September 2nd
Ifugao province has a non-working holiday on September 2nd every year under the law Act No.11120.
Some commemorations are held in coordination with the municipal government of Kiangan, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, and the Military Shrines Services.
According to the PhilStar report.
Some activities and celebrations happen in the province of Ifugao and they are celebrating this day since 1991, it was to honor the Filipino soldiers that have fought and sacrificed their lives during the war as well as the Ifugao guerillas.
First National Holiday
The first national holiday was announced this year to commemorate the surrender of the Japanese general Yamashita, ending the three- year occupation of the Japanese in the Philippines.
In the bill that was passed this year No.11216 by Rodrigo Duterte, he mentioned in the law that every year on September 3rd it will be declared as a national working holiday in the Philippines. This holiday is meant to celebrate the lives of the soldiers of the Philippines who have fought hard for their country during the occupational period.
Baguio City Rep. Mark Go, mentioned in a local statement that he hopes that this holiday would give more importance to Yamashita’s surrender in the Philippines, as many of the Filipino soldiers fought and sacrificed a lot for their country the Philippines.
The occupational period of the Japanese in the Philippines has shown to be a tough time for the country, but the soldiers have fought hard to gain back the freedom of the country. They have all sacrificed a lot during this World War, so September 3rd will be the day of celebration and gratitude.
