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Located in the sitio of Taguanao, barangay Indahag, Huluga has long been an important archaeological site for Cagayan de Oro. Ever since the area was first explored in 1970, many historic finds have been unearthed. Among these artifacts were human skeletal remains that, according to dating techniques, date back to 350 AD.

It was the highly-esteemed Dr. Jesus T. Peralta who subsequently made reports about the study, while the field anthropologist sent by the National Museum at the time, Dr. Erlinda M. Burton, stayed behind in Cagayan de Oro to continue making scholarly studies of Mindanao’s local culture.

Today, local historians and archaeologists continue to monitor the Huluga area. In the excavations of 2001, some findings were analyzed and concluded to have been used as stone tools in prehistoric times.

The Problem

In 1999, the local government that was headed by then City Mayor Vicente Y. Emano started pursuing plans of creating another bridge to span across the Cagayan River, from Taguanao to Upper Balulang. However, the problem was this proposed bridge would totally demolish the very site of the Huluga Caves. Apparently, this meant that city officials were either ignorant of the importance of Huluga or they willingly followed the plan of building a large scale infrastructure without proper consultation.

The dismay over the deliberate destruction of the archaeological site was even more heightened when on August 5, 2003, Dr. Burton, who eventually became a professor at Xavier University, discovered a depository filled with prehistoric remains at the bottom of Obsidian Hill in Huluga. And at that time, damage had already been caused by the Emano administration’s road project

For this reason, archaeologists representing the Archaeological Studies Program of the University of the Philippines and the National Museum appeared at the site to examine the damage brought by the mayor’s road project. The arrival of these archaeologists, however, grabbed the attention of Dr. Burton. So she decided to write to the National Museum, asking for permission to dig at the newly found depository. She explained that her students would help in the excavation, so the project would not cost the government even a single cent.

Strangely enough, it wasn’t until three months later that Dr. Burton received a reply when government service rule clearly stated that letters shall be answered in 15 days. Plus, the lot owner Wilson Cabaluna, a city Tourism Office employee, refused to cooperate with Dr. Burton in preserving the archaeological find. Thus, to Burton’s dismay, the destruction of the depository continued and no one could do anything about it.

Rigged Findings

In late 2004, a team from the Archaeological Studies Program led by Dr. Victor Paz conducted an excavation at the Huluga area without informing Dr. Burton. Later on, this said team held a press conference where they announced that the Huluga Open Site is a “habitation, but unlikely a settlement.” This seemed an unlikely conclusion because they formed the press conference even before their colleagues in Manila and local scientists could check their findings.

A few months later, the Archaeological Studies Program team published a report of the dig and reportedly said that there was no depository filled with prehistoric remains found in Huluga. The team apparently ignored the fossils and artifacts found by the Heritage Conservation Advocates (HCA) in 2003. Among these relics is a whale harpoon that had counterparts found in Siquijor, Bohol and Cebu.

There were several other artifacts found way before the Archaeological Studies Program dug up the site. Everything smelled, but some things were certain, one of which was that the leader of this archaeology team had a family member who worked for the City Planning Office, which happened to be under the administration of Emano.

Significance of Huluga

Huluga is believed to have been prehistoric Cagayan de Oro, and according to written historical documents, was called “Himologan.” When the Augustinian Recollect friars came to the city during the Spanish era, they persuaded the natives of Himologan to move to the area where Cagayan de Oro stands today. So, in 1626, these natives moved to the town site, which is now the area around St. Augustine Cathedral.

Therefore, Huluga is the hallowed grounds that once used to be the dwelling place of the first Cagayan de Oro inhabitants.

-by Gillian Abonitalla-
(Photo taken from elson.elizaga.net)

Several anthropomorphic secondary burial jars were discovered by archaeologists in the Ayub Cave of Piñol Maitum in the Sarangani Province of Mindanao. These significant historical artifacts were unearthed way back in 1991. Since then, more archeological excavations were conducted in the site with hopes to recover more of these important artifacts. Additionally, the excavation projects that followed the initial project that retrieved these sensational findings were either funded by the private or public sector.

The excavated Maitum burial jars appeared to be created from earthenware. These pots were also characterized by their forms and designs, which suggests human figures that were crafted with either partial or complete facial characteristics. Apart from this, these earthenware potteries also featured several incisions and cut-out foot rings. The forms that the anthropomorphic jars possessed were compared to several metal implements such as bracelets. On the other hand, some of these jars were also adorned with pendants, shell scoop, spoons and glass beads. Although majority of the recovered artifacts were anthropomorphic vessels, a few plain non-anthropomorphic potteries were also discovered.

After studying the artifacts, the scientists came to a conclusion that the secondary burial jars they discovered were pieces of important artifacts that have survived since the Metal Age. The experts dated the acquired artifacts to 830+/-60 B.P. by using a calibrated date of AD 70 to 370, and 1920+/-50 BP by basing on a calibrated date of 5 BC to 225 AD. In order to determine the age of the extracted Maitum Potteries, the scientists ran a series of radiocarbon date tests on the collected soot samples obtained from the small earthenware vessel that was taken from one of the large burial jars.

Basically, radiocarbon dating (also known as carbon dating) is a type of radiometric dating method that employs radioisotope carbon-14 in order to identify the age of the carbonaceous materials that are found in the artifacts. By using these naturally occurring substances in various artifacts, scientists can actually determine the age of a specific artifact that dates up to about 62,000 years.

As of today, a few of the famous Maitum jars are displayed at the National Museum. According to one of the people from the museum, Dr. Eusebio Dizon, the famous anthropomorphic secondary burial jars will be declared as “National Cultural Heritage” soon. This simply means, according to his speech at the “Symposium on Maitum Archaeological Finds” last November 26, that the Maitum burial jars are not for sale and are prohibited from being taken out of the country. Although he did mention this, Dr. Eusebio Dizon did not elaborate on the specific details as to when and where the declaration would take place.

Dr. Eusebio Dizon currently serves as one of the curators for the Archaeology Division; he likewise serves as the head of the Underwater Archaeology Section of the National Museum. According to him, the Piñol Cave, the place where the jars were found, are the most significant caves in Mindanao. He also finds the Piñol caves as “Unparalleled in Southeast Asia.”

-by Mara Tismo-
(Photo taken from i75.photobucket.com)

Several inhabitants of the City of Golden Friendship believe that Justiniano R. Borja is the most recognized and esteemed mayor of the city. A Silliman University graduate, he began his service in the government in 1954. Five years later, he took on among the greatest developments of the city as he opened the Cogon Market. In honor of his achievements for Cagayan de Oro, a statue, which was sculpted by National Artist Napoleon V. Abueva, was erected at the Golden Friendship Park. The city even named a street after him: JR Borja.

According to Dr. Antonio J. Montalvan II, an anthropologist and historian, Borja was considered as the “Arsenio Lacson of Cagayan de Oro” as he was the plain-speaking kind of individual who ran the city without fear or favor. Equipped with a political will, he was unlike the politicians of today as he was the simple kind who would only walk to and from the office without bodyguards swarming around his path. At his funeral, which was witnessed by many Kagay-anons, the place was filled with people who supported and loved him. In fact, because almost all were in mourning that day, “shops and establishments were closed for business at their own behest.”

Justiniano Borja was the only mayor of Cagayan de Oro who received several acknowledgments; a solid proof that he was loved by the citizens of the city. Apart from the street that was named after him and the honorary statue, a hospital was also named after the city mayor. It was called the JR Borja Memorial City Hospital. He was likewise the only mayor who received a doctorate degree honoris causa in public administration, given by Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan.

The undersecretary of DILG (the Department of Interior and Local Government), Raf Benaldo, once mentioned that Justiniano “Tiñing” Borja became the benchmark for Cagayan de Oro’s public servants; unfortunately, though, not one has equaled his feat.

-by Rose Anne Quirante-

The Philippine’s Day of Valor, also referred to locally as the Araw ng Kagitingan, is celebrated as a national holiday in the country. The event is held annually to commemorate one of the country’s most historical events, the fall of Bataan during the infamous World War II.

Originally, this specific national holiday is held every 9th of April. However in 2009, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo decided it would be more suitable to celebrate Araw ng Kagitingan on April 6. Moving the date will provide the Filipino citizens with two long weekends, as the usual date for the Araw ng Kagitingan falls on Maundy Thursday.

Moving the date and providing longer weekends would prove to be beneficial to the country’s local tourism. As what President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo claims, moving the dates of several holidays to lengthen the weekends are called economic holidays, which will in turn, bring in benefits to the country.

Anyway, getting back to the national holiday; as mentioned earlier, Araw ng Kagitingan is an annual observation meant to remind the citizens of the importance or the relevance of the Fall of Bataan to the county as a whole. The historical event all started at the dawn of April 9, 1942, when an alarming number of prisoners of war were surrendered to the Japanese troops. These unfortunate POWs consisted of more than 76, 000 people, 11,796 of which were composed of American soldiers, 1,000 Chinese men, and 67,000 Filipinos.

A large percentage of the POWs were forced to endure an enforced march that went as long as 90 miles or 140 km. These men were robbed of their belongings and then marched on dusty roads and were crammed into several rail cars before being sent to Camp O’Donnell. During the long and exhausting march, more than a thousand prisoners of war were abandoned on the streets to die from heat prostration, dehydration, wanton execution and untreated wounds.

In addition to starving them and forcing them to endure marching in the midst of the tropical heat, the Japanese troops also executed several common actions including beheading, or the random cutting of throats and casual shootings. Apart from this, some of the prisoners of war were also raped and stabbed with a bayonet while some endured disembowelment and rifle butt beating.

Refusing to move forward or the simple inability to continue was almost considered as a death sentence among the POWs. This was also true for any action that suggested protest of displeasure. Anyone who was caught helping or assisting someone who tripped due to weakness was attacked or punished.

The few POWs who were luckily transported on trucks towards San Fernando were not exempted from enduring an additional 25 miles of marching. Aside from robbing them of their things, these poor prisoners were also denied of food and water and were beaten at random. Out of the 76,000 POWs, only an approximate of 54,000 people was able to reach the destination.

This significant detail about Philippine history was later on dubbed as the Bataan Death March, or the Death March of Bataan. And much later on, it was accounted as a Japanese War Crime. This violation of the code of war occurred right after the three month Battle of Bataan, during the World War II. In the Japanese language, this event was referred to as the Batān Shi no Kōshin, which actually means the same thing.

Several decades later, the fall of Bataan was declared locally as the Araw ng Kagitingan, or the Day of Valor or Heroism among the Filipinos in order to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who endured the Japanese treatment during the ruthless siege of Bataan. This event will remind all Filipinos in the coming generations about the heroism and martyrdom that eventually led to the country’s own freedom.

Surprisingly, this historic event is also commemorated in some parts of the United States. This significant Filipino event is observed as “The Sacrifices of the Fall of Bataan and Corregidor” at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, Honolulu, Hawaii. Aside from Hawaii, the Bataan Death March is also celebrated each year in several other places. For instance, the Bataan Death March is known as the “Bataan Memorial March” in Brainerd, Minnesota. Aside from this, it is also celebrated every year at the White Sands Missile Range in the north of Las Cruces, New Mexico. And finally, the event is commemorated as the “Maywood Bataan Day” in Maywood, Illinois. The event was first observed in the place way back in September 1942.

While a few US states are known to commemorate the event, several areas in the United States have also named shrines, schools, memorial parks, highways, bridges and monuments to honor the memory of the Filipino, Chinese and American defenders who suffered a great deal in Bataan.

Last 2009, on the 30th of May, the survivors of the Bataan Death March gathered to celebrate their 64th and final reunion in San Antonio, Texas. On behalf of the entire Japanese government, the Japanese ambassador to the United States, Ichiro Fujisaki, made an appearance to the assembly. During the event, the Japanese Ambassador apologized to the group of Bataan survivors for the things they endured after they were surrendered to the Japanese troops.

Locally, the Filipinos have placed a lot of importance and put much effort into celebrating the event. Several memorials and shrines have been built all over the country to honor the countless heroes who endured the March of Bataan. Shrines and memorials built as a tribute to the POWs of Bataan can be found in Mount Samat, and Capas, Tarlac. The one found in Mount Samat, Bataan is known as the Shrine of Valor or the “Dambana ng Kagitingan.”

The event in itself is a celebration of gallantry, heroism and valor. The event is celebrated to perpetuate the lessons that were obtained from the Fall of Bataan. Specifically, the fact that nations do not need to enter into war to settle international differences. Aside from this, the historical event also reiterates that “peace is many times more beneficial to humanity.”

For this year, 2010, the observance of the Araw ng Kagitingan will be held simultaneously with the Philippine Veterans Week. Several activities have been made in preparation for the event. This included a symposium on the “Images of Valor and Victory of WWII,” which was held at the NDCP Auditorium last March 5 (Friday).

The symposium was part of the event’s pre-launching activities aimed at spreading awareness regarding the event. The symposium was held in collaboration with the Philippine Historical Association. The symposium featured several stories that emphasized on the valor and victory of the soldiers in the Bataan March despite going through the things they had to endure. In addition to this, a handful of notable veterans have also served as panelists who interacted with the young audiences through an open forum.

Another activity connected to the event’s awareness campaign, the ID Medical Outreach Program for the Veterans and Descendants, was held last March 26 (Friday) in Balanga City, Bataan. An entire day was dedicated to conduct medical and dental missions for the veterans of Bataan in coordination with the VFP-SDAL, FILVETS, and VFP.

A sunrise ceremony is scheduled on April 5, 2010 at 6:00 in the morning at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. The ceremony will symbolize the Opening of the Philippine Veterans Week. The sunrise ceremony will provide the veterans the opportunity to pay tribute to their fallen comrades by allowing them to offer flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.

A wreath-laying ceremony is scheduled an hour after the sunrise ceremony. This ceremony will also take place at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. This time, it will be the different sectors of the government and the youth’s chance to pay homage to the veterans of Bataan by offering wreaths and flowers. The youth will be represented by a group of students, as well as by selected boy and girl scouts.

Apart from the youth and the different government sectors, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is also expected to pay homage to the Bataan heroes at the Hunters ROTC Guerilla Field at the Philippine Army. This will be held on the same day, April 5 at 9 am.

On the 7th of April (Wednesday), a Tribute to All Filipino Heroes will take place at the Corregidor Island at 9am. This specific ceremony will be held as a tribute to all the heroes hailing from the time of Lapu-lapu, to the time of the Katipuneros who fought during the Philippine Revolution. The term Filipino Heroes also applies to the people who participated during the EDSA Revolution, as well as to the guerillas and soldiers who fought during the Second World War. This memorial in Cavite will be held to honor the “Filipino who knows how to die for the love of freedom and liberty.”

There are a lot more activities planned for the celebration of the annual Araw ng Kagitingan event aside from these. Each event is highly dedicated to honoring every Filipino who have fallen in battle, as well as to every Filipino who have survived after a series of battles.

-by Mara Tismo-
(Photo taken from risk711.blogspot.com)