What is special about Ifugao’s Victory Day?

Of the many war stories in the country, one of the must know battles is the Victory Day that ushered the end of World War II.

This is the reason behind the celebration of the people of Ifugao every September 2 of the year - thus the observance of the 80th Victory Day in Kiangan, marking eight decades since the capture and eventual surrender of the Commander of the Japanese Imperial Army, Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita to the Allied Forces which put a stop to the war.

Yamashita, the “Tiger of Malaya,” was captured in Ifugao on September 2, 1945 and was airlifted to Camp John Hay in Baguio City, where he formally signed his “instrument of surrender”, marking a turning point in the country’s liberation.

This history is enshrined through the erection of Kiangan National Shrine, also known as “Bantayog ng Kiangan”, in 1975. In 2018, Republic Act No. 11120 was enacted, officially declaring September 2 a special non-working holiday in Ifugao to ensure that the province would forever remember the day when peace returned to the nation.

Highlights of 80th Victory Day

This year’s two-day celebration opened with a parade led by the surviving veterans from across Cordillera region and nearby provinces, along with the descendants of the deceased war veterans. Local government units, national line agencies, civil society groups and other government institutions followed in colourful contingents.

At the shrine, maintained by Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, wreaths were offered at the base of the memorial as a 21-gun salute echoed. Students from local schools also delivered performances and tributes.

During the program, Mayor Raldiz Andrei A. Bulayungan of Kiangan welcomed guests with peom, a creative twist to traditional address.

For his part, Governor Jerry U. Dalipog urged the public to draw strength from the past and enjoined “all stakeholders to put premium on our quest of reawakening the values our heroes handled down to us.”

Brawner: True meaning of Victory Day is not only about remembering battles won, but about safeguarding a peace that lasts

Guest of Honor and Speaker, General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), who traces roots to Kiangan, underscored how Victory Day evolved from a wartime remembrance to foundation for peace and partnership.

In his keynote message, he said that Philippines strengthened defense ties with Japan as evidenced by Japan’s donation of radar systems to AFP and the signing and ratification of the Reciprocal Agreement. Under the agreement, he explained, “Japanese forces can come to the Philippines to train with us. In like manner, we can send Filipino soldiers to Japan to train with our Japanese allies.”

“While modern challenges may differ, the mission of our soldiers remains unchanged. The AFP continues to bear the torch of our forefathers—defending sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, confronting terrorism, and standing ready to respond when calamities strike,” Brawner wrote in his column.

“Some may think military alliances are forged only through blueprints and bullets. In truth, they are built on shared history, mutual respect, and reaffirmed commitment. By letting go of the old enmities and welcoming former adversaries to the same table, we build a steadier peace… This is the true meaning of Victory Day. It is not only about remembering battles won, but about safeguarding a peace that lasts,” the general added.

Brawner further reminded the youth to always remember that “you walk the same land where history was made, where courage was proven, and where freedom was born. Let that memory guide you in whatever mission or path you choose.”