Republika ng Pilipinas LALAWIGAN NG ILOCOS SUR

Vigan City

TANGGAPAN NG SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN

(Office of the Provincial Board)
DRAFT RESOLUTION NO. 010-2020 Authored by Hon. Benjamin N.
Maggay
RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
ILOCOS SUR DIVISION, VIGAN CITY DIVISION AND CANDON
CITY DIVISION TO INCORPORATE AND INCLUDE THE EPIC
"BATTLE OF BESSANG PASS” IN THE CURRICULUM SUBJECT
ARALING PANLIPUNAN (SOCIAL STUDIES) OF JUNIOR HIGH
SCHOOL IN THE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR
WHEREAS, during the World War II, many Ilocanos have fought
against the Japanese Imperial Forces who occupied the Philippines
from 1941-1945;
WHEREAS, the Japanese Imperial Army led by General Tomoyuki
Yamashita humiliated the Filipinos in the so-called “Death March”
where our Filipino Freedom Fighters were made to walk from Bataan
to Capas, Tarlac during day and night and many of them died due to
severe fatigue, thirst and hunger;
WHEREAS, despite the Japanese superior position in armed fighting,
Filipinos did not lose courage and spirit of nationalism and did all what
they can in order to defend the Philippines from its aggressor;
WHEREAS, the defining moment of World War II which made them
felt the resistance of Filipino soldiers was the Battle of Bessang Pass
at Malaya, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur;
WHEREAS, the mountain ranges at Bessang Pass, Malaya,
Cervantes, Ilocos Sur were occupied by the Japanese Forces as their
camp and constructed many foxholes and trenches which made it
hard for any opponent to attack. This became the stronghold of the
Japanese Imperial Army during the war;
WHEREAS, the spirit of patriotism and gallantry of Filipino soldiers did
not give in to the stronghold of the Japanese, but they persistently
pursued the enemy in a hand to hand and knife to knife combat until
finally in June 14, 1945, the Japanese finally retreated and run
towards the Eastern direction going to Benguet. Mt. Province and to
Kiangan, Ifugao where General Tomoyuki Yamashita surrendered and
was brought to Camp John Hay in Baguio City where he signed his
surrender document in August 1945;
WHEREAS, there were two books developed and published by the
Philippine Veterans Administration Office, “Victory of Bessang Pass”
authored by Ben Cal and “Victory of Northern Luzon" authored by Dr.
Cesar P. Pobre which are readily available materials as reference in
teaching the battle of Bessang Pass to our Ilocano Youths;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS IT IS HEREBY
RESOLVED, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Sur, in session
assembled, on motion of Hon. Benjamin N. Maggay, duly seconded,
RESOLVED as it is HEREBY RESOLVED REQUESTING THE
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ILOCOS SUR DIVISION, VIGAN
CITY DIVISION AND CANDON CITY DIVISION TO INCORPORATE
AND INCLUDE THE EPIC “BATTLE OF BESSANG PASS” IN THE
CURRICULUM SUBJECT ARALING PANLIPUNAN (SOCIAL
STUDIES) OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN THE PROVINCE OF
ILOCOS SUR.