CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City government is preparing for the 68th anniversary of the landing of American and Filipino soldiers on the shores of Talisay City in World War II.
Vice Mayor Alan Bucao, chairman of the committee on tourism, has asked the Cebu Provincial government to set aside P500,000 as financial assistance to be used for the commemoration of the Liberation of Cebu.
March 26 has always been memorable not just for Talisay residents but also for the province of Cebu as a whole.
“Such historical event should be kept alive through commemorative ceremonies that would remember the people who sacrificed their lives for our freedom,†Bucao said.
The city’s celebration of the day the liberation forces landed on Talisay shores has been widely known as “Takas sa Talisay†but some sectors have renamed it already as “Liberation of Cebu†because it paved the way for the liberation of the province from Japanese occupation.
According to history, 410 Americans were killed in that battle, 1,700 were wounded, and about 8,000 were classified as “non-battle casualties.â€
Most of the casualties reportedly succumbed to an outbreak of hepatitis.
The Japanese lost 5,500 men. The actual casualties of the Filipino guerillas and civilians were never determined, however. (FREEMAN)