Oro ex-mayor to lead WW2 historical body

The local government has appointed former mayor Constantino Jaraula to lead a historical committee focusing on data and artifact collection from the World War II (WW2) era.

Mayor Oscar Moreno signed an executive order Tuesday appointing Jaraula head of the newly-created Cagayan de Oro Committee for World War ll and Veterans Studies.

Jaraula, also a former congressman, is tasked to steer the advisory body mandated to collect and collate local historical data, stories, and mementos relating to WW2.

Serving as co-chairperson is local economic and investment promotions officer Eileen San Juan, while former Oro Chamber president Elpidio Paras was appointed vice chairperson.

“The present administration is committed to create an atmosphere of heightened awareness, knowledge and appreciation among its constituents on the noble ideas and deeds of our local heroes,” Moreno said.

The city, then named Cagayan de Misamis, figured prominently in WW2 with some of its notable locals having made their mark in the guerilla movement against Japanese invasion.

Cagayan de Misamis was part of the Breakout Route of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who landed at Macabalan Pier in the early morning of March 13, 1942 before proceeding to the Del Monte plantation in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Thereafter, on March 17, 1942, the general, his family, and staff took off for Australia.

MacArthur’s eventual return to the country with an invasion force in 1944 changed the course of history in the Pacific during World War ll.

Sitting as members of the committee are Historical and Cultural Commission (HisCom) member Nicolas Aca; Rotary Club of Northern Bukidnon president, Dr. Benjamin Albarece; Mindanao Daily editorat-large Rene Michael Baños; port manager Isidro Butaslac Jr.; and Philippine Marines veteran Vicente Cabrera Sr.

Appointed history committee stakeholders are: Kerwin Salvador Caragos, Raul Ilogon, Menardo Sonny Tiro lll, Heritage conservation advocate Clara Marie Elizaga, Ret. Col. Jose Paler of the Veterans Federation of the Phils., PVAO officer Ma. Luisa Revecho, Capitol University History Department professor Ryan Sanchez, Xavier University History Department professor and Kristian Ian Sulmayor. (City Information Office/PNA)