Banana plantation sponsors Bataan Death March commemoration

On April 11, the country will observe the 76th anniversary of the infamous Bataan Death March, a war event that resulted in the demise of 20,000 Filipino and Allied soldiers.

Joining this memorable occasion as sponsor is the Davaobased Tagum Agricultural Development Co. (Tadeco), which cultivates around 5,000 hectares of land belonging to the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (Dapecol) in Davao del Norte.

Historically, it was in Dapecol where retired Philippine Constabulary Captain Anastacio Campo and his family in Davao City were sent by the Japanese military to work at the colony.

It was here also that he covertly organized the “Davao Katipunan,” a guerrilla unit known to and recognized by the Philippine Army.

The paramilitary contingent would indispensably contribute to the subjugation of the Japanese war juggernaut in the northern sector of Davao region toward the end of the conflict.

After the war, the prison farm was transformed into a sprawling abaca plantation and later cultivated by TADECO under an accord, producing the prized banana that Tagum Agricultural Development Co. will distribute during the Capas Freedom March 2018.

Around 4,000 bananas would be distributed to participants and marchers, and the fruits will be transported by Philippine Airlines as official airline partner, from Davao to Manila.