REMEMBERING THEM
By: JOAN MAE SOCO-BANTAYAN,RUBEN B. PASCUA and THE DAILY MANILA SHIMBUN
“…it is for us the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they…here have thus far so nobly advanced…”
– Abraham Lincoln “Gettysburg Address”
It was on a clear and pleasant day of August 11, 2012 when the Administration, faculty, staff and employees of Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc., Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Japan Philippine Volunteers’ Association, and Japanese Consular Office together with the Filipino-Japanese descendants from different chapters have trooped in exodus towards a common destination – The Japanese Cemetery at Mintal, Davao City for “Iresai” under a prominent acacia tree that shades the memorial obelisk built for Japanese who had lived during the glorious days of the Davao Kuo.
As a brief history, in the year 1903, Ohta Kyusaburo (Ota Kyozaburo) arrived in Davao and built in the area of Mintal large abaca plantations including the establishment of Mintal cemetery for fellow Japanese nationals. By 1939, the Japanese had established various enterprises all over Davao and the place was branded as Davo Kuo.
The World War II ripped almost everything that had been built and many Japanese individuals, including children from inter-marriages of Japanese and Bagobo, had no choice but to go hiding in the remote areas of Davao due to anti-Japanese sentiments that roused during the American rule.
The annual memorial service has once again united the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai family in honoring the dead individuals who have struggled and dedicated their lives for the realization of the desire of progress in this city.
The ceremony was organized by the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc. and The Consular Office of Japan in Davao and it was officiated by Reverend Bernardo N. Fernandez Sr. whose message to the attendees was to continue the work that these honored men have started and also strengthen the ties between Filipinos and Japanese.
The programme started by singing the hymn of faith and followed by an invocation led by Mrs. Adelaida S. Panaguiton. Flowers were offered by the different Filipino and Japanese organizations and Nikkei-Jin chapters. In 2009, Mintal was declared as Japanese heritage site by the local government. “The arrival of the Japanese in Mintal and the whole of Davao brought us wonderful history that is of great significance to its people. Now, after the world war, time has shown us how it heals the wounds of the past and makes us look forward to a brighter future.” As mentioned by Honorable Ramon S. Bargamento of Barangay Mintal in his message.
“I hope the breeze that blows in this acacia tree planted by our fathers, grandfathers, or great grandfathers will continue to welcome us in this place as we remember their lives…let us also express gratitude to those who established that bridge between Japan and Davao before the war, regardless of ethnicity and nationality.” These are the thoughts conveyed by Honorable Consul Kazuhiko Anzai of the Japanese Consular Office in his speech.
It is but fitting and proper to devote and dedicate a portion of our time for those who have done something for the betterment of our society and if ever there are unfinished works, the living should be the one to continue what they have started.
It was almost twelve noon when the memorial service ended and all attendees have left the place with a promise to live up the messages relayed by reverend Fernandez, Hon. Ramon Bargamento and Hon. Consul Kazuhiko Anzai.
To end, let us be reminded by this quote which I took from the Daily Bread “Life’s fleeting days will soon be over when death ends all that’s gone before; yet life in Christ continues still, for all who lived to do His will.”