MABALACAT CITY – The airfield from where the suicide missions of the dreaded Japanese pilots of World War II were launch to wreak havoc on the returning American navy ships will be transformed officially into a zone of peace.
This, the Mabalacat City College (MCC) initiated on the celebration of the International Day of Peace and the National Peace Consciousness Month at the Kamikaze East Airfield in Barangay Cacutud.
The Kamikaze monument standing at what remained of the airfield had generated controversies since its inception in 1974 – with it being construed as “a glorification of foreign oppressors” foremost.
An inscription at the site said it was on Oct. 25, 1944 that the first Kamikaze pilots took off and hit US targets near Tacloban in Leyte about four hours later.
“Lt. Seki hit first and sank the carrier USS St. Lo. His men also hit and heavily damaged the carriers USS Sangamon, USS Suwanee, USS Santee, USS White Plains, USS Kalinin Bay and USS Kitkun Bay. Some kamikaze pilots based in Cebu and Davao also joined in this successful attack,” the inscription said.
On record, some 3,800 Kamikaze pilots died during the war while killing over 7,000 naval personnel.
This notwithstanding, the MCC held steadfast to its commitment of “preserving the lessons of history while instilling values of peace and unity for the present and future generations.”
To the MCC, the envisioned peace zone at the Kamikaze East Airfield will serve as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and harmony.
“It will be a sanctuary where history is honored, reconciliation is nurtured, and the past paves the way for a brighter future. Embracing diversity and inclusivity, it will welcome people from all walks of life and all forms of life, fostering an environment of non-violence and tranquility,” a press statement from the MCC read.
“This demilitarized oasis will provide a haven for peaceful recreational activities, promoting well-being and unity,” it furthered.
The MCC initiative started on Oct. 2 with the planting of five “Peace Poles, each adorned with messages of hope for peace in various languages.
The symbolic act, the MCC said, represented an annual tradition to come, with Peace Poles from global peace advocates joining the ranks.
The event was presided over by Raymond John Vergara, MCC vice president for global relations, opportunities, and workforce development; Carol Arboleda, MCC Kayantabe manager; James Darwin Lagman, director of Center for Community Research and Innovation; and TSgt. Michael B. Peñalosa.
A petition to declare Kamikaze East Airfield as a peace zone was read and the ceremonial signing of the petition was led by MCC Student Supreme Council president Jessie Dela Pena, and witnessed by various student organizations.
MCC is optimistic that the petition will garner public support and eventually lead to legislative action by the sangguniang panglungsod.
The ultimate vision is to transform the Kamikaze East Airfield, once a symbol of conflict, into a testament to shared commitment to peace—a legacy for generations to come. The initiative also stands as an affirmation of the city government’s dedication to peace-building, reinforcing its active membership in the esteemed World City Mayors for Peace organization. Punto News Team/PR
