BAGAC, Bataan: The Philippine – Japan Friendship Tower here observed its 50th anniversary in a simple program on Tuesday, April 8, a day before the celebration of the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan.
The structure, built by a group of Japanese in 1975, is one of the many World War II markers and monuments that adorned Bataan.
The Friendship Tower reminds people that even the worst adversaries can be good friends like Filipinos and Japanese. Bagac is one of the two sites in Bataan where the dreaded Death March started. Mariveles is the other site.
Bataan police OIC director Col. Marites Salvadora said the celebration commemorated five decades of peace, unity and lasting friendship between the Filipino and Japanese people. The lady colonel attended the ceremony led by Gov. Jose Enrique Garcia 3rd and Bagac Mayor Ramil del Rosario.
“It stands as a reminder of reconciliation, mutual respect, and the continuous commitment to harmony and international solidarity,” Salvadora said.
