Sailors and marines from the Naval Forces Central and reservists will stage the re-enactment of the Talisay Landing of World War II at the beachfront in barangay Poblacion, Talisay City today.
The event marks the arrival of troops from the U.S. 8th Army Division led by Maj. Gen. William Howard Arnold on March 26, 1945.
The landing paved the way for the liberation of Cebu from the Japanese.
Filipino guerrillas of the 8th Military District led by Lt. Col. James Cushing assisted the American forces.
Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale said the province would extend P100,000 as assistance to the Talisay city government for the event.
“Ginagmay ang atong assistance basta kinasing-kasing (We gave a little assistance, but it is heartily given),” she said.
Magpale will attend the 68th commemoration of the historic “Takas sa Talisay” or “Talisay Landing” today.
The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) approved a resolution honoring the historic event.
In the resolution authored by acting Vice Gov. Julian Daan, the board said the “celebration is anchored on honoring Cebuano and American soldiers who shed blood to liberate Cebu from the Japanese army.”
Rep. Eduardo Gullas and other top military officials in the province are expected to attend the event.
Supt. Elmer Lim, chief of Talisay City Police, reminded spectators to be careful of their belongings and watch out for pickpockets who may take advantage of the crowd.
To ease traffic congestiont, he appealed to motorists not to pass the area in barangay Poblacion until the event is over unless it’s necessary.
The Talisay City government spent P1.5 million for the renovation of the landing marker and another P500,000 for the conduct of the activity. /WITH correspondent Gabriel Bonjoc