The Philippines will observe on April 11, 2018 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 the memorable occasion as sponsor is Davao-based Tagum Agricultural Development Co. which cultivates around 5,000 hectares of land belonging to the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Davao del Norte province.
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 towards 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 will be distributed to participants and marchers, and the fruits will be transported by Philippine Airlines, as official airline partner, from Davao to Manila.