Cainta Catholic College Explored Corregidor-May 29, 2009

As early as 5:00 AM , all the employees were ready for the trip. We reached Ferry Terminal, Roxas Boulevard almost 7:00 AM. We’ll leave at 8:00 AM and Sun Cruises ferry will bring us to Corregidor. Number tags and tickets were distributed while we were waiting for our departure. In our trip, the tour guide explained the history behind this legendary and historical place- Corregidor, “The Rock”

CORREGIDOR – “The Rock”

A tadpole shaped island at the entrance of Manila Bay. The named Corregidor came from the Spanish word “corregir” meaning the correctors. When we were not yet under the Spanish rule, Corregidor served as an early warning outpost to warn hostile ships entering Manila Bay.

Corregidor is also known as the “The Rock” because of its rocky landscape. It is approximately 4 kms. long and 1.5 kms. At the tip of the tail , 2 kms south Caballo island. Both Caballo and Corregidor islands are part of the province of Cavite.

The History

After 400 years of colonization, year 1941, the Spanish government sold the rights to the US government with the amount of $ 20 million. The Americans used the fortress as an army post and named it Fort Mills in honor of Brig. Gen. Fort Mills. Bomb shelters, hospitals and the famous Malinta Tunnel were built by the Americans. This tunnel was used for protecting military installations- guns and other ammunition in case there would be war.

Japan invaded Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the Filipinos and Americans soldiers decided to stay in Corregidor. Gen. Douglas MacArthur used Corregidor as a base for allied forces. It also served as temporary shelter of the Commonwealth government and family of Pres. Quezon.

Corregidor surrendered to the Japanese government after the Fall of Bataan- April 9, 1942.

THE EXPLORATION

Reaching the Site

There were “tranvias” with tour guides who will take and lead us to the significant places. We went to the TOPSIDE where the Lighthouse, Headquarters Barracks, the Eternal Flame, the Memorials, the Parade ground can be found. In the MIDDLESIDE, we saw the ruins and the parks. Lastly, we reached the BOTTOMSIDE where the hotel was located. We took our lunch and had a little rest.

TOPSIDE-

MIDDLESIDE-

-BOTTOMSIDE-

Natures Bounty

As we go along the place, we witnessed the bountiful nature surrounding the island. With its greenery and sweet-scented air, it’s really the place- a sanctuary where one could feel peace and serenity.

Historical Remains

Many of the ruins have never been reconstructed and instead remain as is so as to serve as memorials for those Filipino- American soldiers who struggled for freedom during World War II. These remains showed us how great those heroes of the century, wholeheartedly and selfishly offered their undying love to free this country from foreign bondage.

-HIGHLIGHT OF THE VISIT-

The Malinta Tunnel

There were thirteen laterals with different audio-video presentation of the events that happened during World War II. These include the lives of the Fil-Americans soldiers during the war- the famine and starvation that they experienced and the departure of Pres. Quezon and Gen. Douglas McArthur.

As we saw each lateral, we could feel the agony that lies within. There was a feeling of sadness, mercy and hatred. What if this would happen again? Who will be our defenders?

“Lives of great men all remind us,

We can make our lives sublime.

And departing leave behind us

Footprints on the sand of time.”

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow