Dads eye declaration of Mintal as Japanese heritage site by August 2008

The long-time dream of Japanese nationals and descendants in Davao City to finally witness the recognition of Mintal as a Japanese heritage site may become a reality on or before August 2008.

“We are mobilizing the aid of all concerned agencies so we can fast track the declaration of Mintal as a Japanese heritage site in time for August when most Japanese time their visit to the city,” councillor Rachel Zozobrado, chair of the Committee on International Relations said. This is also the month being eyed by officials of barangay Mintal and the University of the Philippines in Mindanao for the staging a photo exhibit on Mintal as Little Tokyo.

Mintal barangay captain Ramon Bargamento said the declaration of Mintal as a Japanese heritage site is long overdue considering that it was the center of economic activity during the Japanese occupation. This explains the proliferation of Japanese burial sites in the area up to now.

“There are a lot of Japanese descendants living in Mintal right now and their relatives periodically visit the area to get in touch with them or just visit the graves of their loved ones,” Zozobrado said. She added she is looking forward to the declaration of Mintal as a Japanese heritage site since she grew up in Mintal and can recall seeing a lot of Japanese in the area, either as neighbors or frequent visitors.

The resolution declaring the area as a Japanese heritage site was proposed by councilor Louie Villafuerte who also comes from the third district. “The establishment of the heritage site will recognize the historical bond between the people of Japan and Davao City,” he said.

City Planning chief Louis Jacinto is also supportive of the move to declare Mintal as a Japanese heritage site but said they should closely look into the protocols involved considering that it is considered a sacred ground by the Japanese. He has offered assistance in terms of research and the creation of a map of the area.