𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐬

The richness of history still echoes into its walls where it managed to escape oblivion and find light as an authentic landmark in the present times.

After several decades, Quituinan World War II Japanese Tunnels opened its subway to the public in the first week of January this year as a tourist destination located in Brgy. Tinago, Camalig, Albay. This initiative is headed by Mr. Jed Villanueva, the chief of the Municipal Tourism and Cultural Heritage Office (MTCHO) with the help of Camalig Local Chief Executive, Hon. Carlos “Caloy” Irwin G. Baldo to increase local tourism and cultural heritage of the municipality, create potential livelihood and economic opportunities for locals.

The 35-meter-long and two-meter-wide tunnel, once a fortress and a garrison of the Japanese Imperial Army during the 1940s occupation in the Philippines, underwent extensive safety restorations. The crew remodeled the tunnel entrance, thoroughly mapped the tunnels, assessed and practiced underground tours, and cleaned the surrounding area and pathways to offer tourists a glimpse into the area’s historical significance.

Along with organizing with the staff of the recently opened Visitor's Information Center (VIC), the organization also prepared the general layout and capacity of the tunnel.

“Actually we have a timeline before it was permitted to open. In the years between 2011-2014, nagkaroon kami ng tourism hopping sa Camalig kumbaga dito namin pinag-identify yung mga potential sites na pwede for tourism. In 2018, nagkaroon kami ng cultural mapping. Pinagdocument namin yung historical significance ng mga sites so nakita namin yung Quituinan World War II Japanese Tunnels. Firstly, may koneksyon siya sa Japanese, kumbaga may foreign target ka na kaagad ‘pag binuksan mo,” Villanueva uttered in an interview.

𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭

This opening does not only enhance the tourism of the Albay Province, but it also serves as a commemoration of the rich historical aspect of the place. Japanese tunnels in Camalig during World War II date back to 1942–1945, when the Japanese built these vital buildings on Quituinan Hill.

The Japanese found Quituinan Hill to be the perfect place for their wartime operations because of its strategic location, which gave them a commanding view of the land, sea, and air. Only one of the initially 18 mapped tunnels is now open to the public, while there are plans for further ones.

These tunnels played a vital role as hiding places for the Japanese throughout the war. The tunnels experienced collapses and degradation over time, needing continuous maintenance and safety inspections.

“Nakita ng mga Japanese na isa itong magandang vantage point para makita nila yung mga kaaway nila at kalaban. So nakikita nila ang air, land, and sea. They took into consideration the geographical location of the Quituinan Hill. Sa baba nito, nandyan ang mga tunnel,” Villanueva shared.

More tunnels are intended to be opened despite the difficulties posed by deterioration and safety worries. Engineers and architects will be involved to guarantee the stability of these structures. The tunnels play a significant role in Camalig's history by giving tourists a window into the region's experiences during the war.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭

Although the Japanese tunnels still need to be excavated, they are a historical site turned into a major tourist destination through the local community and government’s efforts to preserve the site and be fit for visitation.

Visitor safety has been prioritized through several measures, including the distribution and wearing of hard helmets, boots, and torches, guided by tour guides with extensive training. With historical timelines, important sites like the Camalig Church, and Camalig's significance in Christian evangelizing, also add insights into the rich history of the town.

Recognizing the historical link, plans are in place to cater primarily to Japanese visitors while expecting a sizable number of foreign visitors.

Currently, the site is being promoted online to draw more tourists. The marketing strategy is expected to increase visitor traffic to boost not only Camalig’s economy but so the Bicol tourism industry.

𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

Given its current state, not only does it allure people with its rich historical data and jaw-dropping sceneries, but it also aims to expand opportunities for Albayanos as a reward for their vital contributions.

In the eyes of Michael Joseph B. Zuñiga, a local tourist guide of the place, many opportunities came after the public opening of the tunnel…not only for chaperones like him, but also, for tricycle drivers, nearby restaurants, and more. It is indeed a win for the LGU of Camalig and its people.

“Before anything else po, gusto ko na ‘yung mga turista po natin ay pumasyal dito po sa Quituinan hills and tunnels para makita po ninyo yung interior ng Japanese tunnel so at the same time din po, we will also discuss the history of tunnels and also the richness of the heritage of Camalig,” Zuñiga uttered.

Moreover, the future goal of the local tourism office of Camalig focuses on targeting the right market besides the Filipinos, but also the Japanese themselves. In Villanueva’s exact words, “Sana mapansin ito ng Japanese government, puntahan kami at tulungan sa promotions sa kanilang bansa…na pag pumunta sila ng Pilipinas, maging bucket list nila ang pagpunta rito sa tunnel.”

All things considered, discovering the tunnel does not only introduce you into a world of curiosity or maybe, adventure–it allows you to explore and appreciate every aspect of the tourist spot by literally and figuratively delving deeper. All rock dents, the darkness, and whatnot cover the thrill and inquisitions, but the information you hear serves the thirst for knowledge.

Indeed, the walls echo the vibrant history of the exceptional landmark of today, and the recognition of the truest essence of the tunnel presents a bright future.