The municipality of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, came alive today with solemn ceremonies and vibrant commemorations as it observed the 80th Liberation Day of Mindoro Island from Japanese occupation during World War II.

Declared a special non-working holiday through Presidential Proclamation No. 756, the day offered residents an opportunity to honor their historical heritage and reflect on the sacrifices that led to freedom.

On December 15, 1944, the quiet coastal town of San Jose bore witness to an event that changed the course of the Philippine liberation campaign.

At dawn, American forces under General Douglas MacArthur launched a surprise landing on the shores of Aroma Beach in Brgy. San Roque, marking the second amphibious operation under MacArthur’s “I Shall Return” promise.

This pivotal moment not only liberated San Jose but also became the launchpad for the liberation of Luzon and the rest of the Philippines.

Elderly residents and members of the West Mindoro Historical and Cultural Society recount stories passed down from survivors.

“We could hear the thunderous roar of naval ships crossing between the islands of Ambulong and Iling. Aircraft dogfights filled the skies while families sought refuge in foxholes, fearing bombardment,” shared Domingo “Dondon” Soriao Jr., a writer and historian.

The event was marked by minimal Japanese resistance, as many enemy forces had retreated, anticipating the Allied advance elsewhere.

By the end of the day, San Jose was declared free, and three airstrips—including the McGuirre Airdome, now the San Jose Airport—were established to aid the larger mission of liberating Manila and Luzon.

80th Commemoration Events
Today, December 15, 2024, the local governmenr unit of San Jose honored this legacy with a commemorative program at Aroma Beach, the very site of the historic landing.

Traffic advisories from the San Jose Traffic Management Office ensured alternative routes were available to accommodate the event.

Hundreds gathered to pay tribute to the veterans and local heroes who played a crucial role in the liberation.

The program featured wreath-laying ceremonies, a reenactment of the landing, and speeches from Mindoreño officials and historians.

The reenactment depicted how American forces, supported by naval and air superiority, disembarked on the shores of Mindoro, overwhelming Japanese forces and securing a strategic foothold in the archipelago.

“The Liberation of Mindoro paved the way for the fall of Japanese strongholds in Luzon. It is a proud chapter in our history, not just for Mindoro but for the entire nation,” said San Jose Mayor Rey Ladaga.

He also extended gratitude to the veterans and their families, emphasizing the importance of preserving the memory of their heroism.

Proclamation No. 756
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, declared December 16, 2024, a special non-working holiday in San Jose in recognition of the 80th Liberation Day.

The proclamation acknowledges the paramount role of the Mindoreños and the strategic importance of San Jose in achieving Philippine independence.

The proclamation states, “It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Municipality of San Jose be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration.”

San Jose remains proud of its contribution to the nation’s freedom.

As the staging ground for operations that led to the liberation of Manila and the rest of the Philippines, it has earned its place in history.

General Douglas MacArthur’s wife once called Mindoro “the key that unlocked the liberation of the Philippines,” underscoring the island’s strategic importance.

Today’s celebration also underscored the need to honor and preserve the memory of wartime sacrifices.

Local organizations like the West Mindoro Historical and Cultural Society continue to gather and document stories from this era, ensuring that younger generations understand the value of the freedom they now enjoy.

As the sun set on Aroma Beach, where towering waves and echoes of history meet, San Jose residents stood together, remembering the resilience of their forebears.

The 80th Liberation Day of Mindoro is more than a holiday; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Filipino and American people who dared to fight for liberty.