The city of Biñan celebrates several significant milestones this month: its 15th Cityhood Anniversary on February 2, its 80th Liberation Day from Japanese occupation on February 3, and its 278th Foundation Day on February 4. In commemoration of these historical events, the Biñan LGU has organized various activities for the residents, and classes in schools are suspended throughout the city. Meanwhile, we are gathering at school to participate in our annual Griffin Games.
In addition, we are watching a historical documentary titled Aninong Puti Sa Pulang Araw: The Rogelio Ligaya Lim-aco Story (Binan City Cultural Historical Arts and Tourism Office, 2016). Rogelio Ligaya Lim-aco is celebrated as a local hero in Biñan; he served as mayor during the Japanese occupation and led the charge against Japanese soldiers during the war. You can watch the video using the following link: Watch the Documentary.
It is essential to approach this historical video with sensitivity and nuance. Therefore, DHOS encourages us to process the material in class or with students in safe and inclusive spaces.
Below are some tips on how to develop meaningful discourse, conversations, and dialogue:
- Set the Context
- Acknowledge that historical narratives are shaped by perspectives, and media from different eras often reflect the biases or propaganda of their time.
- Explain that war narratives tend to depict one side as heroes and the other as villains, but history is more complex than that.
- Clarify that not all Japanese people supported the war—many civilians suffered greatly, and there was even resistance within Japan itself.
- Encourage Critical Viewing (Use OPVL)
- Ask students to analyze the video as a historical document rather than merely as a story. Guide them to consider:
- Who created the video?
- What is its purpose?
- What biases might it contain?
- How does it compare to other perspectives on the war?
- If possible, provide a contrasting perspective—for example, accounts from Japanese civilians, soldiers, or historians.
- Facilitate a Discussion After Watching
- Open a discussion about how different nations remember World War II and how this shapes national identity.
- Emphasize that no nationality is inherently good or bad; war was a result of political and military decisions rather than an entire people’s character.
- Invite students to reflect on how history is told and by whom, encouraging empathy and a broader understanding of historical events.
- Support Our Students of Japanese Descent or Nationality
- Privately check in with your Japanese students afterward to see how they feel.
- Reassure them that studying history does not mean blaming or judging modern-day people for past events.
- If they are uncomfortable, provide alternative ways to engage—for example, by analyzing primary sources or reading narratives and research from multiple viewpoints about the war (visit the BA Library).
- Connect to the Present
- Highlight that Japan and other countries have worked toward peace and reconciliation since WWII.
- Discuss how we can learn from history to prevent future conflicts rather than focusing solely on past divisions.
Today, we celebrate the rich history of Biñan. We engage in friendly games and healthy competition through the Griffin Games, while also creating open, safe, and inclusive spaces for students to critically and compassionately engage with history and the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment