According to the Camalig Tourism Office, earlier intelligence reports gathered by the American forces indicate that the Japanese forces were constructing secret passageways and quarters in various areas in the Bicol region before the return of Gen. Douglas McArthur.
The Japanese forces used their expertise in engineering to construct secured passageways and quarters by blasting the hillsides, digging trenches and tunnels, and destroying hundreds of hectares of abaca and coconut plantations.
When the Americans returned to liberate the Philippines and their warships started assaulting the shores of Albay Gulf, the Japanese forces in various municipalities of Albay retreated to Quituinan hills and prepared to make their last stand. About 700 Japanese soldiers perished in the ensuing battle.
Most of the tunnels are found in slope and hillside areas, covered with trees and shrubs, and are near springs and water sources.
The tunnel is expected to boost tourism in Albay that will also benefit locals who rely on agriculture for their livelihood.
“The huge chunk of micro, small and medium enterprises are into agricultural products. Aside from being a source of food, they also turn their crops into products for tourism services,” said Camalig municipal information officer Tim Florece.
According to Florece, the municipal government provides support to the local farmers in terms of packaging and marketing their products. The newly constructed Visitor Information Center (VIC), situated on Quituinan Hill, serves as a platform for farmers to showcase and sell their products.
The VIC is a travel hub that offers a variety of amenities and highlights tourism spots for guests and tourists. It boasts an exhibit area and pasalubong center that features Camalig's cultural, local, and tourism assets.
“The new tourism site will also boost local revenues and employment. The guided tour for instance is an added livelihood along with other tourism services,’ Florece said.
