LGU- Koronadal presents “Handurawan” – Morrow’s story
In the midst of a dark era of oppression, a film titled Albert Morrow “a hero’s valor” tells the story of the birth of heroism that is worthy of being told to the present generation.
This year’s Handurawan, in commemoration of the city’s founding anniversary, encapsulates the heroism of Engineer Albert Morrow, then Deputy Administrator of the National Land Settlement Administration.
The short film is entitled “HANDURAWAN: The Trial of Albert Morrow.”
The said film commemorates the City’s rich history by focusing on the difficult and bloody times endured by the locals during the cruel era of Japanese occupation in the then Koronadal Valley, as well as the sacrifices of Engr. Santiago Odi and Albert Morrow.
The narrative talks about the struggles and triumphs of Koronadaleños during the Japanese occupation, depicting the cultural identity and the Filipino values.
Before General Paulino Santos left, he assigned Eng. Albert Morrow as general manager of the National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA).
Subsequent of the killing of an imperial soldier, Captain Oeshi was enraged and arrested at least 28 innocent settlers.
After seeing the horrific and savage killings of citizens, Morrow tried to plead with Capt. Oeshi, captain of the imperial soldiers, to have the innocent people spared. Oeshi, however, disregarded such a request.
Desperate to release his people, Morrow reversed the predicament by sacrificing himself as a surrenderee so that the Japanese would cease killing innocent individuals on November 10, 1942. Shortly after, Santiago Odi, Morrow’s trusted helper and companion, did likewise as a sign of his fidelity and admiration for Morrow’s noble cause. However, before taking his own life, Morrow wrote to Oeshi reiterating his plead to spare the lives of civilians.
Handurawan: The Trial of Albert Morrow is directed by Yen Morales, with Christian Vasquez in the lead role as Engr. Morrow and Lowell Conales as Odi, as well as the cast and crew from Koronadal.
According to historical accounts, Morrow’s and Odi’s sacrifice led Oeshi to order the release of the captives.
When asked why he accepted the role despite the low budget, he said during the press conference, “I accepted this role because I dreamed to becoming a hero. Kahit sa pelikula man lang Hero ako and now my dream came true. I read the script, it’s heartwarming and I say to direk I gotta do this role whatever it takes.” Mr. Conales said.
“This handurawan is a part of digitalization, for us to be able to reach easier to the younger audience and not just only in the Koronadal. This is also a way to promote City of Koronadal’s rich history and to tell younger generations our history. We would like to share to other people what Koronadal had been, Koronadal has been and what Koronadal will be” Elric Batilaran, City Tourism Culture and Arts officer shared.
According to Batilaran, the Handurawan is the result of nearly two decades of research, which included personal interviews with the original settlers and their descendants.
“𝙄𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧’𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙮. 𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙘 𝙖𝙘𝙩.” City Mayor Atty. Eliordo Ogena reminded all Koronadaleños to pay tribute to the heroes while commemorating the city’s founding anniversary.
During the premier screening and the public screening, the descendants of Morrow and Odi are present and some of the descendants of 17 martyrs of Koronadal.
Ms. Mary Lou Morrow- Solomon, the eldest daughter of Albert Morrow, gave gratitude of thanks to the Local Government “I am very happy and thankful because my father was recognized as a hero. My family is overwhelmed by this recognition and thank you for the movie, I know my father is happy”, she said.
Meanwhile, city officials are thinking about incorporating the film into the city’s DepEd schools.
Last January 13, the film was shown to all senior high school in the city to showcase it, “I appreciate the story, it portrays the heroic sacrifice of Albert Morrow to save his people. As a part of the youth of South Cotabato I am really looking forward for the next Handurawan.” Mallorie Shay V. Sevillo, Grade-11, a student of Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (KNCHS) shared her thoughts about the film.
Each foundation anniversary is marked by a wreath-laying ceremony at the 17 martyrs monument in Koronadal Central Elementary School (KCES-1) and the Morrow and Odi monuments in Old City Hall.