Warship-inspired People’s Hall, tourism trailblazer for Dinagat Islands
By Renelle L. Escuadro
A replica of the World War II Japanese battleship, IJN Yamashiro, is a tourism trailblazer in the Province of Dinagat Islands, contributing to the surge of domestic and foreign tourist arrivals of more than 30 percent during the first half of 2025.
This iconic edifice, standing flamboyant on the plateaued hills of Barangay Cuarinta, San Jose town of this province, serves as the People’s Hall that also houses the office of the Provincial Governor.
Dinagat Islands Culture and Tourism Officer Benlen Navas emphasized the significant contribution of the IJN Yamashiro-inspired People’s Hall to the tourist foot traffic in the province. “The province offers a different tourism portfolio, such as sand and pristine beaches, mountains and caves, gastronomy and festivals, culture and heritage, among others. However, for tourists and visitors, the tourism experience is not complete without visiting the emblematic IJN Yamashiro-inspired People’s Hall. This is one primary reason why they are motivated to visit the province, and they make sure they don’t leave the place without making a tour of the battleship.”
“Our office recorded a leap in domestic arrivals from 28,611 in 2024 to 37,396, a 30.70 percent increase during the first half of this year, while foreign arrivals also rose to 1,122 from 809, a 38.69 percent increase,” Navas added. “A total of 32,279 tourists were recorded to have visited the IJN Yamashiro-inspired People’s Hall from January to September of this year.”
The significant contribution of IJN Yamashiro Inspired People’s Hall to tourism revenue has gained overwhelming attention that elevated Dinagat Islands to be at par with the world’s best destinations and a potential hub for economic activities.
Unsung history of Dinagat Islands
Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. shared the rich history behind IJN Yamashiro. “The IJN Yamashiro inspired People’s Hall is more than just a building—it’s an architectural homage to the World War II Imperial Japanese Navy battleship Yamashiro and a tribute to our shared past.”
Accordingly, the IJN Yamashiro, commanded by Vice Admiral Shoji Nishimura, was the flagship among seven Japanese vessels that faced the seventh fleet of the United States led by Rear Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf, during the Battle of Surigao Strait on October 25, 1944.
The Battle of Surigao Strait was the final engagement between battleships in naval history when the Japanese fleet, including IJN Yamashiro, bore the brunt of the American firepower, suffered from multiple hits, and eventually sank in the ocean waters of the province.
In particular, the IJN Yamashiro sank in the vicinity of Hibosong Island in the town of Loreto in Dinagat Islands, marking a crucial role in this historic battle that is not known to many.
With this, the provincial government built the IJN Yamashiro-inspired People’s Hall, a resilient infrastructure for the world to know that the Dinagat Islands is a place that is very rich in culture and heritage.
“This building not only honors the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought in WWII, but also serves as the People’s Hall, where Dinagatnons and visitors alike can appreciate the province’s significant historical role in the Battle of Surigao Strait,” Gov. Demerey added. “It also stands as a symbol of our gratitude for the Japanese government’s ongoing support, especially during the challenges of the pandemic and the aftermath of Super Typhoon Odette.”
Demerey envisioned the IJN Yamashiro-inspired People’s Hall as a captivating attraction, standing alongside famous tourist sites in the place and enriching the island province’s historical significance. “This giant structure reminds the world and the future generations of our vital share in history. Through this building, we celebrate our shared history, recognize past bravery, and look forward to a brighter, more progressive future for the Dinagat Islands.” (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from Dinagat Islands Culture and Tourism Office)
