MANILA, 4 April (PIA) – The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) has released the schedule of commemorative events in the observance of Philippine Veterans Week and Araw ng Kagitingan this month.
According to retired general Restituto Aguilar, chief of the Memorial and Historical Division OF PVAO, the theme for this year’s Veterans Week is “Isabuhay ang Kagitingan, Kapayapaan ay Pagkaisahin, Kamtin ang Mithing Kaunlaran.” It will be observed from April 5-11. The public is encouraged to participate in the events.
“The theme is consistent to the Aquino administration’s vow for continuing and lasting progress, through reliving dauntless acts of valor of our fallen heroes and veterans, in aspiring for unity and peace. It encourages us to honor and imbibe the examples if those who risk one’s life for one’s country; that those who have contributed to freedom,” Aguilar said.
On April 5, he said, at 6:00 a.m., there will be a sunrise ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. In this symbolic event, soldiers, veterans, civilians, and the youth are invited to offer flowers and honor our veterans and their fallen comrades during the war.
“The speaker for this event is Lt. General Eduardo M. Ano, the Commanding General of the Philippine Army,” he said.
This will be followed, at 7:00 a.m., by a wreath-laying ceremony by war veteran leaders, representatives of veterans support and servicing institutions, and organizations of men and women in World War II resistance movements who would offer memorial wreaths.
“They would be then joined by youth leaders who would also offer flowers to represent the hope and future of our nation,” he added.
Aguilar said that during this part of the program, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin will be the guest speaker. Gazmin is both the son of a war veteran and a war veteran himself.
At 9:00 a.m., a battalion-sized contingent from the Armed Forces of the Philippines would perform a Review in Honor of the Veterans at the Hunters-ROTC Guerrilla Field at the Philippine Army Headquarters, Fort Bonifacio, he said.
On April 7, at 9:00 a.m., there will be a program dubbed, Tribute to all Filipino Heroes at the Filipino Heroes Memorial in Corregidor Island, Cavite. This event honors all Filipino heroes, patriots, martyrs, and defenders who fought and died for our country’s freedom during the Philippine Revolution, the Philippine-American War, and World War II.
“The program would feature the ‘Tolling of Bell’ by a veteran, with a youth representative reciting a pledge extolling those who sacrificed their lives for their love of the Philippines and vowing to keep their flame of patriotism ever burning in the hearts of Filipinos of all generations,” he said.
“After the program, guests would be given a tour around the historic place, including the light-and-sound show at the Malinta Tunnel. Hon. Jesus C. Millan, Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans, and Retirees Affairs, is scheduled to speak in the event. Mr. Millan, who is the recipient of the Presidential Legion of Honor Degree of Commandr, also served as Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy and recognized as a highly decorated naval professional and strategic planner,” he added.
“On April 9, at 9:00 a.m., no less than President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan at Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan. The gathering will be celebrated at the Dambana ng Kagitingan and attended by national and local officials,” Aguilar said.
Kagitingan aims to remind the Filipino public that our veterans are among the country’s national treasures for their valor and selfless sacrifice. It also aims to revive the culture of heroism amongst the Filipinos and to strengthen national pride, he said.
On April 10, at 9:00 a.m., an event will be held at the Capas National Shrine in Capas to commemorate the freedom fighters who endured the Death March and the Japanese concentration camps in O’Donnell in Tarlac dubbed, the “Paggunita sa Capas.”
“The event commences with festivities and entertainment featuring performances from youth groups from various schools from Capas and nearby towns. It also includes a symbolic wreath-laying before the three-prong steeple by the veterans, descendants of veterans, guests, public officials and youth groups,” he said.
“Likewise, there will also be a ceremonial military elements like the gun salute and playing of TAPS, a chopper-orchestrated flower drop and a recognition ceremony for World War II veterans,” Aguilar added.
He said Hon. Arnel Paciano Casanova, a Philippine Legion of Honor awardee, would be the guest of honor and speaker. Mr. Casanova played key leadership roles in the development of former U.S. military bases in the Philippines.
On April 11, at 5:00 p.m., the Sunset Ceremony would be held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. This serves as the culminating activity of the Philippine Veterans Week. During the commemoration, a Eucharistic Mass will be held followed by a solemn program where guests share their personal reflections on how their lives were touched by the veteran in their respective families. The event will end with the mass recitation of “Pledge of Patriotism” and a signing of the same pledge simultaneous with a candle-lighting activity in honor of the veterans. MGen. Jose Magno, a Vietnam War veteran, will be the guest of honor. (RJB/JCP/PIA-NCR)
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