WWII heroes' legacy to live on

A daughter of World War II veteran outlines that they formed the federation of Sons and Daughters primarily to relive the legacy of the country's heroes and to update vetrans and their families on programs and nformation that are essential for their welfare .(PIA CAR)

 

BAGUIO CITY, April 9 (PIA) - - The legacy and history of heroism of Filipino veterans during the World War II must live on to the hearts and minds of the younger generation, not only to spur patriotism but also to inspire young people to be advocates of world peace and development.

This is the call of  the  officials of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), the Federation of World War II Veterans and the Federation of  Sons and Daughters of WWII veterans in the  Cordillera during  the PIA Cordillera – led Kapihan media forum here on Thursday in line with the observance of “Araw ng Kagitingan”  on April 9 and Veterans Week.

Dr. Emerlinda Guinaran, president  of  local federation of sons and daughters, said they have been pushing for local government units in the region especially those that have WWII “Liberation Day” in their history to adopt    annual observance of such historic moment.

We are also proposing to the Education Department to include in their school program activities that will re-tell and relate the heroism of Filipino veterans during World War II, she added.

Helen Boquiren, secretary of same  federation,  outlined that their association was founded for the legacy and memory of WWII veterans as they do not want the significant events and heroic acts of the Filipino war veterans to fade in Philippine history. 

The Cordillera especially Baguio and Benguet are important part of the WWII history with their own liberation days to tell. Boquiren said.

PVAO – Cordillera head Grace De Villa – Labarinto affirmed that their office continues and will continue to work for the welfare of WWII veterans and their beneficiaries.

She disclosed that there are only 69 living veterans in the Cordillera Region with 23 of them already centenarians, and the oldest is 103 years old.

In the same forum, Benjamin Abonalla and Marcial Guinatang, Baguio – Benguet District 1 and District 2 Veterans Federation presidents respectively shared their stories and enjoined the younger generation to work and be champions of peace and development for the country.

The PVAO leads the 79th Araw ng Kagitingan and the 2021 Philippine Veterans Week with the theme, “Kagitingan ay Gawing Gabay, Pandemya ay Mapapagtagumpayan” in a series of virtual events  that can be watched and followed in their facebook page. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)

 

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)