“Ika-75 Taon: Parangal sa mga Beterano, Tungo sa Bayan na Nararapat sa mga Pilipino,

mga Pilipino na Nararapat Para sa Bayan”

THE 75TH PHILIPPINE VETERANS WEEK SOUVENIR MAGAZINE

25 March 2017, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City—The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the Philippine Living History Society (PLHS) jointly presented the live re-enactment of “The Battle of the Pockets: The Victory of the Philippine Army.”

From January 23 to February 17, 1942, in what was known as the Battle of the Pockets, the First Regular Division - composed of army regulars, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets, and other volunteers - endured heavy and fierce fighting in the rivers, valleys, trails, and ridges. The better-equipped Japanese troops were then making significant advances in Mainland Asia. The triumphant operations of the First Regular Division led the other forces of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) in the Battle of the Pockets to earn an important victory that further delayed the timetable of the Japanese Imperial Army.

A total of sixty re-enactors dressed in uniforms of the Philippine Army, Philippine Constabulary, and USAFFE showcased the bravery and tactical ingenuity of the Filipino soldiers during the re-enactment. This was held at Camp General Aguinaldo, the home of the 1st Regular Division upon its activation in 1936 up to the outbreak of the war.

The live re-enactment also recognized the late Brigader General Fidel Segundo, one of the bravest men who fought against the Imperial Japanese Army during the World War II. Mrs. Lourdes S. De Leon, daughter of the late BGen. Segundo, was present to receive the award. Present in the event were Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Eliseo M. Rio, Jr., Department of National Defense Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Retiree Affairs Eduardo D. Del Rosario, historians Ricardo Jose and Jose Antonio Custodio, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), ROTC cadets, students, and different veterans’ organizations.

“Battle of the Pockets” Live Re-Enactment

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gave his snappy salute to all the veterans and affirmed his commitment to put premium on their welfare during the 75th Araw ng Kagitingan celebration.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte Led the 75th Observance of Araw ng Kagitingan

In 1989, by virtue of Proclamation No. 466, President Corazon C. Aquino declared the period of April 5 to 11 of every year as the PHILIPPINE VETERANS WEEK. This is to promote, preserve, and memorialize the principles, ideals, and

deeds of our war veterans as a means to enhance patriotism and love for country, especially among the youth.

This week-long observance is an occasion to honor not only the Filipino war veterans who fought during World War II but all those who rendered honorable military service in defending the country in time of war or peace. Since then,

annual commemorations are held in shrines that stand as reminders of our courageous past.

Sunrise Ceremony5 April 2017 at Libingan ng mga Bayani

Wreath-Laying Ceremony5 April 2017 at Libingan ng mga Bayani

Review in Honor of the Veterans5 April 2017 at Hunters ROTC Guerilla Field, Philippine Army Headquarters

Tribute to All Filipino Heroes7 April 2017 at Corregidor Island

Paggunita sa Capas10 April 2017 at Capas National Shrine

Sunset Ceremony11 April 2017 at Libingan ng mga Bayani

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PRE-EVENT ACTIVITIES

Photo from Daily Duterte FB page

28 March 2017, AFP Theater, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City—The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) joined forces in staging a variety show entitled, “Konsiyerto ng Sundalo para kina Lolo at Lola Beterano,” in honor of our veterans.

The concert featured 10 artists, namely: Melissa Camba; Sindaw Philippines; Philippine National Police Band; Philippine Coast Guard Band; PVAO Chorale Group; Philippine Air Force Band; Junior New System; Philippine Army Band; Philippine Madrigal Singers; and Philippine Marines Band. They did not only perform before an audience of veterans, their families, and students, but also engaged them to join in the fun.

PVAO Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina told students in the audience to hone their God-given gifts and talents and offer these for the country, similar to what the veterans did during World War II. Meanwhile, AFP top brass in attendance graced the invitation of the veterans to dance to the music, which the youth and the entire AFP Theater applauded to.

Sunrise Ceremony

5 April 2017, Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City—The 2017 Philippine Veterans Week ceremoniously started with the Sunrise Ceremony, when 75 roses of floral offering flooded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Commanding General of the Philippine Army, LtGen. Glorioso V. Miranda AFP, led the ceremony of honoring the memory of fallen comrades who fought in all the Philippine military campaigns with the offering of roses and a speech. Meanwhile, the Director of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) Veterans Association, Inc., BGen. Miguel M. Villamor AFP (Ret), resounded the purpose of the commemoration by saying that “Araw ng Kagitingan is the time for all of us to remember that the active soldiers at this time will eventually become the veterans to what this [commemoration] has been dedicated.”

World War II and Post World War II veterans, members of various veterans organizations like the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, WWII descendants, AFP senior officials, members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines, students, and representatives of the Philippine Veterans Week Technical Working Committee agencies symbolically meet at sunrise every 5th of April to show gratitude for the sacrifice that our veterans afforded all Filipinos with—the promise of a new day to make new beginnings.

PRE-EVENT ACTIVITIES

“Konsiyerto ng Sundalo para kina Lolo at Lola Beterano”

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2017 ANK ACTIVITIES

“We conduct this ceremony to honor those Filipino soldiers who have died in subsequent conflicts in the performance of their mission to guarantee our safety and freedom. To this

humble ceremony, we convey our gratitude to them for sacrificing so much so that the Filipino people and their way of life cannot perish but rather [live in] glory.”

LtGen. Glorioso V. Miranda AFP, Commanding General, Philippine Army

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Wreath-Laying Ceremony

2017 ANK ACTIVITIES“Let us all be united in working together, especially the youth, for the fulfillment of a nation worthy of Filipinos

and strive to be the kind of Filipinos worthy of this nation.”

Hon. Delfin N. LorenzanaSecretary of National Defense

5 April 2017, Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City—Honorable Delfin N. Lorenzana led the Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on behalf of the Department of National Defense.

Defense Secretary Lorenzana institutionally started the series of commemorations for the 2017 Philippine Veterans Week as the Guest of Honor in the said event. In his speech, he took the opportunity to reaffirm the state’s responsibility of taking care of our veterans through the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office. He also expressed his gratitude to all those who joined and organized the ceremony.

To represent the youth sector, Allan T. De Leon, a student from Tenement Elementary School, gave an inspirational message as a sign of tribute to the veterans.“Ang kagitingan ng mga beteranong sundalong Pilipino na nagbuwis ng buhay para sa minimitihi nating kalayaan, ang kanilang masidhing dedikasyon bilang isang tunay na Pilipino, ang nag-udyok upang maituring na sa bawat hirap at pagbubuwis ng buhay ay maituturing na tatak ng tunay na Pilipino. Sa mga kabataang tulad ko at sa lahat ng mga naririto ngayon...mula po sa ikabuturan ng aking puso, ikinararangal at ipinagmamalaki ko po kayo!”

5 April 2017, Taguig City—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) demonstrated its gratitude to our veterans during the Review in Honor of the Veterans at the Hunters ROTC Guerilla Field, Philippine Army Headquarters. In the AFP’s tradition, the Review is accorded only to highest-ranking officials and dignitaries, which is much deserved by the veterans.

Hon. Romeo M. Acop, member of the House Committee on National Defense and Security and a former Philippine National Police general, laid out three tasks during the occasion: (1) to express his gratitude to our veterans and encourage others to do the same; (2) to sponsor legislation on improving the condition of our veterans and soldiers, and; (3) to generate awareness on the present plight of our veterans and soldiers.

Representative Acop also led the recognition of the following posthumous veteran-awardees: Capt. Maximo B. Cardenas MC; Capt. Santos V. Zate INF; Maj. Marcelo G. Casillan PA; Maj. Loreto C. Valasote PAF; Col. Leonardo T. Miciano PAF (Ret). The same recognition was received by living veteran-awardees: 2Lt. Cresenciano R. Vedasto INF; BGen. Pedro F. Zafra AFP (Ret); Pvt. Alfredo E. Sabater; Sgt. Roberto B. Gacayan PA; Pvt. Jose S. Bandin; SSgt. Irineo L. Recinto INF; Pvt. Wilfredo G. Valenzuela PA; Pfc. Pedro P. de Jesus INF; Pfc. William G. Pasiwen INF; Pvt. David E. Arroyo, and; Pfc. Dioscorro G. Valenzuela PA.

As the event host, the AFP Chief of Staff General Eduardo M. Año welcomed the guests by retelling the bravery displayed by Captain Jose Cabalfin Calugas. Capt. Calugas ran across the 1,000-yard stretch of heavy Japanese assault to sustain artillery fire and buy time to restore defensive lines. This qualified him to receive the Medal of Honor, which he refused to accept until he successfully survived the Death March and witnessed for himself the Liberation.

In response to the dedicated ceremony and program for the veterans, Col. Paterno V. Viloria PA (Ret), a World War II veteran and President of the PEFTOK Veterans Association, Inc., imparted how the immortalized principles of the veterans are very relevant for the current generation. He argued that nation-building starts at home. Hence, values of selflessness and love for country should first be shared in the families. This address was made in the presence of attendees including Assistant Commissioner Paul Pangilinan (representative of the National Youth Commission Head Aiza Seguerra), who introduced the keynote speaker.

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Review in Honor of the Veterans

2017 ANK ACTIVITIES “Our veterans and soldiers [have] ‘the noblest profession,’ which require the sacrifice of giving their own lives to

perform their duty.”

Hon. Romeo A. AcopHouse Committee on National Defense and Security

7 April 2017, Corregidor Island, Cavite— Veterans and guests from Manila, Bataan, and Cavite went to the historic Corregidor Island for the “Tribute to All Filipino Heroes.”

This occasion honors all Filipino heroes, patriots, and defenders who fought and died for our country’s freedom and liberty – from the time of Lapu-Lapu to the Revolutionary and World War II era, Korean War, Vietnam War, up to the present, including the veterans of anti-dissident campaigns. This also includes members of humanitarian contingents to other countries or those who rendered honorable military service in faithfully upholding their duty to preserve our sovereignty and national security.

VAdm. Eduardo Ma. R. Santos AFP (Ret), President of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific led the veterans and the youth in this ceremony. The program proper featured the “Tolling of the Bell” led by Col. Hannibal S. Lipardo AFP (Ret) with Ma. Lilibeth S. Lapena of the Department of Education - Cavite. The tolling of the bell is the sounding of a single bell in a very slow manner, with a significant gap between strikes. This is a sign of respect and honor for the fallen heroes who have given their lives for the country. Meanwhile, Jealian Alexa Llenado, a student from Cavite, commended the war veterans for their unending love to serve our country by sacrificing themselves for our freedom.

After the program, the guests were given a tour around the historic place, including the lights and sounds show at the Malinta Tunnel. The luxury cruise of the veterans via MV Sun Cruises was made possible through the sponsorship of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), a member of the Technical Working Committee for the Observance of the 2017 Philippine Veterans Week and 75th Araw ng Kagitingan. Other guests were ferried by the vessels of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and Sun Cruises.

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2017 ANK ACTIVITIESTribute to All Filipino Heroes

“In remembering the [veterans’] heroic deeds today, we call them - the military, the police, our people and especially the youth - to be inspired by the veterans’

love for and service to our country.”

VAdm. Eduardo Ma. R. Santos AFP (Ret)President of Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific

9 April 2017, Mt. Samat National Shrine, Pilar, Bataan—PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. DUTERTE spearheaded the 75th Araw ng Kagitingan (ANK) with this year’s theme “Ika-75 Taon: Parangal sa mga Beterano, Tungo sa Bayan na Nararapat sa mga Pilipino, mga Pilipino na Nararapat sa Bayan.”

The highlight of the Philippine Veterans Week commemorates the unwavering and courageous campaign for freedom of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II in Bataan. Every year, the veterans, foreign dignitaries, armed professionals, national and local public servants, and youth sector representatives gather at the Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) to solemnly remember this supreme act of heroism.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the event for the first time in his term. He acknoweldged the sacrifice of our veterans and pronounced his full support to improve their welfare, particularly in the delivery of pensions and benefits of post-WWII veterans. He also led the awarding of the winners of the annual ANK National Photography, Essay Writing, and Oratorical Contest, which were participated by students from across the Philippines.

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2017 ANK ACTIVITIES

Araw ng Kagitingan“Let Araw ng Kagitingan remind us all that Filipinos are capable of tremendous

feats of heroism. Let this monument be a beacon for all to be brave in the midst of challenges and uncertainties. Let today be an occasion to reaffirm our vow: we will never waiver in our efforts to secure what is best for the greatest common good of

our nation.”

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

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2017 ANK ACTIVITIES

Paggunita sa capas11 April 2017, Capas National Shrine, Tarlac—Seventy-five white balloons flew gloriously during the Paggunita sa Capas to solemnly honor all World War II soldiers whose grit and gallantry remind us of the precious cost of our freedom.

The Araw ng Kagitingan is the official holiday marking what is referred to in history books as the “Fall of Bataan.”This is highlighted by the “Bataan Death March,”a forced march of Filipino and American prisoners-of-war (POWs) with the intent to kill, weaken, and demoralize as many of the captives as possible along the way.

From Mariveles and Bagac in Bataan, some 60,000 to 80,000 Filipino and American POWs walked to San Fernando Train Station in Pampanga, where they were cramped into boxcars and transported to Capas Train Station in Tarlac. From there, they walked to Camp O’Donnell, which was turned into a Concentration Camp and the final stop of the brutal march by the Imperial Japanese Army. The site where the Filipino POWs were held is now the Capas National Shrine in Tarlac.

A wreath-laying ceremony was led by Hon. Leopoldo N. Bataoil, Chairperson of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare, as the Guest of Honor. Joining him were members of Pangkat PVAO, the Local Government of Capas, veterans and veterans’ organizations, sons and daughters of World War II veterans, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines. A flower drop of thousands of rose petals were also rendered in honor of all the veterans. Posthumous awards were conferred to fallen veterans, together with the recognitions for the living World War II veterans who are now in their elderly years. A live re-enactment of the Death March by the members of the Philippine Living History Society (PLHS) opened the day of remembrance.

A three-part athletic event tracing the original route of Bataan Death March was held on April 9-11 (story on page 16).

11 April 2017, Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City— As the sun recedes in the horizon, 75 candles were lit in a dramatic and solemn gesture of remembering the veterans’ heroism during the Sunset Ceremony, which concluded the 2017 Philippine Veterans Week celebration.

The sunset, which also gives way to a new dawn, symbolically validated the people’s commitment to contribute to nation-building and preserve the freedom, peace, and democracy our veterans had fought with their lives for.

BGen. Federico Ruiz Jr. AFP (Ret), Vice President of the Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO), emphasized that we should cherish these times that we could honor the veterans, even in a simple ceremony, while they are still with us. The government, on the other hand, is doing its best to build on our veterans’ efforts.

Families of the late veterans were present to receive posthumous awards given during the cerermony. The event closed with a candle-lighting ceremony and the signing of Pledge of Patriotism led by Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans, and Retirees Affairs Eduardo D. del Rosario, General Ruiz, and PVAO Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina together with members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines.

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9-11 April 2017—Sports enthusiasts showed their support for our veterans through the Mariveles-San Fernando-Capas Freedom Trail 2017, a pioneering annual gathering of runners, bikers, big bikers, and marchers commemorating a historical event and promoting peace and freedom. The Freedom Trail 2017 integrated two previously independent events that honor one historical feat: the 1942 Death March. Instead of looking at the Death March as a “defeat,” the Freedom Trail gives homage to the unwavering and enduring spirit of thousands of Filipino and American World War II soldiers.

Previously, the Bataan Freedom Run (which is sponsored by the Philippine Veterans Bank) and the Capas Freedom March (which is jointly sponsored by PVAO and Automobile Association of the Philippines) were held within the confines of each of the two provinces. By joining the two events, the Freedom Trail 2017 systematically connects the provinces of Bataan, Pampanga, and Tarlac.

The Freedom Trail 2017 has four major components: (1) “The Freedom Run” or the ultramarathon for individual and relay categories; (2) “Padyak Para sa Kagitingan” or the bike tour; (3) “Freedom Ride” or the big motorbikes tour, and; (4) the Capas Freedom March, an 11-km march from Capas People’s Park to the Capas National Shrine. The first three components started from Mariveles in Bataan and ended in Capas in Tarlac, covering a total of 160 kilometers. There were stops on significant Death March markers, where participants watched live re-enactments.

Funds that were raised through the sponsorship of private sectors will help fund the maintenance of Bataan Death March kilometer markers. Former president and Korean War veteran, Fidel V. Ramos, and Hon. Leopoldo N. Bataoil, Chairperson of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare, gamely participated in the Capas Freedom March segment.

Sunset Ceremony

2017 ANK PROMO EVENT

“Mariveles-San Fernando-CapasFreedom Trail 2017”

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CEBU

DAVAO ILOILO

DUMAGUETE

ZAMBOANGA

BACOLOD

LEGASPI

BAGUIOLUCENA

TACLOBAN

2017 PVW Local Government Celebrations 2017 PVW Replication Ceremonies

Proclamation No. 203 series of 1987 mandates the whole nation to observe the 9th day of April every year as Araw ng Kagitingan. As such, local chief executives conduct simple and meaningful Araw ng Kagitingan replication ceremonies in various cities and provinces. These are done not only to instill a sense of national pride among our people. More importantly, these prepare the Filipino youth to be our nation’s future defenders and leaders who will emulate the values of our veterans, whose

kagitingan and deep love for country were the foundation of our country’s democracy.

Tacurong City,SULTAN KUDARAT

2017 PHILIPPINE VETERANS WEEK TECHNICAL WORKING COMMITTEE

Department of National Defense National Historical Commission of the Philippines Department of Interior and Local GovernmentDepartment of Education Boy Scouts of the Philippines Girl Scouts of the PhilippinesDepartment of Tourism Department of Foreign Affairs Department of Public Works and HighwaysDepartment of Transportation Presidential Communications Operations Office Presidential Management StaffPresidential Protocol Armed Forces of the Philippines Presidential Security GroupPhilippine National Police Philippine Information Agency Commission on Higher EducationNational Commission for Culture and the Arts Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Philippine Charity Sweepstakes OfficeNational Youth Commission Province of Bataan Pilar Municipal GovernmentMariveles Municipal Government Province of Cavite Province of PampangaCity of San Fernando, Pampanga Province of Tarlac Capas Municipal GovernmentPhilippine Coast Guard Veterans Federation of the Philippines Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, Inc.PEFTOK Veterans Association, Inc. USAFIP-NL Veterans Association, Inc. Philippine Veterans Legion AFP Retired Veterans Association of the Philippines, Inc. Kampilan Peacekeepers Veteran Confederation of the Phils., Inc. The Last Watering HoleUnited Nations Veterans Association of the Philippines Vietnam Veterans Philippines, Inc. VFP Sons and Daughters Association, Inc.Eastern Rizal AFP Retirees and Pensioners Association, Inc. Philippine Association of War Widows, Parents and Orphans, Inc. Filipino-American Memorial EndowmentPEFTOK Sons and Daughters Association, Inc. PVL Sons and Daughters Association, Inc. Corregidor Foundation, Inc.Help, Educate, Rear Orphans (HERO) Foundation, Inc. Rajah Travel Corporation Automobile Association of the PhilippinesTourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines Office of the President, Radio Television MalacañanVeterans Memorial Medical Center Philippine Veterans Bank Philippine Historical AssociationAFP Museum and Historical Library Foundation, Inc. Office of the AFP Historian Office of the Army HistorianOffice of the Air Force Historian Office of the Naval Historian Office of the Marine Historian

Photographers and Videographers: Angela Kaye Crescini, Beatriz Isabela Grimaldo, Denver Moreno, Jillian Jocelyn Somera, Lanier Joshua Eval, PVAO Field Service Extension Offices, PVAO Military Shrines Unit, Abundio Jaganas, SSg Bernardo Calagui PA, Cpl Reyn Concepcion PA, Cpl Rolly Bernal PA, PFC Ronie Gamboa PA, Alc Franklin Loneza PAF, Alc Christopher Poyanay, PAF, Sgt Ramil Ranises PAF, Sgt Marlon San Esteban PA

Video Production: Honey Chan, Angela Kaye Crescini, Maria Regina Ibarra, BGen Restituto Aguilar AFP (Ret), Ma. Joan Grace Celera, Alve Mosura, Jommel Tactaquin

2017 PHILIPPINE VETERANS WEEK SOUVENIR MAGAZINEProduced byPublic Affairs OfficePhilippine Veterans Affairs Office

Copyright August 2017