Aris sounds fight con poverty

crimes at Araw ng Kagitingan

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol April 12 (PIA) –At the 82nd Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration, Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado called Boholanos to rise up, this time not against a foreign power, but to be warriors in the struggle against poverty, criminality and illegal substance.

Meanwhile, Board member Jiselle Rae Villamor also shared the same line, not anymore fighting in the battlefield, but with the formidable faces of poverty.

Coming out thankful to the flank of proud veterans and their surviving spouses in blue embroidered veterans vests , the governor pointed out the need to remember the bravery and heroism of these valiant heroes and soldiers who helped shaped the story as a country in the far east.

Every year, in commemoration of the fall of Bataan and Corregidor, World War II veterans who fought side by side with the Americans against the Japanese imperial army, gather to relive the heroism and the valiant stand against the onslaught of the enemy, leading to the infamous death march.

The fight, according to the lady lawyer and niece of the governor is in the places of work, in the courts, in session halls and in each and every community forum in the grassroots where Boholanos must face the challenges and grapple head-on.

This is a call for fellow public servants that we have to put in our minds and hearts the gallantry and bravery of our veterans as a way to honor them with service to the people with dangal, kagitingan and katapangan, she said.

Making the veterans gallantry as an inspiration, the governor, on the other hand said a grateful nation will once again remember the crucial role that Filipinos of yesteryears did, especially the veterans who have played in securing our independence and sovereignty.

As a squad of army soldiers stood at stiff attention in the heating morning sun, both Aumentado and Villamor knows that Bohol still needs to conquer poverty, crimes and illegal drugs.

The vicious cycle of illegal drugs, criminality and poverty has kept Bohol from enjoying its full potential.

For criminologists, those getting hooked into illegal drugs take no time at all to graduate into criminals to satisfy an insatiable longing, which at all times causes poverty.

But in Bohol, despite the sheer magnitude of effort needing to solve the problem, Boholanos need to draw inspiration from the strength and determination that veteran heroes showed during the nation’s darkest hours.

What is sad however is that through the years, many war veterans have surrendered to old age and death, handing over the honor of leading the Araw ng Kagitingan honorees to the retired members of the uniformed armed service.

Honoring and remembering those who sacrificed themselves in the temple of martys is a duty that we should fulfill not just once a year, Aumentado said, hinting that every single day, Boholanos must be fueled by the bravery and gallantry of the men and women who continue fighting.

Now leading local authorities in the struggle to beat poverty, criminality and the trade of illegal substances, Aumentado said as stewards of the community, it is everyone’s responsibility to possess the necessary means to protect families, communities, the province and the country, from any internal and external threats.

With Pagpaparangal sa kagitingan ng mga beterano, saligan para sa nagkakaisang Pilipino, as a theme, the son of a former governor reminded every Boholano to acknowledge the veteran’s contribution to the path to independence, and as a way of respecting and honoring them, it is the supreme task of the people today to make sure their sons and daughters also enjoy the blessings of freedom and democracy.

“On this day, let us remind ourselves that liberty comes with a cost, and it calls upon us now, to protect the very foundations laid out by these very veterans that have shaped our nation and society for many years,” he exhorted.

“With pride, let us embrace the responsibilities of carrying forward the legacy of our gallant heroes and veterans by strengthening the foundations they have laid,” he called.

In building smart and resilient and inclusive Bohol built on peace, justice, sustainability and equality, the governor hoped that the commemoration serves as an inspiration to bravely meet the future with deep trust in the almighty amidst the threat of disunity as one province.

On the other hand, League of Municipalities president and President Carlos P Garcia town mayor, in his message, cited the selflessness of the heroes then, offering their lives for the country, their patriotism and love of country to defend independence as well as their unity in prevailing over the stiff opposition. (PIABohol)

SHARING THE SAME BATTLE. Gov Erico Aristotle Aumentado and BM Jiselle Rae Villamor share the same struggle Boholanos need to unite some more, to effect the much needed progress. Facing a daunting task, both leaders call to make the bravery, gallantry and patriotism of the veterans honored during the Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration as inspiration and as a way to honor their selflessness. (PIABohol)

COLOR GUARDS march off after rendering the parade of colors in honor of the war veterans and the retired members of the police and the armed forces, during the 82nds Araw ng Kagitingan in Bohol, in simple ceremonies at the Bohol Capitol Grounds April 9. (PIABohol)

WITH A FIGHT LEFT. Veterans and retired service men of the PNP and the AFT render the hand salute to the flag as honorees during the 82nd Araw ng Kagitingan. As Gov Aris Aumentado called for Boholano warriors against poverty, veterans may still possess one more fight left. (PIAbohol)