ARAW NG KAGITINGAN

Extract inspiration from

history: Gov Aris urges

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)—Look through history, not just remember the heroes and veterans, but the shared experiences that define collective Boholano identity and heritage, and glean out the vital tools which are needed in facing the challenges of the present.

And drawing inspiration from this, be ready to stand and defend the fatherland and the gifts the Creator entrusted to Bohol.

This sums up the message which Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado delivered as Bohol joins the entire nation in commemorating the 94th Araw ng Kagitingan, at the Capitol Grounds and inside the Ceremonial Hall, April 9.

Beyond that summed wisdom, the governor also urged Boholanos as descendants of Dagohoy to use the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) as a moment to remind everyone to remain ready and steadfast in protecting the land of our birth and the gifts that God has given.

Set at a time when Bohol is facing one of its biggest challenges in keeping up with the economic and the uncertain political situation as well as a resolve to keep the UNESCO designation as global geopark, Aumentado’s message could be read contextually.

The commemoration adopted the theme: “Giting ng Bayan, Pamana sa Salinlahi.”

To set the event into its proper perspective, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) officer in charge in Bohol Perlina Alo said Araw ng Kagitingan is a day to honor the courage, sacrifices and unwavering spirit of the Filipino heroes.

Their bravery in the face of adversity is a powerful reminder that true strength is not measured by victory alone but by willingness to stand firm for what is right, even in the most difficult times, she said, meaning the valiant men and women, military and civilians who defended freedom and values during the second world war.

It was April 9, 1942 when Bataan, which is defended by allied Filipino and American troops fighting side by side for months, fell as the battle tired Filipinos and American surrendered to the Japanese forces.

This led to the tragic Death March where, forced to walk about a hundred kilometers to Tarlac, the battle beaten forces had to get to a concentration camp in Tarlac, where, due to heat, exhaustion and dehydration, many died along the way.

That day, veterans led by retired Major General Joseph Sevilla, man and women of the uniformed services as well as civilians gathered at the Capitol Grounds for the commemorative activities.

Community leaders, national government agency representatives and local government officials led by Aumentado, laid commemorative wreaths before the Heroes Wall and the Veterans Wall of the Capitol, when the members of the Bohol Community Defense Center’s Reserved Command rendered a 21 gun-salute and taps for the fallen heroes and veterans.

Community organizations also offered flowers and moments of silence to honor the day’s honorees.

A commemorative program was also held at the Capitol Ceremonial Hall that same morning. (PIAbohol)

GETTING INSPIRATION. Gov Erico Aristotle Aumentado greets veteran and retired soldier General Joseph Sevilla, who, along with men and women veterans were honoured during the provincial commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan, April 9. (PIAbohol)