BAGUIO CITY – The city government paid tribute to the oldest Filipino World War II veteran, Engineer Fernando Perez Javier, who died on Monday, June 29 in Baguio City. He was 107 years old.
Mayor Mauricio G. Dommogan said the significant accomplsihments of Engr. Javier being a true-blooded resident of the city have gratly contributed in establishing his leadership qualities and skills, giving honor and pride to the city.
“We have to salute the bravery and heroism of Engr. Javier who was able to prove his brand of leadership in fighting for our country’s independence from our colonizers,”Domogan said.
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office said that his remains has been cremated and will be brought to Quezon City to be interred at the Garden of the Divine Word Columbarium.
Javier is survived by his two biological children, Fernando Jr., a chemist; and Andrew, a former newscaster, who are both based in the USA. Lorna, his adopted daughter was his companion in his residence in Camdas Subdivision in Baguio City. His wife, Lourdes Paz, died in December 1968.
Javier was born on December 22, 1907 in Ilocos Norte. He graduated in the University of the Philippines in 1933, earning him the distinction of being UP’s oldest living alumnus. Dubbed as UP’s “Century Man”, he lit the first of 100 torches during the celebration of the premiere state university’s centennial celebration in 2008.
After obtaining his license at 19, he was employed as assistant district engineer in Puerto Princesa in Palawan where they built roads after his assignment in Cagayan province.
At the onset of World War II, he conscripted as a third lieutenant of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) and was among those who were forced to surrender on April 9, 1942 after three months of fierce fighting in Bataan.
Along with the thousands of his American and Filipino comrades, he was forced to trek the infamous 70-mile Death March from Mariveles, Bataan – a tortuous march to their impending suffering and death.
He survived his ordeal as a Prisoner-of-War (POW) at the former Camp O’Donnell, a US Army base in Capas, Tarlac that was turned into one of the largest concentration camps of the Japanese that eventually became an interment ground for the American and Filipino soldiers.
After the war, he continued serving his motherland in his capacity as a public engineer until his retirement.
In a statement from Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the nation joins the Armed Forces and the UP community in mourning the passing of Engr. Fernando Perez Javier.
PVAO has offered full military honors and interment at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani for Engr. Javier, fitting his stature as a hero.
By Dexter A. See
