TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Tabuk City observed Philippine Veteran’s Week and the 82nd Araw ng Kagitingan at the City Hall Canopy recently.
The theme for this year is “Pagpaparangal sa Kagitingan ng mga Beterano, Saligan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino.”
During the program, Mayor Darwin Estrañero commended the bravery of the soldiers who fought for freedom in the country.
“The city government is one with the nation in commemorating the noble heroism and bravery of Filipino and American soldiers,” Estrañero said.
“Their courage lives on within our soldiers, our policemen, and others in the AFP who remain vigilant in ensuring that our country stays free and that her flag flies supreme over our lands and waters,” the city mayor highlighted.
He also honored the work and sacrifices made by the heroes of today, the members of the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Overseas Filipino Workers.
“Guided by our shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, let us unite so that together we can overcome today’s challenges in a way that will move us along the straight path towards a more just, harmonious, and prosperous future,” Estrañero stressed.
“Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor) is the annual commemoration of the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942. This is in relation to the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers during the period when Japanese forces were invading during World War II.
In addition, it is a commemoration of the Bataan Death March, where exhausted Filipino and American prisoners of war were forced by their Japanese captors to march from Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga.
As recalled, of the 78,000 Filipino and American troops who surrendered, there were 5,000 to 10,000 Filipino soldiers, and around 650 American soldiers who died along the way.
Present at the celebration are members of the AFP, PNP, BFP, Philippine Veterans, and some employees of the city government. By Ian Addatu
