BAGUIO CITY— Justiniano Dela Rosa, a post-war veteran who served in the Armed Forces of the Philippines for 34 years and a member of the Baguio Integrated Auxiliary of Post-War Veterans Incorporated (BIAPOWAVEI), stressed the role of active engagement among the younger generation in shaping patriotism and securing national safety.
He noted that joining military-related trainings during high school or college, whether through Citizens Army Training (CAT) or Reserved Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), can be helpful.
“Yung simpleng pagpa-participate sa mga military training kung high school ka o CAT o ROTC, it’s a big contribution para malaman kung anong procedure ng pakikipagdigma (Simply participating in military trainings such as CAT or ROTC is already a big contribution to know the procedures of warfare),” Dela Rosa explained.
He said that basic military training equips young Filipinos with knowledge and readiness in case of emergencies or conflict.
In observance of the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans Week, the post-war veteran also urged the youth to be aware of its history and the importance of commemorating the event.
“Dapat maintindihan ng mga kabataan kung bakit—na yung mga World War II veterans lumaban sila para ipagtanggol ang kasarinlan ng ating bansa. Sayang din naman kung ‘di natin ituloy sa young generation (The youth should understand why the World War II veterans fought for the sovereignty of our country. It would be a waste if we don’t pass that on to the younger generation),” he said.
Beyond training, he also highlighted the importance of storytelling, historical education, and information dissemination within families and in the media.
For without such efforts, young people may grow unaware of the past and their responsibilities as citizens of the country.
“Kung walang gan’ong programa (ROTC), walang right information dissemination sa mga young generation. ‘Yun lang ang way na nakikita ko na we are ready at any eventuality kapag well-informed ang mga kabataan through our efforts na mga World War II at post-war veterans (If there is no ROTC, there is no right information dissemination. That is the only way I think we can be ready for any eventuality– if the youth are well-informed through our efforts),” Dela Rosa said.
He also warned of the consequences if these are forgotten.
“Nalulungkot kami kung mawala yung freedom na pinaglaban ng mga World War veterans. ‘Wag nating hayaang mawala ‘yon kasi mahirap i-recover (It is saddening to lose the freedom that the World War veterans fought for. We should not let it disappear because it would be difficult to recover),” he expressed. By Blessah Joy Manuel
