TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte (PIA) – – “It’s reliving our spirit of valor, and instilling patriotism among the young,” said Davao del Norte-based Philippine veteran Marlon L. Patiño of the ceremony marking the 83rd “Araw ng Kagitingan”.
He led some members of the 1st Davao del Norte Veterans District, Region 11 Veterans Federation of the Philippines during the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan celebration organized by Tagum City Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage Management Office.
Patino was among the representatives of the multi-sectoral groups who symbolically rang the bell giving emphasis on the meaning of celebrating the Araw ng Kagitingin.
“For the living veterans, may (from) their stories of legacy, of bravery and valor, especially of their fallen comrades, we learn the heroism of Filipinos even the smallest ample contribution. Your presence is an honor for all of us,” he said.
Held at The Foyer of the City of Tagum Cultural Center, the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan celebration in Tagum brought together the participation of the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Tagum, Tagum City-based offices of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Female and Male Dormitories, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, National Bureau of Investigation, 10th Civil Military Operations Battalion, among other national line agencies.
The Girl Scouts of the Philippines Davao del Norte Council and the heads of the local government offices together with some employees, were also present during the event that was also joined by some schools based in Tagum.
“Ang mga kaganapang ito ay upang mas mapahalagahan natin ang mga nagawa ng ating bayani nong panahon ng digmaan at nang nakamit nila ang kalayaan. Isa rin ito sa pag-alala ng kanilang mga pinagdaanan,” Grade 11 student Phoebe Bunhayag of Tagum National Trade School told the Philippine Information Agency.
Other multi-sector representatives expressed their respective present-day views about the “Araw ng Kagitingan” that also commemorated the day of “The Fall of Bataan” which served as the Philippine stronghold of defense against the Japanese invasion.
During the same event, DepEd Tagum Schools Division Education Program supervisor, Dr. Cristy S. Agudera put a nutshell to various messages delivered, saying the celebration was the time to reflect on the courage that the veterans soldiers put forth to gain the Philippine independence.
“Ang kanilang serbisyo at sakrisipyo ay nagbigay-daan para sa pag-unlad ng mga industriya at komunidad tugon sa temang, ‘Kagitingan ng beterano: sandigan ng kaunlaran sa makabagong panahon,’” she said.
Aside from the wreath-laying, the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan ceremonies in Tagum City featured monumental Filipino songs performed by the Voces in Harmonia Choral, the “Iisang Bangka” Guerilla Theatre performance of the 10th CMO, Philippine Army, and the Filipino music rendition of the University of Mindanao (UM) Band. (JMDA, PIA XI)
