KAPANGAN, Benguet (PIA) — The people of Kapangan, Benguet continue to honor the legacy of the World War II veterans who fought for freedom.
The local government developed the Veterans Museum in town where the memorabilia and photographs of the local heroes who fought during one of the most challenging periods in history are displayed.
Also featured in the museum are the medals, tools, military uniforms, and other historical artifacts of Kapangan’s WWII veterans giving a glimpse of their sacrifices and bravery.
A monument was also installed within the building where the names of the soldiers who fought for the municipality were engraved. This is in honor of their courage, sacrifice, honor, and patriotism.
Public Information Officer Jones Aban explained that the sons and daughters of the veterans made an effort to collect and fix the displays at the museum where everyone is welcome to visit.
“Inayos po nila ‘yung mga memorabilia ng mga ating mga veterans. Na-collect na po nila and nailagay na po nila for display dito sa veterans building. Starting ngayong year na ‘to, magiging official office po siya ng SDAI [Sons and Daughters Association Inc.] and everyone is welcome po to visit this building to view and reminisce our veterans,” Aban said.
Behind each memorabilia lies a story of experience. Among them is the story of Eranio Belly, 99, a member of the USAFIP 66th Infantry. He is the only living veteran of WWII in Kapangan.
His son, Edmundo Belly, a post-war veteran, shared that his father survived a shot during the war. After the liberation, Eranio did not stop serving the country. In 1950, he joined the Philippine Army, and in 1961, he became a member of the Scout Rangers in Gumahan.
“Ti kunana idi natamaan isuna, ti ada ijy panunut na matay isuna, ngem ti kunana kailangan dak pailang iti bayan ko isunga dapat hanak pay nga matay, isu siguro ti rason nu apay nga nabiyag pailang isuna,” Edmundo narrated.
Edmundo described his father as a disciplined man, who inspired him to join the military in 1976.
The Kapangan LGU, in collaboration with the SDAI, assured to continue to improve the Veterans Building as well as collect and maintain the memorabilia ensuring that the history and contributions of veterans are remembered and honored for generations to come.
“Continuously we are doing our part. As your representation on LGU, we will not forget and at ‘yung museum natin, pa-improve pa natin ‘yan. The SDAI is very happy nga nayunan da pay dagijay history nga mabuya tayo dita museum or WWII Musuem,” Kapangan Mayor Manny Fermin shared.
They hope that the young generationwill continue to be reminded of the resilience and patriotism of the Kapangan community, honoring those who fought for freedom. (JDP/DEG/Ariann Mangayabas & Esperanza Jean De Guzman- PIA CAR BSU Interns)
