KAPANGAN, Benguet (PIA) -- The municipality of Kapangan marked its 79th Liberation Day on March 7, 2024 with a series of activities at the municipal gymnasium, and at Camp Utopia for the first time.
 
Municipal officials and employees headed by Mayor Manny Fermin, Armed Forces of the Philipines  retirees, Veterans Federation of the Phil - Sons and Daughters Association, Inc. ((VFP-SDAI) members headed by Dr. Ermelinda Guinaran, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office represented by Cherrylyn Sabling,  indigenous peoples  leaders, and barangay officials led the commemoration.

Highlights included a civic parade, a wreath-laying ceremony, a 21-gun salute, and the acknowledgement of World War II living veterans and post-veterans, among others.

Kapangan’s  World War II lone living   veteran Eranio “Kiban” Belly  from Cayapes, graced the celebration. He is now 98 years old, and still strong.  

VFP-SDAI Vice President Leonardo Upio emphasized the importance of celebrating the Liberation Day, especially in instilling to the present generation the legacy of the veterans and the price they paid for independence.

”Tapnu maamoan karkaro ti generation of today. Diyay legacy dagiti veterans, maitultuloy uray nu awan da. The importance of it, mais-istorya ladta diyay inar-aramid da,” Upio said.

Following the program, the younger participants embarked on a hiking and camping adventure to Camp Utopia in Liteng, Sagubo, where the town’s liberation unfolded.

Camp Utopia served as the training grounds and general headquarters of Filipino warriors during WWII, particularly the  legendary 66th Infantry Division of the United States Armed Forces of the Philippines, that liberated Baguio City and Benguet from 1943 to 1945. Because of its strategic location , and with the help of civilian supporters,  the camp was never captured by the Japanese army.
 
”The communications of the Filipino and the American ditoy Pilipinas directly to MacArthur was here. Without this strategic place, and without the communications, they were not able to get the messages from MacArthur and Australia,” shared Weiser Coilan, a grandson of a WWII veteran. 

This was the first time that the local government unit conducted a commemoration activity at Camp Utopia. Mayor Manny Fermin thanked the Galati family for donating the lot to the LGU.
 
”Ti local government unit of Kapangan, Benguet ti nag-initiate nga dagus sunga uray awanen daytoy ama tayo nga ni Mr. Galati ket naited da formally daytoy lote, sunga kuna tayo nga big blessing coming from the Lord, and siyempre iti pamilya ken dagitoy kakaaruba nga lote,” expressed Fermin.

After the ceremonies, the participants took part in the Grand March, the official dance of Kapangan. Grand March was first introduced by the American soldiers at Camp Utopia during their thanksgiving, and celebration upon hearing the news of their victory in WWII.

This year’s commemoration not only pays homage to the bravery, and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom, but also serves as a reminder of Kapangan’s resilient spirit, and unwavering commitment to honoring its heritage.

 
The Kapangan Liberation Day on March 7 is institutionalized through  Municipal Ordinance No. 42 series 2005. (JDP/DEG-Marvilyn Lokines & Julie Anne Pucay, BSU Interns) (Photos: BSU Interns)