PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) — The Palawan Liberation Task Force (PLTF) has launched the World War II Heroes Wall at Mendoza Park in Puerto Princesa City.
The launching of the WWII Heroes Wall coincides with the celebration of Palawan’s Liberation on April 22, 2025, with the theme “Salute to Valor: Palawan Liberation—80 Years of Freedom.”
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Administrator, Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu, with Philippine Veterans Bank OIC president Eulogio Catabran III, and the representative of Western Command (WESCOM) commander, Vice Admiral Alfonso F. Torres Jr., graced the event. They were joined by the veterans, provincial and city officials, among others.
The WWII Heroes Wall consists of six walls inscribed with the names of about 1,168 valiant guerrillas who fought against the Japanese during World War II to achieve the province’s independence.
City Planning and Development Coordinator Officer Jovenee C. Sagun explained that the heroes’ walls are a powerful tribute to the courage, resilience and sacrifice of the Palawan guerrillas who refused to surrender in the toughest time of Palawan’s history.
“We owe a profound debt of gratitude to our ancestors, whose unyielding desire for freedom empowered them to rise against foreign oppression and fight for our land. The City Government of Puerto Princesa, in collaboration with the Palawan Liberation Task Force, has brought to life these memorial walls, engraved with the names of 1,168 officers and men of the Palawan Special Battalion and the Bolo Battalion. Fittingly, it stands here in Mendoza Park where the remains of our local hero, Dr. Higinio Mendoza, rest, symbolizing the enduring legacy of bravery and the unity of our people in the face of adversity,” Sagun said.
This initiative reflects the collective belief that remembering history is vital to shaping identity, and this wall serves as a dynamic educational tool, a source of local pride, and a wellspring of patriotism for future generations, she added.
In his message, Mapagu thanked the task force for continuing to honor the Palawan heroes, stressing that maintaining peace is now a responsibility of everybody.
“President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., during this year’s Araw ng Kagitingan, April 9, reminded us of our shared duty, and may I quote the President, [we will put together keeping in mind the lessons that we have learned over the many years as we who serve the public continue to find ways to keep that peace, to make that peace more permanent, to maintain that peace so that our people live a good and profitable and productive constructive life] unquote. These words capture the very essence of our role today. Our veterans fought and bled for peace, not just the absence of war, but the presence of dignity, opportunity, and progress. And it is now our responsibility, our collective responsibility, to preserve that peace, to defend it with good quality, giving good service, and a good commitment to the welfare of every Filipino,” Mapagu said.
Before the launch, Mapagu led the wreath laying at the monument of a Palawan hero, Dr. Higinio A. Mendoza, Sr.
The Palawan Liberation Task Force is composed of the Provincial Government of Palawan, City Government of Puerto Princesa, Puerto Princesa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Palawan Tourism Council, Filipino and American Memorial Endowment, Palawan Special Battalion World War II Memorial Museum, and Rajah Travel Corporation. (OCJ/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
