Recalling the memories of war takes a lot of bravery to put into words, and it is beyond what Evelyn Manlavi-Opeda’s father did to help Palaweños remember the past.
In February 1976, guerrilla movement member Diokno Manlavi published a book to tell what most of us no longer had the chance to witness—World War II.
Decades ago, Opeda had no idea yet that her father was journaling the memories of war. He wrote down the operations of guerrillas and Japanese counterattacks, as well as the murders of American prisoners of war in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. He also took care of his fellow warriors’ radio messages and finances.
More than the details of the war, her father told in the book what others cannot document—the love he had for his comrades as his family during the war.
“When you become his friend, napaka-close ng relationship. Hindi ka niya pababayaan,” she said.
Their family treasured her father’s values and made sure to still make time for each other. Her father’s memories are kept alive in the stories they share whenever they gather every weekend.
His trait as a strict father honed Opeda and her seven siblings into better individuals, she added, recalling her father as also a silent and religious man.
More than a veteran of war, he also fought the struggle of being the sole parent to eight children after his wife died in 1960. Opeda’s scholarship under the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) also supported her studies in college.
Even though her father passed away at the age of 86, the book he published decades ago continues to immortalize him. And now, Opeda has given the provincial government of Palawan the green light to republish the book entitled “Palawan’s Fighting One Thousand” after Governor Dennis Socrates asked the family’s permission.
The reproduction of the book is also her way “to give glory, praise, and thanks” for the legacy that his father left their family with.
“It’s an important legacy not only for the family but for the Palaweños, and maybe for the Philippines. History ng buong Palawan, sa kaniya, he wrote it at saka itong Palawan’s Fighting One Thousand. He’s so devoted to writing, ‘yan talaga ang passion niya,” she said.
She recalled assisting her father in editing certain sections of the book draft, a way she used to continue her writing career despite not having the opportunity to become a journalist. Instead, she followed her father’s dream to become an accountant.
Opeda also brought the book during the US Congress’s awarding of WWII veterans on April 22 at the Palawan Provincial Capitol. Her father still kept the corrections to the book that will be incorporated in its republication.
The book’s reproduction will help locals learn about veterans’ sacrifices and their dedication to serving the country.
“My father will be happy about that,” she said. (RG/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
