ILOILO CITY (PIA) — A World War II exhibit dubbed as “War of Our Fathers” recently opened at the Provincial Capitol Building of Iloilo to commemorate the 80th Victory Day in Panay.
The exhibit, which is organized by the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) in partnership with the provincial government, pays tribute to the heroism of Filipino guerrillas from the Sixth Military District (6th MD), including Lt. Col. Julian Chavez, Lt. Col. Ramon Offemaria, who safeguarded Panay’s liberation even before the arrival of American forces in March 1945.
Among the exhibit features include rare photographs, wartime artifacts, and firsthand accounts from veterans and their families, honoring the resilience and sacrifices of Filipino freedom fighters.
PVB OIC President Yul Catabran regarded the exhibit as a testament to the valor of veterans and the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people.
“It is important to recognize that the Filipino guerillas of the 6th MD, under the leadership of Gen. Macario Peralta Jr. and other brave commanders, had already won the battle for Panay before the American forces arrived. As a bank owned by Veterans and their heirs, PVB remains committed to preserving and sharing the legacy of our nation’s heroes,” Catabran said.
A special tribute to surviving veterans and their families was held along with the educational discussions on the role of local resistance in World War II.(AAL/LMLE/PIA Iloilo/With reports from Iloilo Province)
