The Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade and the Bacolod City government represented by Councilor Renecito Novero with the Bacolod City Veterans Association and Bacolod City Police Office commemorated the 80th Araw ng Kagitingan, or Day of Valor, at the Monument of Unknown Soldier, at the Bacolod Public Plaza on Saturday, April 9.
Novero and Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 303rd Brigade executive officer, who represented BGen. Inocencio Pasaporte, and the Bacolod City Veterans Association Post president laid flowers at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, a press release from the Army said.
Calaoagan, in his message, said they were commemorating the Fall of Bataan, the culmination of a bloody battle for the Philippines—the last standing free nation in Eastern Asia during World War II.
“The stout and stubborn defense mounted by the courageous Filipino soldiers inspired strong resistance against expansionist ambitions throughout the world, especially at home, where many continued the struggle until the day of our liberation. Our veterans serve as our inspiration to continue serving our people and securing our land, our country from the enemies that will take away our liberation”, he said.
Pasaporte said, “We honor the many allies who fought and continue to fight with us to this day, even our modern COVID-19 frontline heroes. We thank all those who have stood by our country in its battle against insurgency, especially the Negrenses”.
“Guided by our shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, let us unite so that together, we can overcome today’s challenges in a way that will move the rest of the Negros Island and even our country along the straight path towards a more just, harmonious, and prosperous future”, he added.*