Representative Julienne Baronda and Mayor Jerry Treñas, were invited to the event expected to be participated in by the veterans and their sons and daughters, students and representatives of national government agencies and local government units.
Pursuant to Proclamation No. 430, s. 1989, March 18 of every year is declared as a non-working special day in the islands of Panay and Romblon including the cities of Iloilo and Roxas.
The proclamation emphasized that “March 18, 1945, is of great historical and sentimental significance to both the veterans of the 6th Military District and the people of Panay and Romblon because it was the day when the Free Panay Guerilla Forces launched the final assault on the Japanese Occupation Forces coinciding with the landing of the American Liberation Forces at the Tigbauan beach as prearranged between Col. Macario Peralta, Jr., founder and overall commander of the Free Panay Guerilla Forces and Lt. General Robert L. Eichelberger, Commanding General of the 8th United States Army.”
It further said that “Panay and Romblon annually observe Victory Day on March 18 to commemorate the liberation of the islands and the sacrifices and valor of the Free Panay Guerilla Forces.” (JBG/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)
