VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – The local government of Cervantes, in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), led the commemoration of the 78th anniversary of the Victory of the Battle of Bessang Pass on Wednesday, June 14.
 
Mayor Pablito Benjamin Maggay II said the battle, which was won by Filipino and American forces, is considered the greatest Filipino victory during World War II.
 
It signaled the surrender of the Japanese Imperial Forces led by Tomoyuki Yamashita, and eventually the Philippine independence during that war.

He added, “Isabuhay natin sa araw araw para mapanindigan natin iyong pinaghirapan ng mga bayani natin. Hindi lang sana kaming mga taga-Cervantes ang nagsusulong ng Bessang Pass kung hindi lahat sana tayong Pilipino na tinatamasa ang kalayaan natin ngayon.”
 
The commemoration was held at the Bessang Pass Natural Landmark/Monument with over 200 individuals in attendance, including veterans and/or their families from the various towns in the province.
 
“Ngayon ay nagtipon-tipon tayo upang patuloy na ipagdiwang ang tagumpay ng mga Pilipino na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay at lakas para makamit natin ang kalayaan,” said Colonel Bartolome Santiago, president of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines-Second District Ilocos Sur

He added, “Huwag nating limutin ang sakripisyo nila para sa bansang Pilipinas, ikwento natin sa mga anak at apo natin ang kasaysayan at kahalagahan ng Bessang Pass para itanim sa kanilang mga puso ang pagiging bayani sa kanilang sariling pamilya.”
 
The highlight of the program was the wreath-laying ceremony from the veterans and a 21-gun salute by the Philippine Army. (JCR/AMB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)