BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- Cadets of the Philippine Military Academy are expected to feel and learn the true meaning of heroism and patriotism with the ongoing exhibit showcasing historical accounts of the World War II including Baguio City and the premiere military institution.
The PMA is hosting the Philippine Veterans Bank’s (PVB’s) Traveling Exhibit entitled “War of Our Fathers, a Brotherhood of Heroes” from September 15 to 30, 2023 at its Conrado Yap Hall.
PMA Superintendent LtGen. Rowen Tolentino, PVB President Renato Claraval, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Veteran(PVAO) Memorial and Historical Division Chief Agerico Amagna III representing National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and PVAO Administrator Reynaldo Mapagu, PVAO Service Extension Office Baguio City Head Cherrylyn Sabling and Jose Marie Rivera of the Baguio City Tourism Office led the ribbon cutting and opening ceremonies of the exhibit in Sept. 15.
Claraval said the exhibit displays photos and artifacts from WWII in the Philippines honoring the bravery and patriotism of Filipinos who fought and died for the country’s freedom. It highlights the contributions of Filipino freedom fighters especially in 1945 when the Philippines was liberated.
It also honors Filipino veterans including PMA cadets and graduates who defended the country either as officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or as leaders of guerilla units in during the war.
The PVB hopes that through this exhibit, the younger generation including the PMA cadets and the future leaders will learn more about WWII history and the PMAers who became heroes such as Miguel Ver, Eleuterio "Terry" Adevoso, Supremo Frisco "Popoy" San Juan, Gustavo "Tabo" Ingles, and Conrado Yap.
In the message of PVAO Administrator Mapagu read by Amagna, he said that that through the exhibit, they are reminded that history is not confined to dusty pages and faded photographs but it lives within each Filipino and passed down through the stories of the fathers and grandfathers, the heroes who endured the unimaginable so that the next generations may live in a world of peace and freedom.
“Let us also remember the importance of preserving this history, not just for ourselves but for future generations. This is a testament to our commitment to never forget the lessons of the past, to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us, and to ensure that the stories of the Second World War continue to inspire and educate,” Mapagu said in his message.
“Therefore, the Philippine Military Academy is a fitting location for this travelling exhibit. It is our hope that our PMA cadets shall take a moment of their busy day to visit, learn and be inspired by the stories of great courage and tenacity of those who came before them. May the values of peace, unity and resilience that emerged during the grueling years of the war guide your actions as the future defenders of this country,” he added.
For his part, Tolentino thanked the PVB for bringing the traveling exhibit to PMA and letting the cadets and other personnel take a look and appreciate the sacrifices and heroism of war veterans to attain peace and freedom of the country.
“We hope that this exhibit develops further your love for the country and appreciation of our war veterans,” Tolentino said.
He added that through the exhibit of photos and other artifacts on display, the cadets would learn and understand more of the WWII II events rather than reading it on books and other reading materials.
The travelling exhibit was unveiled at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center during the 78th Victory Day celebration last September 3 with United States Ambassador to the Philippines Mary Kay Carlson. (JMP/RMC- PIA CAR)