BAGUIO CITY (PIA) --  Get to know more about  history  through  the travelling World War II exhibit  now  at SM City Baguio.

Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) Director Reynaldo Velasco, Defense Undersecretary and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Administrator Reynaldo Mapagu, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and SM Mall Manager Rona Corea led the ribbon cutting and opening ceremony of the World War II Exhibit  called "War of our Fathers, A Brotherhood of Heroes" at the SM City Baguio on October 3, 2023.

The  exhibit showcases the historical significance of World War II,  and  also pays tribute to Baguio's resilience.  It has 52 panels of photographs and narratives of WWII as well as artifacts and memorabilia from WWII as a tribute to all Filipino veterans. 

There are also special panels dedicated to Baguio's important role in Philippine history especially during WWII.  Baguio itself has many stories to tell, being the site of fierce battles both at the beginning and the end of the Japanese Occupation.

Velasco said  the exhibit is PVB’s  way of  educating the public of the critical role played by Filipino veterans in WWII. He is glad that  exhibit is  brought to SM City Baguio thru the request of Mayor Magalong so that more people will rekindle and appreciate the rich history of the Philippines during the war, that eventually led to the country’s independence.

Velasco noted that Baguio City played  very important role in WWII in the Philippines  since the war started and ended in Baguio. From the bombing of the Camp John Hay after the bombing in Pearl Harbor which started the war in the Philippines and the Asia Pacific and the formal surrender of the Japanese forces led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita to the Allied Forces, also at the Camp John Hay.

It was also in Baguio City where Commonwealth President Manuel Quezon stayed when WWII started and towards the end of the war, President Jose Laurel was holding office in Baguio, he added.

Mapagu thanked the PVB for bringing the important exhibit to the SM Baguio which can create impact and reach more people from different generations.

 “The veterans of WWII fought long and hard for our freedom. We are very grateful for what they have done for us and we honor them today.May this gathering help the youth gain a deeper appreciation for their independence and liberty that was secured by the blood of veterans,” Mapagu said.

 Magalong expressed gratitude to the PVB for allowing the extension of the exhibit in Baguio City. This is the third leg of the exhibit  in the  City this 2023. It was unveiled on September 3 during the commemoration of the 78th Victory Day at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center then it was moved to the Philippine Military Academy on September 15, 2023.

The Mayor also thanked the management of the SM City Baguio for allowing the exhibit to be presented in their mall  so that more people would be able to see, be aware and learn of the WWII history.

“This exhibit is a profound tribute to the brave men and women who selflessly serve our nation during times of war. This exhibit is not just a collection of artifacts and photographs but rather,  a testament to the indomitable spirit of our veterans and their and their conviction to serve freedom and democracy at all cost.

 The exhibit at the SM City Baguio - Upper Ground Floor will be  until October 17, 2023.(JDP/ RMC- PIA CAR/ SLU Interns)