Naga marks Araw ng Kagitingan, veterans week

By Noreen Sophia Terbio Alegre

The city government of Naga, on Tuesday, April 9, joined other LGUs nationwide in honoring the heroism and gallantry of those who defended Filipino freedom during World War II.

The event, commemorating the 82nd Araw ng Kagitingan and the Philippine Veterans Week, took place at the Monument of the Unknown Soldiers on the City Hall Grounds.

Among the attendees were families of living veterans, city officials, educators, members of various organizations including the Veterans Federation of the Philippines - Camarines Sur, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection;

Mayor Legacion exhibits a salute before the Monument of the Unknown Soldier during the commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan.

The Philippine National Police, the Knights of Rizal, the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division, and the Free and Accepted Masons from the Isarog Masonic Lodge No. 33, Naga City Masonic Lodge No. 257, and the Camarines Sur Masonic Lodge No. 382.

The program commenced with a flag ceremony followed by a wreath-laying rite. Subsequently, a tribute program featured a video presentation highlighting the city’s four remaining war veterans and a musical performance by Ms. Mary Lynn A. Arriola from Naga Central School I.

Inspirational messages were delivered by City Vice Mayor Cecilia B. Veluz-De Asis, Councilors Omar Buenafe and Ghiel Rosales, Ms. Allyn C. Solano from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office in Bicol, Police Colonel Erwin L. Rebellon, the city director of the Naga City Police Office, and Brigadier General William Peñafiel Jr. from the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division, Philippine Army.

The program concluded with a message from City Mayor Nelson Legacion, underscoring this year’s theme “Isabuhay ang Kagitingan, Kapayapaan ay Pagkaisahan, Kamtin ang Mithing Kaunlaran.”