You cannot tell the story of World War II without prominently mentioning the province of Bataan, according to Commissioner Eric B. Zerrudo of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Zerrudo who was the speaker during last Tuesday’s “Parangal sa mga Beterano” at the Bataan People’s Center said anyone who would narrate about the last World War cannot avoid mentioning Bataan which played an important role in Filipinos’ struggle for freedom and democracy.

“Kami po ay humahanga sa katapangan ng ating mga beterano,” said Zerrudo. (We truly admire the bravery of our war veterans.) He particularly urged everyone to ⁴idolize the heroism of living veterans– Aurora Caragay and Onofre Bugay who are now both centenarians.

Zerrudo said historical sites are dotted in Bataan and it would be appropriate that “these could be considered as national cultural treasures.” He added, “Dapat ang Araw ng Kagitingan ay i-celebrate natin nang bongga.”

For his part, Congressman Abet Garcia of Bataan’s 2nd District said the heroic acts of our war veterans should “serve as our inspiration to serve our country by taking care of our community and environment, kailangang manatili sa ating puso ang pagmamahal sa bayan.”.

Bataan Gov. Joet Garcia said the freedom we now enjoy is the fruit of war veterans’ effort to preserve democracy. He urged citizens to translate the spirit of bravery into development by continuing the assistance to the needy particularly the veterans and senior citizens through livelihood and medical assistance.

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