13/03/2026
ππππ ππ¨π’π§π¬ πππ¬π ππ’πππ«πππ’π¨π§ πππ² πππ₯πππ«πππ’π¨π§ π¨π πππππ§, πππππ§π ππ¬
On 13 March 2026, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) actively participated in the 81st Liberation Day celebration of Ibaan, Batangas, honoring the courage and sacrifice of Filipino heroes during World War II. The event was held at the Historical Wall , People's Park, Barangay Poblacion, Ibaan, Batangas.
Representing the PVAO Administrator, USec. Reynaldo B. Mapagu, was Ms. Liza Dela Cruz, Chief of the PVAO Records Management Division. The event was also graced by local officials, including Mayor Jane A. Casas, Vice Mayor Edralyn Joy A. Salvame, and other members of the municipal government.
The program commenced with the ceremonial offering of a wreath, followed by the singing of the national anthem.
This solemn opening was followed by the reading of the municipal resolution by Ms. Eloise Jan Tejada and the official awarding of the resolution to the descendants of the veterans.
Ms. Liza Dela Cruz delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of remembering the heroism of the past:
βNawa'y magsilbing inspirasyon sa ating lahat ang kanilang katapangan upang patuloy nating pangalagaan ang kapayapaan, ipagtanggol ang ating kasarinlan, at ipasa sa susunod na henerasyon ang alaala ng sakripisyong inialay ng ating mga bayani.β
The program also featured heartfelt speech from descendant of local heroes. Mr. Roderick Altamirano, grandson of Tomas Altamirano, expressed gratitude for the recognition of his grandfatherβs sacrifices.
Former counselor, Mr. Matteo Guerra also thanked the community for honoring the 101 guerrilla fighters whose bravery contributed to the liberation of Ibaan.
The celebration continued with the second segment, Pamana: Cultural Mapping, which highlighted research and documentation of Ibaanβs rich cultural heritage, traditions, and history. The initiative aims to showcase the townβs artistic, cultural, and historical wealth. During the program, four volumes of the cultural mapping documentation were formally unveiled and submitted, serving as a testament to the townβs commitment to preserving its heritage.
Ibaan, Batangas, was liberated from Japanese occupation on March 13, 1945, by combined American forces and local guerrillas. The town had served as a temporary provincial capital and evacuation center earlier in the war, before being occupied by Japanese forces on January 31, 1942.
