Saturday, April 9, 2016

EMC Commander Graces 74th Araw ng Kagitingan Celebration

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, Commander of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) graced the Davao City’s celebration of the 74th Araw ng Kagitingan held at Veterans Memorial Monument, Freedom Park, Davao City at 7:00 a.m., April 9, 2016. 
The celebration which has a theme: “Isabuhay ang Kagitingan, Kapayapaan ay Pagkaisahan, Kamtin ang Mithiing Kaunlaran” was participated in by various organization based in Davao City was highlighted with full military honors rendered by troops from 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army to honor the World War II veterans both alive and departed (including the unknown World War II killed soldiers), and wreath laying ceremony led by Lt. Gen. Guerrero.



In his remarks, he rekindled the patriotism and valor of the heroes and veterans they displayed during World War II to liberate the country from foreign invaders. “Today’s commemoration is significant; because today we are reminded by the sacrifices of our heroes and veterans of our civic duties to contribute to the security and stability of our country. Today, we remember the heroism of those who courageously fought for our freedom in spite of insurmountable odds. And we honor them by passing on their memory to future generations so that their stories of valor will continue to engender patriotism among our youth”, Lt. Gen. Guerrero said


Lt. Gen. Guerrero further posed a challenge to the present generation and participating organizations to live to the ideals of patriotism by pulling their acts together in facing the multi-faceted challenge that the region is confronting. “We can all be heroes if we only choose to do so by being mindful of, and helpful to what our country and our fellow Filipino need to overcome the challenges that we face each day. Clearly, the problem of armed conflict confronting our nation is multi-faceted and complex, and purely military solution has been inadequate. What is needed is for all of us to work together and harness our individual and collective capacities and capabilities to address the political, social, economic and security challenges”, he said.


During the program proper, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte represented by the City administrator Atty. Melchor Quitain welcomed the participants. The city administrator also led the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod together with the guest speaker in honoring the living veterans. 

This year’s celebration was participated by the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division under Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia and Task Force Davao under Col. Cristobal Zaragoza in coordination with the city government of Davao. 


The other organizations that participated the event were the following: The Veterans Federation of the Philippines and Sons and Daughters Association Inc; The World War II Heritage Organization; The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office; The Disabled American Veterans and Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor; The Davao Historical Society Foundation, Inc; The Order of the Knights of Rizal; The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines; The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus; The Department of Education; The Philippine National Police; and The Boy and Girl Scouts of the Philippines.

Source: PA Branch, OU7 Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

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