Oh, hello there!
I bet you all had a day off yesterday for the Day of Valor or “Araw ng Kagitingan” commemoration. As for me, I was working due to the peak season at the ports in preparation for the Holy Week exodus next week.
“Ooh la la” as they say in French, as we are expecting more than 1.5 million passengers across all ports nationwide. Thankfully, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Jay Santiago has issued a memorandum to all PPA personnel to go on “full manpower” with a “no leave policy” for all security and frontline personnel nationwide.
That’s not my topic for today though because I would like to focus on the reason for yesterday’s holiday.
Every 9th of April, we pause from our busy lives to reflect on the sacrifices of those who helped shape the country that we live in today –- our veterans. They are not only a reminder of what love of country and service to the people means, but they are a part of our nation’s memory and pride.
It was through them that the foundations of peace and democracy were laid down for us to enjoy today. Yes, this is a tribute to the heroes who stood their ground against foreign powers in defense of our country. Sounds familiar, right?
Well, as they say, history repeats itself. Thanks to Executive Order 203 (1987) and Proclamation 466 (1989), 5 to 11 April has been set aside for this very purpose: to honor our war veterans and help all Filipinos, especially the youth, appreciate the values they fought for.
For our millennials, Gen Z and even Generation Beta, this is not just looking at the past but it is making sure that we learn from yesterday so that we can readily face the future with hope and courage. It is not just about the wreath-laying ceremony and holiday but it is learning about the cost of freedom and remembering what we are capable of as a nation.
This year, with the theme “Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas,” we’re reminded not only of their courage, but of how their legacy continues to guide us as we build a better and united nation, especially during challenging times when we need to be reminded of how strong we really are.
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) arranged for Veterans Week and “Araw ng Kagitingan” festivities to honor the veterans who fought hard and laid down their lives so that we could live in freedom today.
To emphasize, this is the 83rd Day of Valor that we commemorate as a nation all the Filipinos who did not think twice about taking a bullet for the country, those who battled hunger and pain, and sacrificed themselves for the motherland.
I don’t know if you are familiar with another very significant quote from General Douglas MacArthur other than his famous “I shall return.”
This one goes: “The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and the scars of war.”
This resonates very deeply with us ordinary citizens who can enjoy peace and living in our homes conveniently while our soldiers carry the burden of being away from their families and being close to danger to ensure that we can all sleep safe and sound.
The actions and heroism of Filipinos during the last World War had some connection to the ports then that served as ports of embarkation and debarkation by the involved forces. Ports have been used both in wartime and peacetime for various purposes. Ports are indispensable to every war effort and economic endeavor.
Let me take you back in time. According to research by Jommel Tactaquin, head of the Research and Documentation Section, Veterans Memorial and Historical Division, PVAO, ports played a significant role during World War II.
As you know, the famous Port of Manila is not only important in terms of trade and the beautiful view of Manila Bay. During World War II, the Manila port was a key logistical hub for the US and Filipino forces before the Japanese invasion. Later it became a vital Japanese supply base.
The Port of Iloilo, which is now booming due to tourism, was once a central regional hub in the Visayas, used to transport troops and supplies.
Now this is more exciting. The Zamboanga Port that is now home to colorful vintas and boats was once crucial for Japanese control of the Sulu Sea and later as a US staging point for retaking Mindanao. Interesting right?
The Davao Port, which is now the main route for passengers and goods from Mindanao to Luzon, was once occupied by the Japanese to support their southern Pacific operations. Whew! Ports really went through a lot during the war. Now that’s what we call resilience!
Now, in these modern times, the Philippine Ports continue to make history not only in terms of revenue and dividends but also in the quality of the service they provide to the Filipino people — with millions of passengers served every year, the seamless movement of cargo, and the dozens of completed port projects that directly improve the lives of our countrymen.
Our ports have indeed traveled through time, from being battlefields and embarkation and debarkation points, to now transporting people and goods, building livelihoods and bettering lives.
In our next column, we will dive into the deeper connection between our ports, the defense of the country, and their economic significance. Isn’t it amazing how time can change a lot? But for us Filipinos, we’re still in the same boat.
Mabuhay ang Bayaning Pilipino sa “Araw ng Kagitingan!”