LGU-Butuan leads wreath-laying ceremony of the 81st Araw ng Kagitingan
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – The local government unit of Butuan City through the City Tourism Office, spearheaded the wreath-laying ceremony at the Butuan City Library, in commemoration of the 81st Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), on Monday, April 10, as declared a non-working holiday, since April 9 fell on a Sunday.
1st District Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino II, together with Councilor Omar Andaya; Louie Jay Losaria, head of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO); Police Brigadier General Pablo Labra II, regional director of PNP Caraga; Brigadier General Adones Ariel Orio, commander of 402nd Brigade with Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Balingao; and Colonel Jonathan Obena, group commander of 15th Regional Community Defense Center (15RCDG), Reserve Command, among others, took active part in the said activity.
On behalf of Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada, City Councilor Joseph Omar Andaya, delivered his message, wherein he recognized the valor and sacrifices of the Filipino veterans in the country.
“My fellow Filipinos, my fellow Butuanons, as we celebrate the Day of Valor, let us honor and uphold the legacy of our brave forefathers and their dedication to the country. May their bravery and sacrifice give us our constant source of inspiration as we work to improve the future of our country.”
He also highlighted the heroism of the frontliners amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the advocates on anti-criminality, anti-illegal drugs, and corruption.
Representative Jose Aquino II of 1st District Agusan del Norte, also urged everyone to instill in their hearts the acts of national and patriotism. He emphasized that the country’s veterans bravely fought for the freedom that has endured and appreciated to date.
“As we continue to honor the valor of our ancestors, may we choose to go beyond by not simply remembering. May we honor them by striving to embrace the same ideals of nationalism and patriotism, which they demonstrated. May we also continue to perform our unique challenging duties and responsibilities as servants of the people.”
Meanwhile, the Butuan City officials and guests from various government agencies handed over the Certificate of Merit to the living veterans in the city and to the families of the departed ones in today’s commemoration of the 81st Araw ng Kagitingan.
By virtue of Executive Order No. 203, series of 1987, April 9 of every year is declared as Araw ng Kagitingan. On the other hand, Proclamation No. 466, s. 1989, designated April 5 to 11 of every year as Philippine Veterans Week, in order to promote, preserve and memorialize the principles, ideals and deeds of the Filipino war veterans as a means to enhance patriotism and love of country, especially among the youth of the land.
The week-long observance honors not only the Filipino war veterans who died or served the country but also to remember those who rendered honorable military service in defending the country in times of war or peace. This is to gratefully acknowledge their contributions in preserving our sovereignty and defending our national security. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
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