Press Kit - Department of National Defense

Press Kit
What is the theme for the 2015 Philippine Veterans Week?
“Ipunla ang Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan.”
In accordance with the guidance set forth by the Steering Committee on National Observances, the
members of the Technical Working Committee (TWC) and the veterans leading their respective
organizations proposed various themes for this year’s commemoration.
After a thorough deliberation, the body has chosen the above theme as a clarion call to action. It
embodies the advocacy of preparing the youth to be the future defenders of our country by instilling the
values of valor, patriotism and self-sacrifices exemplified by our forefathers in attaining freedom, peace
and democracy.
The moral responsibility these veterans took upon themselves at a time when our freedom and
nationhood was challenged is something that we should live up to, especially the youth, as we tread along
the Tuwid na Daan towards genuine change for the development of our nation.
Why do we commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan and observe the Philippine Veterans Week every
year?
Executive Order No. 203, Series of 1987, declared April 9 of every year as a national holiday for the
observance of Araw ng Kagitingan. Proclamation No. 466, Series of 1989, designated the period April 5 to 11
of every year as Philippine Veterans Week in order to promote, preserve, and memorialize the principles,
ideas, and deeds of our war veterans as a means to enhance patriotism and love of country, especially
among the youth of the land.
The week-long observance is an occasion to honor not only the Filipino War Veterans who died for and
served the country. It also provides an opportunity to remember those who render honorable military
service in defending the country in times of war or peace to gratefully acknowledge their contributions in
preserving our sovereignty and defending our national security.
What are the specific objectives for this year’s observance?
The TWC aims to present our veterans as among the country’s national treasures and to revive the “culture of
heroism” which the Filipino race has been known for essentially because of our veterans’ valor and selfless
sacrifices.
What are the activities lined-up for the 2015 Philippine Veterans Week?
A series of commemorative events will be held to immortalize the valor of our veterans and manifest the
nation’s collective gratitude and appreciation for their selfless sacrifices for the country. These outputs are
designed to achieve higher outcomes such as instilling a sense of national pride and deepening the love for
country among our people, and preparing the Filipino youth to be our nation’s future defenders and leaders.
As a prelude to the Philippine Veterans Week proper, the Technical Working Committee has lined up the
following events that aim to drum-up the publicity and promotion of the week-long observance.
Page 1
Press Kit
Promotional
events
Page 1 of
Press Kit
2015 Philippine Veterans Week
Promotional Events
AFP Theater, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
March 05, 2015 / 2:00 PM
The lead cast of “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo” headed by Robin Padilla and Vina Morales could not help but take a
groupie photo with the jampacked AFP Theater in Camp Aguinaldo on 05 March 2015 during the special screening of said
movie that kicked off the observance of the 2015 Philippine Veterans Week and the 73rd Araw ng Kagitingan.
“Isa pong maalab na pagpupugay sa lahat po ng beterano, sa inyo po ang tunay na nanggaling ang aming tinatamasang
kalayaan ngayon… Kung meron pong tunay na mga Bayani sa panahon na ito ay kayo pong mga beterano,” stated Padilla
in his opening speech thanking the veterans who were present during the event.
Students of Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo High School, government officials, media representatives, veterans and
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office employees were not just captivated by the celebrities present during the event but also
by the film that gave them knowledge about the life of one of Gat Andres Bonifacio.
“Maraming maraming salamat sa pag suporta nyo sa Bonifacio! Malaking karangalan sa amin ang makasama ang ating
mga Veterans sa pag-nood ng pelikula. Mabuhay!,” Williams stated in a comment on Facebook and was very glad of the
warm welcome and support from the audience in the block screening event.
The event was organized by the Technical Working Committee (TWC) on the 2015 Philippine Veterans Week and 73rd Araw
ng Kagitingan to promote, preserve, and memorialize the principles, ideas, and deeds of Filipino veterans and
consequently deepen the citizen’s love for country and strengthen a collective sense of national pride, especially among
the youth.
The film was chosen not just to sow seeds of patriotism to the audience but to also let the audience know that those who
fought against the Spanish regime our considered as “veterans” as stipulated in the Republic Act No. 6948, as amended
by Ra 9396. The law defines a veteran as “any person who rendered military service in the land, sea or air forces of the
Philippines during the revolution against Spain, the Philippine-American War, World War II, including Filipino citizens who
served in Allied Forces in the Philippine territory
and foreign nationals who served in Philippine
forces, the Korean Campaign, the Vietnam
Campaign, the Anti-Dissidence Campaign, or
other wars and military campaigns…” #
Page 2
Press Kit
2015 Philippine Veterans Week
Promotional Events
AFP Theater, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
March 23, 2015 / 2:00 PM
To honor the Filipino Veterans through music, dance and other artistic expression, a musical and cultural variety show
dubbed “MUSIKAGITINGAN 2015: Alay sa Bayaning Beterano” was held at the AFP Theater, Camp Aguinaldo, QC on
March 23, 2015.
Staged in cooperation with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), MUSIKAGITINGAN is a promotional
activity for the observance of the 2015 Philippine Veterans Week and 73rd Araw ng Kagitingan sponsored by the
Technical Working Committee composed of various government agencies and multi-sectoral organizations.
The TWC is headed by Hon. Eduardo G. Batac, Defense Undersecretary for the Public, Veterans and Retiree Affairs who
gave an overview of the 2015 Philippine Veterans Week activities. He is a son of the late BGen. Gonzalo “Salong” Batac, a
World War II veteran who experienced Death March and imprisonment at Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac.
Meanwhile, NCCA Executive Director Marlene Sanchez, MNSA extolled the gallantry of Filipino Veterans and said that
Musikagitingan is an artistic platform to commemorate the gallantry of war heroes whose stories and struggles are
relayed through musical expression. She added that Musikagitingan also challenges the Filipino youth to nurture the
seeds of courage in their hearts and minds so that they may be the future veterans of the country, the future warriors
for peace and unity.
Among those who performed and entertained the veterans were ventriloquist Ony Carcamo and his puppet, Kulas,
who taught the audience lessons in values; brothers Spyro Marco, grand winner of the TV reality show Talentadong
Pinoy Worldwide, who exhilarated the crowd with their diabolo or Chinese yo-yo tricks; and world renowned vocalist
Marielle Corpuz-Mamaclay who belted OPM songs “Hanggang” and “Ikaw.”
The dashing Boscorale , an all-male high school singers from Don Bosco Institute of Makati also drew applause and
cheers from the adoring predominantly female audience with their interesting repertoire of old and contemporary
medley. Next 2 Innocence danced next, shaking the stage with their heart-stopping stunts and hip-hop moves and
proving their titles as Champion of the 2010 of Groove Philippines National Competition and Philippine Representative
to the World Supremacy Battlegrounds International Competition in Australia.
Following shortly was the multi-awarded St. Dominic Savio College Cultural Dance Troupe in the 24th Annual ALIW
AWARDS for Live Entertainment (2011) that performed an array of ethnic dances to the tune of indigenous music,
replete with colorful costumes and props that served as feast for the eyes.
The versatile Issa Litton hosted the show that concluded with a dramatic offering of flowers to World War II and postwar veterans and surviving spouses in the crowd. Veterans and surviving spouses embraced and thanked the artists and
commended them for their world class performances. #
Page 3
Press Kit
2015 Philippine Veterans Week
Promotional Events
In cooperation with the Department of Education
The Nationwide Creative Painting Contest is open to Outof-School Youth (OSY) of the ALS-Regional/ Division/
Chapter of the Department of Education, ages 15-20 years
old. Following the theme of the year’s PVW observance,
contestants must submit (2) similar paintings in a 20”x30”
and 15”x20” illustration boards using any kind of medium.
Similar data should be placed in a 1/2 A-4 bond paper,
computerized and be posted at the back of both paintings
the contestant’s name, division/chapter, region and the
message of the illustration written in Filipino, in one or two sentences only.
Criteria for judging the creative painting is as follows: Message is 40%; Visual Impact is 30%; and Originality
is 30% for a total of 100%.
Three grand winners for the competition will be presented with cash prize and medal/trophy/certificate
on April 9, 2015 at Mt. Samat Shrine, Bataan.
In cooperation with the Department of Education
Students of Grades 7, 8, 9 and 10 from any public and
private secondary schools all over the Philippines are
welcome to join the Nationwide Essay Writing Contest.
Students will draw inspiration from the given theme of
the commemoration by creating an essay written in
Filipino, computerized in an A4 bond paper, single
spaced, Font Times New Roman and size 12, and with a
minimum of 4 pages and a maximum of 5 pages.
The submitted essays will be judged as follows: Substance and Originality is 50%; Style and Language is
30%; and Organization is 20% for a total of 100%.
Three grand winners for the competition will be presented with cash prize and medal/trophy/certificate
on April 9, 2015 at Mt. Samat Shrine, Bataan.
Page 4
Press Kit
2015 Philippine Veterans Week
Promotional Events
10th Padyakan
sa Bataan
March 28, 2015, 6:00 AM
Karagatan Bayview Peaks
Mariveles, Bataan
Contact Person:
Archt. Techie Banzon, Bataan Tourism Officer
09178144221
In the spirit of the Araw ng Kagitingan, sports
enthusiasts celebrate with the entire nation through
participating in a 3-km mountain bike circuit race at the
town of Mariveles.
The race, being celebrated for ten (10) years now, is
being open to all mountain bike enthusiasts from
Bataan, nearby provinces and Manila area with different
race categories: Open category; Age; Fun; Heavy
Weight; Single Speed; All Bataan and Kids Category.
Parada ng Kagitingan
(Foot Parade)
April 8, 2015 / 1:00 PM
Capitol Compound, City of Balanga
Contact Person:
Archt. Techie Banzon,Bataan Tourism Officer (09178144221)
The local government units (LGUs), national agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs) and civic
societies gather in one event paying tribute and honor the sacrifices and heroism of the provinces’
veterans of World War II.
The living war veterans and their families who also grace this event will also witness the Parade of Floats
which will end at the Capitol Grounds.
Page 5
Press Kit
2015 Philippine Veterans Week
Promotional Events
“PARANGAL SA MGA BAYANI”
A TRIBUTE TO WAR VETERANS
April 8, 2015 / 4:00 PM
Parade Route: EGSA Avenue, City of Balanga to Capitol Compound, City
of Balanga for Historical floats
Flaming Sword , JJ Linao, Pilar to Capitol Compound, City of Balanga
for Bataan at present floats
Contact Person:
Archt. Techie Banzon, Bataan Tourism Officer
09178144221
The Parade of Floats is participated by the (eleven) 11
municipalities and one (1) city in the province of Bataan. The
floats depict the heroism of the Filipino soldiers during the 2nd
World War and the development of the province after. The
Parade of Floats will culminate in the celebration of the
“Parangal sa mga Bayani” a program paying tribute to the War
Veterans.
The local government units (LGUs), national agencies, nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and civic societies gather in
one event paying tribute and honor the sacrifices and heroism
of the provinces’ veterans of World War II.
The living war veterans and their families who will also grace
this event will witness the Parade of Floats which will end at the
Capitol Grounds.
Tagisan Diwang Bataan - History Quiz Bee
April 8, 2015, 8:00 A.M.
Balanga Elementary School, Balanga City
Contact Person: Archt. Techie Banzon, Bataan Tourism Officer / 09178144221
A province wide quiz bee open to all elementary and high school students in Bataan about the history, culture and
geography of Bataan will be held on April 8. Estimated thirty-five students from the different private and public high
schools in the province are expected to compete in the finals of the history quiz.
Page 6
Press Kit
2015 Philippine Veterans Week
Promotional Events
April 6, 2015 / 8:00 P.M.
VMMC Lobby
The Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), as the country’s
sole health care institution and medical facility for Filipino veterans
and their qualified dependents, has also programmed a series of
special events during the Philippine Veterans Week as a way for
medical professionals and administrative staff to honor their
patients and make them feel their tender loving care.
After the flag-raising ceremony and a salute to veteran patients at
the VMMC Flagpole, the hospital management will open a photo
exhibit at the VMMC lobby that will showcase decades-old photographs of veterans, World War II events and VMMC
milestones.
Medical & Surgical Mission
April 8, 2015 / 5:00 A.M.
Balanga General Hospital, Balanga City, Bataan
Specialists and surgeons from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), the country’s sole health care institution and
medical facility for Filipino veterans and their qualified dependents, will be offering various medical and surgical services for
free at Balanga City, Bataan in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Bataan.
It will be open not just for veterans and military retirees but to the general public as well.
VMMC Patient’s Day
April 9, 2015 / 9:00 A.M.
Veterans Memorial Medical Center, North Avenue, Quezon
City
As the nation commemorates the Araw ng Kagitingan being
led traditionally by the President and Commander in Chief,
the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), the
country’s sole health care institution and medical facility for
Filipino veterans and their qualified dependents, will be
celebrating the same with an Open House.
Special food to be served to all patients of VMMC with
thoughtful Greeting Cards straight from heart of the
hospital’s healthcare experts and administrative staff.
Page 7
Press Kit
2015 Philippine Veterans Week
Promotional Events
High school and College Levels)
April 7, 2015
Board of Trustee, Veterans World War II,
Museum Theater, Veterans Center, Taguig City
Contact person: Ms. Terry or Ms. Pia of VFP-SDAI
# (02) 838-69-64 or (02) 838-66-67.
To enhance patriotism especially among the youth through knowledge and emulation of the veterans’ sacrifices and
heroism during World War II in preparation to their future undertakings, the Veteran Federation of the PhilippinesSons and Daughters, Inc. has organized the 22nd National Oratorical Contest open for High School and College
students in the Philippines.
Using the theme, “Veterans: Pillars of Youth for a Peaceful and Progressive Nation”, the contestants shall create an
original oratorical piece that must last for seven (7) to ten (10) minutes only. The final competition as well as the
awarding ceremony will be on April 7, 2015 at the Board of Trustee, Veterans World War II, Museum Theater, Veterans
Center, Taguig City.
Bataan Legacy in Manila
April 8, 2015 / 2:30 P.M., De La Salle University, Taft Ave., Manila
April 11, 2015 / 1:30 P.M., Filipinas Heritage Library,
3F Function Room, Ayala Museum, Makati Ave., Makati
For information, call Ms. Cecilia Gaerlan, Executive Director of Bataan
Legacy Historical Project at (510) 520-8540 / www.bataanlegacy.org.
On December 8, 1941, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared a
state of war between Japan and the United States. And yet, the
ravages of war did not reach the shores of the continental United
States. Instead, the war was fought in the former U.S. colony of the
Philippines where thousands of Filipino and American soldiers as well
as approximately one million Filipino civilians perished. Manila, once
called the Pearl of the Orient, became the second most devastated city
in the world during World War II. And yet today, seventy-two years
later, the sacrifices of the defenders of Bataan are barely remembered,
especially the Filipino defenders who made up 7/8 of the main line of
resistance and died at a ratio of more than 10 to 1 compared to the
American soldiers.
The Bataan Legacy Project is a series of projects created to depict the real story of World War II in the Philippines and
the major role of the Filipinos during the war. The Fall of Bataan is only remembered as the largest single surrender in
U.S. military history. What is not remembered are the sacrifices of the Filipino and American troops who were
abandoned by the United States in Bataan. Despite suffering from massive starvation and disease, the defenders of
Bataan held on for four months to disrupt the timetable of the Imperial Japanese Army. This enabled the Allied Forces
to harness the necessary resources to turn the tide of war and eventually led to the defeat of the Axis Forces.
Page 8
Press Kit
2015 Philippine Veterans Week
Promotional Events
Bataan Freedom Run 2015
April 12, 2015 / 12:00 AM
Balanga, Bataan
Registration for the BFR is ongoing
at the Bataan Provincial Tourism
Office, Balanga City Hall, and select
PVB Branches.
For more info, please contact
Without Limits at (02) 263-7768
during business hours or email
secretariat@withoutlimits.ph
Become part of history as Philippine
Veterans Bank presents the BATAAN
FREEDOM RUN 2015, a marathon for
runners of all ages to be held in
historic Balanga, Bataan.
The BFR consists of several
categories for runners of all types to
choose from including the 50KM
Ultra-Marathon, 10KM, 5KM, and
1KM. It also features a 500-meter
Dash for kids and those running
enthusiasts who like to enjoy their
hobby with their furry friends!
This event is held in cooperation with
the City of Balanga, the Provincial
Government of Bataan, and the
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office
(PVAO).
Proceeds of the project will be used
for the restoration of Bataan
Historical Markers.
Page 9
Press Kit
2015 Philippine Veterans Week
Capas Freedom
March
April 11, 2015 / 3:30 AM (Assembly) at Capas Freedom Park
Event Organizer / Contact: AAP Travel
Address: G/F, Sea Tower Bldg., 2332 Roxas Blvd. cor. Arnaiz Ave., Pasay City 1300
Phone: +63 (2) 551-0025; +63 (928) 507-4288; +63 (977) 140-7631
Fax: +63 (2) 551-0014
E-mail: info@capasfreedommarch.com
On April 11, 2015, thousands of people from all walks of life will gather in
Capas, Tarlac to commemorate the agonizing battle of the heroes of the
Bataan Death March. Local and foreign military personnel who have
fought in a war, family members and friends of a veteran, civilians - young and old, rich and poor - will march together united as one
in
remembering
the
sacrifice
of
the
heroes.
The Capas Freedom March which is made possible through the partnership of Department of National Defense, Department of
Tourism and Automobile Association Philippines has the vision to be the biggest annual gathering of marchers to commemorate a
historical event, promoting peace and freedom. Its mission is to honor and remember the heroes of the Bataan Death March by
tracing the path they have endured and for a military cause of building the Capas Concentration Camp Replica and provide
scholarship to deserving children of slain soldiers.
Registration
a.
b.
c.
d.
Age Requirement : Minimum age to participate is 9 years old, providing the individual is registered and marching with a parent/ guardian or a
member of the family 18 years or older.
Registration Kit: Individual marchers and group representatives must pick up their kit (which includes bib number, T-shirt, dog tag ) at AAP
Travel, G/F Sea Tower Bldg., 2332 Roxas Boulevard cor. Arnaiz Ave. Pasay City from Monday to Friday between 9:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday
between 9:00am to 1:00pm. No picking up of kits on the day of the march. Those who will register on the actual day will receive ONLY a bib. If
you do not have a bib you can NOT do the march.
Refunds: - Refunds will not be given due to force majeure. Refunds will NOT be authorized once registered.
Grouping: Families and groups will consist of minimum 5 members. Companies/Associations will consist of minimum of 11 members. All
members must cross the finish line in order to receive the Certificate of Completion. Any team finishing with incomplete number of members
are not qualified to receive group awards/recognition except if a member/s becomes injured in the course of the march. No group will abandon
or leave behind a member. If a team member cannot continue, it is the team’s duty to ensure that they are left in the care of an medical
personnel. Leaving a comrade behind is not in the spirit of Capas Freedom March. Once a team member is left in the care of medical personnel,
the remainder of the team may choose to complete the course or discontinue.
March Day
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Uniform: All participants should wear the official t-shirt and a footwear appropriate for road marching. Groups representing organizations such
as police or fire units may wear uniforms. Distinctive units T-shirt are encouraged in lieu of the official t-shirt. It is recommended each
participant carry at least one bottle of water along the route at all times.
Medals/Awards: Individuals and groups are requested to pack their bags with food or clothing and donate to the victims of TYPHOON RUBY
which will have containers located at the finish line. Medals are awarded to first three marchers to reach the finish the line. A special gift will be
given to first 100 marchers to finish the line and to the biggest contingent.
Miscellaneous: No pets or strollers are allowed on the route. CD players, boom boxes, etc. are allowed only if headphones are used. Removal
of signs or other markers is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification. When you arrive at People’s Park please allow extra time while
at the gate because of security procedures. Be prepared to show photo identification. We appreciate your patience and cooperation.
Plan on arriving at PEOPLE’S PARK at 3:30am. It will be Dark when you arrive – consider packing a pen-light for the early morning hours.
Marchers must report to the start area by 4:30am.
Opening ceremony is at 4:35am.
The march starts at 5:00am with marchers in the following order: 1. Honorary march participants (VIP). 2. Civilian 3. Military
Page 10
Press Kit
NEWS RELEASE
Veterans Hospital to Offer
Free Surgery and Medical Services
The Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), the only exclusive medical facility for veterans and their dependents, will
be holding the HANDOG-KAGITINGAN: LUNAS SA MAMAMAYAN Year 2, an outreach that will provide free medical, surgical
and dental services on April 8, 2015 at Bataan General Hospital (formerly Bataan Provincial Hospital), Tenejero, Balanga
City, Bataan.
The outreach is VMMC’s contribution to the national observance of the 2015 Philippine Veterans Week (April 5-11, 2015)
and 73rd Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9), pursuant to Executive Order No. 203, Series of 1987 and Proclamation No. 466,
series of 1989 and in keeping with VMMC’s mission to provide quality health care and hospital services to veterans and
their families, especially those residing in provinces distant from Quezon City where the hospital is located.
“This is now the second time that the VMMC is doing a project this big. It’s like bringing the entire hospital in Bataan because
150-160 surgeons, doctors and medical professionals will offer volunteer services,” Dr. Dominador M. Chiong, Jr., VMMC
Chief of Professional Services, said.
A pre-surgery screening will be held on April 7, 2015 for surgery patients prior to the major operations that will be
performed on April 8, 2015. Post-operative care to patients who have undergone surgery will also be done on the
following day. Minor surgeries for cyst extraction and circumcision will also be performed.
A total of 150 medical specialists, social workers and nurses from the VMMC and the 62 nd Medical Service Battalion of the
AFP Reserved Command will render their voluntary services to patients.
Aside from medical consultation and surgery, diagnostic services such ECG and X-ray will be offered to beneficiaries as
well as maintenance medicines and vitamins.
While the free medical and surgical services will be offered to the public, priority will be given to veterans (war veterans
and retirees) and their families, as a
way of giving gratitude and tribute to
the veterans’ sacrifices for the
nation.
Medicines will be donated by the
Filipino War Veterans Foundation,
Inc. who will also be bringing
additional staff for outpatient
services, distribution of free reading
glasses, and provision of ambulatory
device such as wheelchairs and
canes.
HANDOG-KAGITINGAN: LUNAS SA
MAMAMAYAN – Year 2 is cosponsored by the Office of Rep.
Herminia B. Roman, Armed Forces of
the
Philippines,
Provincial
Government of Bataan, and other
generous benefactors. #
Page 11