LIAN, Batangas -- Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas has proposed to construct a permanent and fitting monument and memorial landmark in honor of the nearly 50 martyrs, who sacrificed their lives at the height of the Liberation period in this coastal town in 1945.
“Ito ay tunay na araw na napakabuluhan dahil ang lalawigan ng Batangas, ang bayan ng Lian, kasama ang Nasugbu, ay tunay na nagsimula sa ating pakikibaka na ibalik natin, maagaw na muli natin at ipagtanggol natin ang dangal ng ating bansa, lalung-lalo na ang mga Batangueñong Filipino (This is truly a very significant day because Batangas province, including the towns of Lian and Nasugbu, had sparked the fight to regain and defend the country’s honor, especially by Batangueño Filipinos),” Mandanas said on Thursday.
He lauded the efforts of Lian’s local government officials and constituents in observing the World War 2 Liberation Day as an important occasion, prompting him to propose the construction of a permanent marker in homage to the Batangueño heroes and martyrs during the post-war period.
The governor and 1st District Rep. Eileen Ermita Buhain thanked Lian’s townsfolk for perpetuating the “greatness, heroism and bravery” of the Batangueños, as they pledged to put up a Liberation Day memorial marker, which is expected to be completed in time for a much bigger and fitting 75th commemorative event next year.
Mandanas also requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial legislative council) to craft the budget for the PHP5-million monument landmark as a “symbol of hope” starting this year.
He urged the promotion of the history of the bravery and heroism of Batangueños for the younger generation to develop their sense of nationalism and patriotism “to defend the country’s independence; enrich the culture and protect the environment; and commit to sustain peace and development.”
Stressing the provincial government’s Health, Education, Livelihood and Protection (HELP) thrusts, Mandanas also announced the inclusion of veterans’ children in the scholarship program.
Led by the Executive Committee and the Integrity and Innovation in Bureaucracy organizers, the event honored the nearly 50 martyrs in this town, “whose only crime was loyalty to the Allied cause and were executed by the Japanese forces on Jan. 16, 1945.”
Lone survivor Angel L. Limjoco Jr. escaped from the Japanese captors at San Diego Beach on the evening of Jan. 16, 1945 by jumping into the sea, taking advantage of the cover of darkness and living to tell his ordeal. (PNA)
