CAPIZ — The Province of Capiz commemorated the 81st anniversary of its liberation on December 20, coinciding with Veterans Memorial Day, with the unveiling of the Capiz Wall of Heroes at the Capiz Provincial Park.
The milestone event gathered war veterans, their families, government officials, military officers, and representatives from civic and religious organizations to honor the bravery and sacrifices of Capisnons who fought during World War II.
Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP)–Capiz Chapter President Eduardo A. Betito Jr. opened the program by expressing gratitude for the sustained support extended to Capisnon veterans. He underscored the crucial roles played by Governor Fredenil H. Castro and Congresswoman Jane Castro in realizing the Wall of Heroes project.
According to Betito, the completion of the memorial reflects their shared vision of preserving the legacy of Capisnon war heroes for future generations.
Representing the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Assistant Secretary Domingo C. Carboniel Jr. said the Wall of Heroes stands as a tribute from the present generation to those who fought for national freedom. He highlighted the sacrifices of Capiz’s war heroes, describing them as ordinary Filipinos who rose to defend the nation’s dignity in extraordinary times.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Arthur John H. Biñas, speaking on behalf of Governor Castro, said the memorial serves not only as a monument but also as a reminder of the values embodied by the province’s heroes. He urged present and future generations to honor them not only through ceremonies but by living out their courage, patriotism, and sense of duty.
The commemoration included a floral offering and wreath-laying ceremony participated in by various organizations, local officials, and veterans.
The program culminated in the blessing, inauguration, and unveiling of the Capiz Wall of Heroes, which bears the names of 9,640 Capisnon war heroes and veterans who took part in World War II.
The dedication on the wall reads: “This Wall of Heroes, immortalizing for posterity the memory of our brave and gallant Capiznon soldiers and guerrillas who succeeded in liberating Capiz from the invading superior enemy forces during the Second World War from March 16, 1942 to December 20, 1944.”
Officials said the memorial aims to preserve the legacy of Capisnon heroes and serve as a lasting reminder of their sacrifices. VFP Regional President Veteran Colonel Hannibal S. Lipardo encouraged the public to search for the names of their ancestors inscribed on the wall and noted that plans are being considered for the construction of a second wall to accommodate additional names.
The event was supported by personnel from the 3rd Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Capiz Provincial Police Office, highlighting the community’s collective commitment to honor and remember its heroes./PN
