Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff and former Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu led the nation in paying tribute to Filipino heroes at the Capas National Shrine, in a solemn ceremony that honored generations of patriots who fought for the country’s freedom.
Cimatu, himself a son of a World War II veteran, served as the keynote speaker at the ‘Joint Tribute to All Filipino Heroes and Paggunita sa Capas’—an annual remembrance that recognizes the sacrifices of Filipino warriors from the era of Lapu-Lapu to World War II.
“This event allows us to reflect on their sacrifices and honor their memory, ensuring that their stories continue to inspire future generations,” Cimatu said during the wreath-laying ceremony, which drew dignitaries, descendants of war veterans, and representatives from government agencies, foreign embassies, and youth organizations.
The ‘Tribute to All Filipino Heroes,’ usually held in Corregidor Island, has grown into a nationwide commemoration of the country’s freedom fighters—patriots, martyrs, and defenders whose legacies shaped the Filipino identity.
Simultaneously, ‘Paggunita sa Capas’ specifically remembers the Filipino and American soldiers who survived the harrowing Bataan Death March, only to endure further suffering as prisoners of war at Camp O’Donnell in Capas during World War II. Over 20,000 Filipinos and 1,600 Americans were held in the former Japanese concentration camp, with many dying from disease, malnutrition, and brutal conditions.
“This commemoration reminds us not only of the horrors of war but also of the fragility of freedom,” Cimatu said. “The liberty we enjoy today was paid for by the unimaginable suffering and bravery of those who came before us.”
He emphasized that the remembrance goes beyond honoring the past—it fosters unity and ignites a renewed sense of nationalism.
“By remembering both historical and present-day heroes, we uphold the values of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. These events urge us to live out the ideals they fought for—justice, freedom, and equality,” he added.
The tribute was attended by representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Embassy of the Czech Republic, and local government officials from Tarlac and Capas, along with World War II descendants and youth representatives.
As the Philippine flag waved against the quiet backdrop of the shrine, the gathering served as a moving reminder that the legacy of the nation’s heroes continues to shape its present—and its future. (PIA 3)
