"The War of Our Fathers A tribute to the Filipino Freedom
Fighter" exhibit sponsored by Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) and the Veterans
Federation of the Philippines (VFP), in partnership with Pangasinan Governor
Amado Espino Jr. will be starting its 2008 run in Lingayen, Pangasinan in time
for the 63rd anniversary of the Lingayen Gulf Landing.
The educational exhibit has vintage photographs, artifacts
and memorabilia on display from World War II, it aimed to share to the public
the compelling and dramatic stories of Filipino World War II heroes so that
today’s generation may have a better grasp of our nation’s history. The exhibit
will be open to the public free of charge starting January 9, 2008 at the
Narciso Ramos Sports & Civic Center, Lingayen.
The traveling exhibit’s very first stop was in Dagupan City
and was formally opened by former President Fidel V. Ramos last January 2006.
Since then, it has gone through 17 other cities all over the country in malls,
museums and schools in time for the celebration of their respective Liberation
day.
PVB President Ricardo A. Balbido, Jr. said that through this
project, the bank hopes to honor the WWII heroes and to help educate Filipinos
today, especially the youth, on their struggles, sacrifices & victories in one
of the darkest chapters in the history of our nation. "Many Filipinos at that
time, men & women, young & old, rich & poor displayed flashes of heroism, which
many of us have not taken notice" he added.
Apart from this project, each year, PVB provides 20% of its net profits for
programs that benefit the World War II veterans, their widows and families.
Through the Board of Trustees for the Veterans of World War II (BTVWWII), the
Bank supports the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) Out-Patient
Center in Taguig: a modern medical facility that provides free medicine, medical
services such as x-rays, laboratory services, physical therapy, eyeglasses and
dental care to veterans. The other is the VFP Museum, Library and Archives, a
repository of war memorabilia, books and documents and houses a state-of-the-art
showcase of the veterans’ heroism.
