MikeLigalig.com

AFAB vows support to Death March tribute

MARIVELES, Bataan, Feb. 28 (PNA) -- The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), in cooperation with the Bataan Provincial Government and Tourism Council, has vowed full support to the plan of the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) to rehabilitate and maintain the Death March markers in this town as part of the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the World War II – Bataan Death March.

The funds of the project will be raised through the Bataan Freedom Run and Mariveles-San Fernando-Capas Freedom Trail, two athletic events that aim to relive the heroism and valor of the Filipino and American soldiers by tracing the route of the Death March.

“This event is a good venue for the AFAB to show its gratitude to our heroes. Their courage to fight for our country will always be remembered. We are proud to say that the whole area of the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) has once witnessed the heroism of our fellow countrymen,” AFAB chairman and administrator Emmanuel D. Pineda said.

Pineda said the AFAB and the FAB Investor, Locator Association (FABILA) are thankful to PVAO, PVB and the organizer, Without Limits Consultancy, for giving them the opportunity to host the Bataan Freedom Run and Freedom Trail.

"We will, once again, witness another milestone in the Philippine history as thousands of Filipinos, relatives of American veterans and international partners gather for this momentous event,” he added.

Slated on April 2, 2017, the Bataan Freedom Run will feature a 42-kilometer full marathon, a 21km half-marathon, and 10km, 5km and 1km courses for running aficionados, kids, and pets.

The Freedom Run follows the route of the Bataan Death March and will start at Kilometer Zero in Mariveles.

On the other hand, the Freedom Trail will feature a punishing 160-kilometer run with individual and team relay categories for marathoners, as well as similar-distanced bike trail. The new event will be held from April 10 – 11 and will cover the Death March route from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac.

The 75th Anniversary of the Bataan Death March will be celebrated worldwide and the twin events are PVB’s contribution to the worldwide remembrance of this infamous chapter in WWII history.<>Through the efforts of Bataan Governor Albert Raymond S. Garcia and the Bataan Tourism Council, the tribute to the World War II heroes will also be held simultaneously in Mexico.

Sons and daughters of the American WWII veterans are also expected to join the commemoration anniversary in the FAB.

“We don’t call it the fall of Bataan anymore. We call it the heroism in Bataan, valor in Corregidor. We are celebrating the values that the Death March represent,” PVAO administrator Ernesto G. Carolina said.(PNA)

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=85773.0