PVB’s “War of Our Fathers,” Honors Heroes at the Philippine Military Academy
BAGUIO CITY — Cadets of the Philippine Military Academy learned the true meaning of heroism and patriotism with the Veterans Bank exhibit that showcased accounts of World War II in the Philippines including Baguio City and the premiere military institution.
The PMA hosted the Philippine Veterans Bank’s (PVB’s) Traveling Exhibit entitled “War of Our Fathers, a Brotherhood of Heroes” from September 15 to 30, 2023 at the Academy’s Conrado Yap Hall.
PMA Superintendent LtGen. Rowen Tolentino, PVB President Renato Claraval, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Veteran(PVAO) Memorial and Historical Division Chief Agerico Amagna III representing National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and PVAO Administrator Reynaldo Mapagu, PVAO Service Extension Office Baguio City Head Cherrylyn Sabling and Jose Marie Rivera of the Baguio City Tourism Office led the ribbon cutting and opening ceremonies of the exhibit in Sept. 15.
Claraval said the exhibit displays photos and artifacts from WWII in the Philippines honoring the bravery and patriotism of Filipinos who fought and died for the country’s freedom. It highlights the contributions of Filipino freedom fighters especially in 1945 when the Philippines was liberated.
It also honors Filipino veterans including PMA cadets and graduates who defended the country either as officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or as leaders of guerrilla units during the war.
The PVB hopes that through this exhibit, the younger generation including the PMA cadets who are future leaders will learn more about WWII history and the PMAers such as Miguel Ver, Eleuterio “Terry” Adevoso, Supremo Frisco “Popoy” San Juan, Gustavo “Tabo” Ingles, and Conrado Yap who fought and died for their country.
TESTIMONY 1: A brave new world explored: Filipino WWII veterans exhibit takes us back in time to the heroic era of Filipino freedom fighters.
By: Cadet BARBIN MAM
In the morning of September 15, 2023, a portal had opened inside Yap Hall that led us back in time to the historic World War II, in which our country’s freedom fighters had played a significant role.
This traveling exhibit organized by the Philippine Veterans Bank aims to honor the Filipino veterans who defended the country during the war, highlighting the events of 1945, when the Philippines was
liberated. The new peculiar set-up immediately gained the attention of the Cadet Corps as it took its place near the entrance inside the mess hall. It did not take long before the cadets started flocking around the new attraction.
Seeing the preserved artifacts, such as the soldier’s kevlar helmet and mess gear displayed inside a clear case, stirred raw emotions of appreciation and awe among the Cadets. It is a great act of treasuring the service of those honorable men who undoubtedly fought with great valor. Not to mention that some of the noteworthy soldiers were once cadets of the Academy themselves.
These heroes include Miguel Ver, Eleuterio “Terry” Adevoso, “Supremo” Frisco San Juan, Gustavo “Tabo” Ingles, and Conrado Yap, after whom the mess hall in the Academy was named. Reading the unique stories within the exhibit truly inspired me not only to appreciate but also to foresee the future of the profession I have chosen.
The events of World War II were nothing short of a beast in the history of the entire world. These brave Filipino soldiers had conquered the unimaginable in the name of peace and freedom for our nation. They had proved that one can do almost anything, offering their skills, sweat, and blood in service to the country. A great sacrifice so future generations could live. It made me realize that I also have the ability to do that myself. How noble is it to give one’s life for the motherland? It gave me a clearer understanding that certain values of unity and resilience guide our actions and prevent the mistakes or blunders of the past. It is the sacrifices, indeed, that educate us to do better in the future. To put it simply, as a cadet and future officer of the Armed Forces, the spirit of great courage and tenacity runs in my bloodstream. Coupled with a bit of wit, and a tablespoon of integrity, I could be the epitome of a good soldier, born for battle.
The portal to World War II had closed on September 30, 2023, but it left a huge imprint as one of the valued memories that took place in PMA. This was one for the books, and I was the lucky writer who had it put down in words.
TESTIMONY 2: A Reflection on the Sacrifices of the Past
By: Cadet OLALO JC
The words of Colonel Emmanuel de Ocampo, a member of the Hunters ROTC Guerillas, resonate deeply within me: How can we best serve our country? “The Filipino Youth took the initiative, whether they knew how to fight or not, in the hills and mountains, they brought one thing – a heart that loved this country. This is what placed the fire in the hearts of heroes.”
The “War of Our Fathers: A Brotherhood of Heroes” is a powerful integrated communications campaign, honored with accolades such as the Anvil Award, Gold Quill Awards, and PANATA Award. This campaign was managed by the Philippine Veterans Bank, a private bank solely owned by Filipino WWII Veterans and their heirs.
Learning about the lives of our fellow alumni who were part of the long grey line, such as Col. Eleuterio Adevoso, the co-founder of the Hunters ROTC Guerillas alongside Michael Ver, was nothing short of breathtaking. Col. Adevoso’s journey from being a third-class cadet upon his release from the Academy to building up the Guerilla Unit and making significant contributions to the war was almost unbelievable. His leadership and decision-making played a crucial role in the early defeat of the Japanese in Southern Luzon, and he was rightly awarded the Distinguished Service Star for his merits. Another remarkable figure was Colonel Gustavo Ingles, a member of the PMA Class of 1945. He served as one of the main sources of intelligence for the Guerilla Unit. Living undercover among the Japanese, he endured torture at four different locations without ever revealing information. His resilience paid off when he was
eventually rescued in the New Bilibid Prison Raid, and his heroism was recognized with the Military Merit Award.
Then there is Col. Emmanuel De Ocampo, who truly inspired me to strive for excellence beyond the academy. His remarkable skills shone during a battle in 1945 when he, along with the Town Units of Col. Juan Daza and the American 11th Airborne Division, defeated the Japanese Marines in Nichols Field and Fort McKinley, now known as Bonifacio Global City. Col. De Ocampo’s achievements on and off the field, including his dedication to the welfare of veterans after WWII, earned him the second-highest military award in our country, the Distinguished Conduct Award.
These are just a few of the numerous unsung heroes of WWII. It was never about age, the possession of a weapon, or the right time to exhibit valor. Its about a deeper connection to one’s emotions and an unwavering commitment to the cause. There is no perfect moment to take that courageous step; instead, it’s about making the choice and courageously treading the path for your country. Valor does’nt wait for the “right” time; it’s a surge of confidence, a conviction that this is your moment to make that decisive choice in the face of adversity.