The Province of Bohol joins the country in marking the 2025 Philippine Veterans Week from April 5 to 11 and the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan under the theme “Kabayanihan ng Beterano, Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas” (Veterans’ Heroism, Foundation of a Progressive New Philippines).
The events pay tribute to the courage and sacrifices of Filipino veterans who shaped the nation’s history.
Mario K. Blasabas, head of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) in Bohol, leads the observance alongside BGen Joseph G. Sevilla (Ret), president of the Bohol Dagohoy Veterans Association and the Sons and Daughters Association of Bohol’s 1st District.
The week-long activities are supported by the Provincial Government of Bohol, Tagbilaran City Government, and the local government units of Panglao, Sevilla, and Batuan.
The commemoration begins on April 5, 2025 with a sunrise ceremony at 8:00 AM at the Panglao Veterans Monument, symbolizing the dawn of freedom secured by veterans over centuries of conflict.
On April 8, 2025, the Kagitingan Tour will visit memorial markers in Jagna, Guindulman, Duero, Valencia, Tagbilaran, and Loon, starting at 5:00 AM from the PVAO assembly area at the Old Capitol. Students, including PVAO’s Iskolar ng Bayani scholars, will join to connect with the legacy of World War II veterans.
Also on April 8, 2025, at 8:00 AM, the 124th Commemoration of the Battle of Lonoy will take place in Lonoy, Jagna. The event honors 406 Filipino revolutionaries who died in 1901 resisting colonial forces, highlighting Boholano resilience in one of the bloodiest battles of its time.
On April 9, 2025, a Fun Run: Run for the Veterans starts at 4:00 AM from Tagbilaran City Hall, with proceeds aiding indigent veterans and their families. Later that day, at 8:00 AM, the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan ceremony at the New Capitol Grounds will unite officials, veterans, military personnel, and the public to honor Filipino and American soldiers of World War II.
A wreath-laying ceremony is scheduled for April 10 at 4:00 PM at the Sevilla Veterans Memorial Park, led by veterans’ descendants and the local government. The week concludes on April 11 with a sunset ceremony at 5:00 PM at the Batuan Municipal Plaza, a final tribute to fallen heroes.
Organizers urge government offices, businesses, and institutions to display the Philippine flag and the official Araw ng Kagitingan banner, available at https://bit.ly/83rdANKBanner, as a sign of patriotic support.
The events aim to keep the veterans’ legacy alive, inspiring future generations to uphold their values of bravery and unity.