THE DEFENDERS of Bataan and Corregidor, Inc. (DBC) joined other freedom-loving Filipinos in commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Bataan, as well as the Araw ng Kagitingan and 2002 Philippine Veterans' Week Celebration.

Her Excellency Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the guest of honor during the "Araw ng Kagitingan " rites on April 9, 2002 at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat.

On April 2, 2002, the visiting Battling Bastards of Bataan were inducted as full-fledged members of the DBC. This was held at the Bulwagang Arturo Enrile, Camp Aguinaldo.

On April 5, 2002, DND Secretary Angelo Reyes was the guest of honor of the Wreath Laying Ceremonies at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio. House Speaker Jose de Venecia graced the Parade & Review in Honor of Veterans at the HPA Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio. There will also be a "Luncheon with the Senate President" with Sen. Franklin Drilon as honored guest.

On April 7, 2002, the Takbo ng Buhay Commemoration Run started at San Fernando, Pampanga to Capas.

The DBC, thru Def. Rafael R. Estrada initiated to recognize in a memorial service the hospitality and gallantry of the Capasenos, who welcomed thousands of relatives and friends of WWII Prisoners of War. This was held on April 7, 2002 2:30 pm at the Capas Memorial Site. Cong. Lapus, Mayor Catacutan, and some other officials graced the said events. This was the only observance of the Araw ng Kagitingan where civilians were given due recognition.

Pursuant to Memorandum Order No. 52 dated January 24, 2002, Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo created a National Executive Committee on the 2002 Observance of Araw ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans Week. General Edgardo Batenga was the one assigned to preside over the meeting.

This year's theme is: "Kagitingan: Panata Ng Bayan Sigla Ng Sambayanan"

The nation observes the ARAW NG KAGITINGAN every April 9 of each year in commemoration of the heroic and gallant deeds of our World war II veterans.

These brave fighters laid their lives for the sake and love of our country and people in defending Bataan, Corregidor, and Besang Pass against the invading enemy forces.

The cross symbolizes the heroic and courageous defense made by the fatigued, hungry, and sickly Filipino soldiers for the defense of our democracy and freedom.

The National Executive Committee is composed of the Department of National Defense, Department of Tourism, Department of Education, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Transportation and Communications, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Philippine National Police. The Committee also includes the Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor (DBC), Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Veterans Federation of the Philippines

0N 9 APRIL 2002, the nation celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Bataan. Many say that our history is a history of lost battles. The Battle of Bataan is a case in point. Why do we celebrate a defeat? Didn't the Fil-American forces surrender to the Japanese? All these questions cry for a clarification of the facts.

Fr. Horacio de la Costa, S.J., a noted historian, wrote that the past is prologue. In developing his thesis, he explained that by remembering the past and employing historians to do so helps us to learn from the thoughts and deeds of our heroes answers to the problems confronting the nation.

It is submitted that Bataan should be reinterpreted in the light of our continuing struggle for national emancipation and human dignity. The love for freedom runs like a crimson thread through Philippine history from Mactan to Bataan. Thus, Filipinos mounted more than 100 revolts and uprisings against Spanish colonial rule, which culminated in the Revolution of 1898.

The fight continued with the substitution of American occupation as Filipinos fought the Yankees in the PhilippineAmerican War. Despite the capture of General Aguinaldo, resistance against the Americans persisted, led by ex-Katipuneros like General Artemio Ricarte, General Malvar; Macario Sakay, Papa Isio in Negros, the Sakdalistas, Colorums and the Moros in Mindanao.

When the Japanese invaded the Philippines, Filipinos sided with the Americans to war against international fascism. Bataan fell, but many escaped from Bataan to engage the Japanese in guerilla warfare and succeeded in liberating many parts of the country when the Americans returned to the country in 1944.

When the Pacific War ended in 1945, the Filipinos continued the fight against neo-colonialism, social injustice, globalization, poverty and new forms of oppression.

It was the spirit of Bataan that inspired Filipinos to continue the fight for total liberation - politically, economically and socially.

This is Bataan - the new perspective.

THE DEFENDERS of Bataan and Corregidor, Inc. (DBC) inducted 14 members of the "Battling Bastards of Bataan (BBB)" as full-fledged DBC members on April 2, 2002 at the Bulwagang Arturo Enrile, Camp Aguinaldo.

General Manuel Yan, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, who acts on behalf the government in the GRPNDF peace talks with communist rebels, was the Inducting Officer and Honored Guest Speaker.

DBC National Commander Rafael R. Estrada said, "BBB members from various US states such as Texas, Arizona, Florida, New Hampshire, New York, California and Illinois will be flying here to the Philippines for the event."

Estrada explained that the Battling Bastards include American soldiers who fought side-by-side with Filipinos against the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II."

"Just like the Filipino soldiers, they too were imprisoned by the Japanese and suffered terribly during the Death March," said Estrada.

It took more than half a century for the Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor (DBC) to remember the role played by the O'Donnell River in the survival of the Prisoners of War in Capas, Tarlac.

The historic river was the only source of water, which sustained them during five months of incarceration.

So, in grateful recognition and tribute to the O'Donnell River, the DBC spearheaded the Blessing and Inauguration of the "Bridge of Remembrance" last May 26, 2001, with General Edgardo Batenga as inaugurating officer and guest speaker.

COMMODORE (RET) ARTEMIO RICAMORA ARUGAY, the new Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), joined the Philippine Navy upon his graduation from the Philippine Military Academy.

His early assignments included shipboard, tactical and staff assignments which include tasks as Communications Officer, Anti-Submarine War Officer and Weapons Officer.

In his assignment at the General Headquarters, Commodore Arugay assumed command and staff assignments in the areas of domestic and foreign intelligence and counter-intelligence.

Among the important positions he held were: Commander, AFP Counter-Intelligence; Commander, Foreign Intelligence; and Commander, Domestic Intelligence in Region 2.

He culminated his stint with the Intelligence Service as the Defense and Armed Forces Attache in Rome, Italy.

Currently, Commodore Arugay holds the position of Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, J2 and as Director, Office of the Strategic and Special Studies, an office which he organized.

Later, he concurrently held the positions of Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, J5 and Director of the Strategic and Special Studies, AFP.

He contributed immensely to the strengthening of defense cooperation with friendly, allied countries. More importantly, he contributed a lot to the formulation and enactment of the AFP Modernization Program into law and its initial implementation.

Arugay's major awards and decorations include: one Philippine Legion of Honor, four Distinguished Service Stars, three Outstanding Achievement Medals, Bronze Cross Medal, 13 Military Merit Medals, three Military Commendation medals, the 1966 Cavalier Award for Staff Administration, among others.

Around 194 delegates representing Chapters14 nationwide convened for the Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Inc. (DBC) National Convention 2001 last July 21, 2001 at the Hall of Flags, Veterans Center Building.

The DBC Chapters include Bauan, Bolbok, Indang, Lucban, San Pablo, Tarlac, Silang, Marikina, Quezon City, V. Luna, Malabon, Pasig, Las Pings, and Zambales.

The Convention served as a forum for the consolidation of the DBC members as well as the drawing up of the Program of Action for the year 2002.

The delegates also approved the previous minutes of the annual convention held on April 29, 1999.

DBC National Commander Rafael Estrada also delivered the "Report of the National Commander."

Def. Vicente Balayan chaired the Nomination Committee while Def. Demetrio Paz chaired the Election Committee.

On the list of nominees were 14 veterans and 10 sons and daughters.

American Representative Gilman filed last February 7, 2001 the Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2001 during the First Session of the 107th Congress of the House of Representatives.

The proposed measure amends title 38 of the United States Code which "deem certain service in the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines ... last February 7, 2001 to have been active service for purposes of benefits under programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The measure also seeks to amend the Veterans Benefits and Healthcare Improvement Act of 2000.

The Act also puts into consideration the efforts rendered by the Philippine Scouts for their war services.

Sixty years have come and gone since that epic struggle at Bataan and Corregidor in 1942, when our young men were called to the colors together with American allies, in defense of freedom.

Every year tribute and praise are given, recognizing the courage and heroism of those young men who fought to defend our country, Many lost their lives in Bataan and Corregidor, the Death March, and concentration camps.

The yearly observance of the Araw ng Kagitingan by our government and people is deeply appreciated. The sincerity however, of these praises and acclamations will be of more value and meaning if present and future generations will translate their words into concrete actions.

Thus, to censure dishonest countrymen, whose love of self transcend love of country is an act which will truly be a welcome and fitting award to the gallant soldiers of Bataan and Corregidor.

Let us carry on the genuine and indelible legacy of Bataan and Corregidor not with words but with deeds.

A book and a video documentary will be produced in commemoration of the fall of Bataan and Corregidor.

The objective of the book is to chronicle in great detail the events, which led to the fall of Bataan and Corregidor. However, the premise of the book is not to highlight what happened on April 9 and May 6, 1942, but to remember the heroism and sacrifice of the defenders who, against incredible odds, continuously frustrated and stalled the advance of the vastly superior Japanese forces, in the name of freedom.

The book will be divided into chapters dealing with the key events of these battles and will be told from the points of view of Filipino soldiers who fought in them. Maps detailing the positions of Filipino, American, and Japanese units during the critical phases of these battles will amply illustrate each chapter

This will likewise be complemented by graphic renderings of uniform and weaponry.

The video documentary, on the other hand, will complement the print medium in depicting the events. Appropriate historical sounds and moving images will be effectively compiled in a presentation to be hosted by noted actor Joel Torre.

Graphics and animation will also be used to give viewers an overall perspective of the historical events. The documentary's highlights will revolve around the relevant eyewitness accounts from actual war veterans. As in the book, the real story of Bataan will be told from their points of view.

The one-hour video documentary is intended for telecast in one of the major TV networks and subsequently released on video.