LGU, PA pay tribute to WWII veterans

“On this day, we recognize the heroes responsible for our freedom...those who died for it and those who are still here to tell us their story.”

That was how Col. Edmundo R. Pangilinan summed up the purpose of the 71st commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan conducted by LGU-Tacurong and Philippine Army (PA) on April 9, 2013, City Hall Grounds.
Col. Pangilinan served as the Guest Speaker of the program devoted to honoring the heroes of World War II.

The program was graced by the presence of veterans residing in the city namely Pvt. Jovencio Ledda (92 years old), Mr. Santos Laygan (97 yrs old), Pvt. Eugenio Somera (89 yrs old), and Private First Class Bernardo Francisco (91 yrs old).

Pfc. Francisco shared his memoirs as a young soldier during the War. As a 21-year old lad in the 1930s, he was one of those who were trained as Philippines’ reserve forces. He reported to the nearest camp in Panay, following the order of then Pres. Manuel Quezon after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and of the military bases in the country. They fought the Japanese forces in Panay but his team was captured. He was imprisoned and served as a laborer to Japanese soldiers. He witnessed cruelties, and even executions of Filipinos in the communities that the Japanese penetrated. After nine months, he escaped from the garrison with 2 Filipino comrades. He became a Philippine Scout in 1946 and was discharged in 1949.

LGU-Tacurong and PA value stories shared by veterans such as Pfc. Francisco as part of the rich oral history of the War.

“The freedom you fought for us shall be the freedom we shall truly defend. Where you are relieved of your duties, we shall carry on,” said Col. Pangilinan as he gave his snappy salute to the guest veterans.

The 601st Brigade, 6th Infantry Battalion, PA conducted the pass and review in honor of the guest veterans. The wreath laying ceremony was led by Mayor Lina O. Montilla and Vice Mayor Charito L. Collado.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano

Brgy. Upper Katungal to represent R12 in Nat’l Lupong Tagapamayapa Awards 2013

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII had chosen Brgy. Upper Katungal, Tacurong City, as regional entry for the 2013 National Lupong Tagpamayapa Incentives and Awards (LTIA)-Component City Category.

LTIA Regional Evaluation Committee conducted a site evaluation in Brgy. Upper Katungal Lupong Tagapamayapa (LT) Office on March 21, 2013. Its profile, accomplishments, and innovations were presented by Brgy. Chairperson Hernane Fermo. Fermo noted that LT’s members are well-respected in the community. “Dahil nirerespeto sila ng mga tao, mas madali para sa LT ang pagsasaayos ng mga hidwaan sa barangay. Nakikinig sila sa amin,” said Fermo during the evaluation. LT members, being purok leaders, are able to settle cases in the purok level thus lessening the number of cases filed in the Barangay LP. For 2012, 90.91% of the cases filed in the barangay were settled; zero cases were repudiated; and 100% non-occurrence of settled cases.

Upper Katungal vied with two other barangays of Cotabato City and Koronadal City for the said award. "Brgy. Upper Katungal really worked hard, not only for this award but to help the city maintain peace and order in the community," said Alberto P. Sero, Tacurong City Local Government Operations Officer.

SP Committee Chairperson on Peace and Order Rodrigo Jamorabon, representing LGU-Tacurong during the evaluation, also expressed his confidence on the Upper Katungal-LT. "This barangay is smaller than other barangays but they have proven how a small community can significantly contribute to the fulfillment of the city's objectives," said Councilor Jamorabon.

Meanwhile, Brgy. Katangawan of General Santos City will represent Region 12 for the LTIA-Highly Urbanized City Category, and Brgy. Poblacion of Polomolok, South Cotabato will be Region 12’s entry for the Municipal Category.

Lupong Tagapamayapa is a local/barangay justice system that takes charge in settling civil disputes and cases to ensure community peace and order. LTs work with PNP to fulfill their purpose.


Jezereel Louise C. Billano (LGU Information) with report from City Local Government Operations Office