Pilar, Bataan – The annual celebration of the Araw ng Kagitingan in Bataan is one event looked forward to not only by Bataeños but by every Filipino. The town of Pilar, where the famous Shrine of Valor in Mt. Samat is located was vibrant to commemorate this event under the dynamic and supportive leadership of its charming Mayor, Hon. Alicia D. Pizarro. This year’s theme, “Isabuhay ang Kagitingan, Kapayapaan ay Pagkaisahan, Kamtin ang Mithing Kaunlaran” talked boldly of the desire of the nation to continue the heroism our forefathers have shown and utilize this bravery in the desire for peace and progress.
The more-than-a-week long celebration started with a run of Araw ni Balagtas in Orion, Bataan from April 1 – 3, 2016. This showcased the poetic talents of Bataeños. The 11th Annual Padyakan sa Bataan followed the next day from Karagatan Bay View Peaks in Alas-asin, Mariveles at 6:00am. This actively participated event by bikers from all over the province and from other neighboring provinces has pumped blood among spectators.
April 4 was the day to offer flowers to our veterans which was held province wide. This is to show respect, love, and appreciation to these beloved heroes. April 5 was the opening of the annual Galing Bataan Trade Fair. MSEs and coops from Pilar participated in the Trade Fair. Among them were Myra Bustos, owner of Rock Sacks bags from Panilao and Mary Ann P. Bautista from Poblacion, manufacturer of home-made perfumes, fabric conditioners, and dishwashing liquid. Both are beneficiaries of the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office(PCEDO)’s Micro Enterprise Development Program(MEDP) coordinated by Ms. Janny L. Manla, EDD program coordinator. Ms. Manla is also a Pilareña. Pilar RIC also participated at the Trade fair with their fresh vegetables and processed foods.
Later that afternoon, a Drum & Lyre Competition was held at Plaza Mayor, City of Balanga. Once again, the musical talents of Bataan youth were displayed in this event. On April 6, two exciting events transpired. One was at 4:00pm at Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar in Bagac where Batang Rizal by PETA was played. Great feedbacks were received for this entertaining theatrical event.
The next one was the Bataan Cooperatives and Entrepreneurs Night held at 6:00pm in Plaza Mayor, City of Balanga. This event was very well attended with over 300 participants coming from different cooperatives of Bataan. The night truly showed the strong presence of our cooperatives in the province which were significantly contributing to its economic progress. Worth mentioning is the ACE BPO of Abucay MPC which is the first and sole BPO at present run by a cooperative in the entire country.
It was a night of fun and entertainment for this sector. Lingap Kapwa MPC led the assembly in prayer with a mesmerizing tambourine dance. The Pablo Roman National High School MPC with the high school’s Rondalla group serenaded the audience with their lively music. Our dynamic and kind-hearted Mayor Alicia D. Pizarro was very supportive to the town’s participants by ensuring their needs were met in joining the event thru the coordination of Ms. Jean Pizarro, acting Municipal Cooperative Development Officer. CDA Administrator Mercedes D. Castillo graced the event.
On April 7, a History Quiz was held for elementary pupils at Balanga Elementary School in the morning. The lovely lolas and handsome lolos shone at the Senior Citizens Night later that evening. Senior Citizens from Pilar also participated in the event and wowed the audience with their dance numbers. They were escorted by the staff from our Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.
The always anticipated Parade of Floats transpired the following day. It started from Balanga Elementary School and ended at the grounds of the Capitol Compound where the Parangal sa mga Bayani was held. Our beloved veterans were honored during this event. Again, our lovely Mayor Alice D. Pizarro was present to support and add grace to the celebration.
April 9, Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan was held at the Shrine of Valor in Mt. Samat, Diwa, Pilar, Bataan. It was a very touching event as we remember our unsung heroes who shed blood and fought for the freedom of our country. Pres. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino was present to lead the assembly in honoring these heroes and celebrating the valor Filipinos have always displayed in times of war and adversity.
Later that night, an Ultra Marathon took place and was named Bataan Freedom Run. This began at Km.0 Death March Marker in Mariveles to Mt. Samat to Capitol Compound in Balanga.
The last but definitely not the least event was the Color Fun Run on April 10 at 5:00am held at the Capitol Compound. It was a well-participated event as well and everyone loved the excitement of running while being splashed on with water and pastel color washable paints.
Indeed, the yearly celebration was successful and historic as we never tire of honoring the past which led us and our country towards true democracy.