Panay, Guimaras observe 60th anniv of liberation

The islands of Panay and Guimaras are set to observe the 60 th anniversary of liberation, this March 17 and 18, playing host to dignitaries from allied nations and from some countries with embassies in the Philippines, according to Tourism Regional Director, Edwin Trompeta, a member of the ad hoc committee created for the celebration.

Department of Foreign Affairs Regional Director Liza Jane Estalilla said that the ambassadors of allied nations, like Australia , New Zealand , United kingdom and the United States are expected to join the celebration, while the ambassadors of China , Japan , Canada and the European Union have expressed intentions to also come.

The observance on March 17, other than the activities undertaken by the Panay veterans, will include a tour by the dignitaries of the island of Guimaras where they will visit the Guimaras Mango Research station, the Trappist Monastery, Oro Verde orchard, the Guimaras Trade and Economic Center and stay for a break at the Roca Engcantada .

In Iloilo , they will be visiting Museo Iloilo, Fort San Pedro, some heritage houses in Iloilo , the Jaro Cathedral and several social development projects, like the School for the Deaf, the Mute and the Blind Children and the Special Day Care and Early Childhood Development Projects run by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Director Trompeta said that the dignitaries' visit to social development projects in the city is a manifestation that they would possibly give assistance where needed.

Ad Hoc Committee Chair City Councilor Merci Drilon -Garcia said that both the local government units of Iloilo , and that of Guimaras , have pooled resources to make the 60 th liberation of Panay significant.

Likewise, the association of war veterans in Panay is coming up with the usual activities on March 18, like the Flag Raising and the Wreath laying at the Balantang Shrine, the motorcade to Freedom Grandstand, Drum and bugle Competition and the Commemorative Program at the Freedom Grandstand that is expected to be attended by the public, government employees, students and the spouses, family members, friends and relatives of the veterans and the veterans themselves, who are still alive. (PIA 6)