Silliman University, the Roman T. Yap Foundation Inc., and Philippine Veterans Bank launched the Negros Oriental Heroes Memorial Wall Project at the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Center.
The memorial wall will contain mostly names of graduates of Silliman’s ROTC unit who were called for active duty during the World War II.
In her welcome remarks, SU President Betty Cernol-McCann recalled the fact that when the ROTC was first established in the Philippines, Silliman was the first institution outside Luzon to organize a unit.
“This unit was among the early ones to comply with Commonwealth Act No. 1, also known as the National Defense Act. The bravery of our cadets was put to the test during the onset of World War II, when Silliman’s ROTC unit became the first to be activated, and called to active duty. Remarkably, 45 percent of the 75th Infantry Regiment of the US Armed Forces in the Far East were members of the SU ROTC unit. Many Sillimanians stood their ground, fought courageously for the nation, and made the ultimate sacrifice in the process,” McCann said.
She added that the memorial wall is “not only a fitting tribute but a necessary one, honoring those who selflessly served to protect our nation. It stands as a constant reminder that our love for country and fellow citizens can inspire the courage needed to confront even our greatest fears.”
To honor the fallen heroes, Michael Aquino led the 21-gun salute, succeeded by messages from Rafael Crescencio Tan Jr., Dumaguete president of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines; Philippine Veterans Affairs Administrator UnderSec. Reynaldo Mapagu, Veterans Bank CEO Renato Claravall, and Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo.
The launch, held in connection with the 79th anniversary of the country’s liberation, was in collaboration with the local governments of Dumaguete, and Negros Oriental, the VFP Sons & Daughters Association Inc., and the Board of Trustees of Veterans of World War II.
