Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, in partnership with the Ortigas Library Foundation, opened an exhibit yesterday entitled Bataan Death March: Remembered in celebration of the 75th year of valor and heroism that was shown by the USAFFE soldiers in Bataan during World War II. The exhibit is on permanent display at the Casa Candaba, one of the heritage houses in the complex.
The Fall of Bataan or Bataan Day is commemorated as a reminder of the tragic fate that the Filipino and American soldiers underwent during the siege prior to the Japanese occupation of the country.
Mr. Jerry Acuzar of New San Jose Builders, owner of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar and an advocate of Filipino heritage and culture, supports these kinds of development for the youth to be constantly aware and instill pride of important historical events in the history of the Philippines. The event was graced by Mr and Mrs Jose “Jerry” and Theresa Acuzar, representatives of the Ortigas Library Foundation, the US Embassy, local government representatives of Bagac, and war veterans
A total of 260,000 people fought for the country’s sovereignty during the Second World War. It is during this time that the appellation “Death March” took place where 68,000 Filipinos and 11,796 American war prisoners were herded from Bagac, Bataan and marched to Capas, Tarlac, a total distance of 112 kilometers. It was made more gruesome and traumatic by severe physical abuse and massive killings characterizing the march.
On the second floor of the Casa Candaba, another exhibit showcasing Philippine churches around the country is also on display. A collection of about 300 photographs of centuries-old churches from the Ortigas Library Foundation, some even coming from Madrid in Spain, can be viewed.
In photo during the ceremonial toast are resort GM TK-Kho Solvason, Bagac Mayor Louise Gabriel del Rosario, New San Jose Builders and resort owners Jerry Acuzar and Tess Ochoa-Acuzar, Chargé d’Affaires of U.S. Embassy Michael Klecheski, and, Ortigas Library Foundation’s Mr Albert Montilla and Atty. Ignacio Ortigas.
The exhibit is free for resort’s guests from 8:00am until 5:00pm. For additional information, visit Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.
