PRESS RELEASE NO. 36-2024

Consul General Emil Fernandez (center, left) and FilVetREP Hawaii Director Wilfredo Tungol (2nd from right) led the wreath laying ceremony to honor Filipino and American veterans on Araw ng Kagitingan at the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Also in the photo are Esperanza Bangui Ruda, daughter of Filipino veteran, Oscar Bagui (center, right),  Joey Badua (3rd from right), next-of-kin of Filipino veteran Susano Bumanglag, and officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate.

08 April 2024, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA –  Consul General Emil Fernandez led officials of the Consulate and representatives of Filipino veterans in Hawaii in a solemn wreath laying ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific or Punchbowl, as it is commonly known, commemorating the 82nd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).

The event was graced by the presence of Wilfredo Tungol, Director of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP), Esperanza Bangui Ruda who represented her father Oscar Bagui, a Filipino veteran, and Joey Badua, next-of-kin of Filipino veteran Susano Bumanglag, a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Accompanied by Capt. Aldrin Doctor, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFL) Liaison Officer to the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), Consul General Fernandez and Director Tungol laid wreaths at the base of the memorial to honor the valor and heroism of Filipino and American veterans, who fought bravely to defend their countries.

Consul General Fernandez delivers his remarks.

In his remarks, Consul General Fernandez highlighted the Philippine Government’s theme this year,“Pagpaparangal sa Kagitingan ng mga Beterano: Saligan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino” (in English, “Honoring the Valor of Veterans: Foundation for a United Filipino People”), and the goal of cultivating “a deeper appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy today and foster unity among the Filipino people, inspiring collective efforts toward a brighter future.”

From left to right: AFP LO to INDOPACOM Capt. Aldrin Doctor, Consul Pamela Durian-Bailon, FilVetREP Hawaii Director Wilfredo Tungol, Consul General Emil Fernandez, Joey Badua, Esperanza Bangui Ruda, and Vice Consul Leizel Caasi pose in front of the Philippine marker.

At Punchbowl, the group visited the mural of the Philippines displaying the significant battles fought during World War II as well as the Philippine marker at the “Memorial Walk,” a pathway lined with several markers from various organizations and governments that honor the fallen soldiers.  The Philippine marker is placed on a special rock from Malinta Tunnel in the island of Corregidor, where President Manuel Quezon and General Douglas MacArthur led the last stronghold against foreign aggression in the Philippines during World War II. (END)