ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mayor John Dalipe led veterans, city government, and the security sector in the observance of the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) with the theme "Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kanluran ng Bagong Pilipinas” on April 9.
The event was highlighted by a wreath-laying ceremony and a 21-gun salute at the Freedom Fighters Memorial Shrine in honor of World War 2 heroes.
A flag-raising ceremony kicked off the ceremony at the Rizal Monument in front of the City Hall.
Dalipe, in his message, honored veterans, military, police, and other members of the security sector for upholding the values of patriotism shown by our heroes 83 years ago.
Officials who attended the program include Jaime Cesar Santos, Area Head for Mindanao of the Philippines Veterans Bank; veteran Raul Roldan, regional president of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines-9, Reynaldo Velasco, director of the Philippine Veterans Bank and chairman of FilVets, Police Regional Office-9 commander Police Brig. Gen. Roel Rodolfo, Joint Task Force Zamboanga commander Col. Randolph Rojas, and Zamboanga City Police Office chief Police Col. Fidel Fortaleza.