The Provincial Government of Isabela, through its Provincial Tourism Office, formally opened the celebration of National Tourism Month, with the launching of the “War of Our Fathers” exhibit at the Isabela Museum and Library.
The exhibit, organized in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Bank, pays tribute to Filipino veterans of World War II and highlights the province’s role in the country’s wartime history.
Attorney Federico Manalo, Program Director of the Veterans Affairs Office, delivered a message on behalf of Veterans Bank officials, noting that the exhibit is part of the 80th anniversary commemoration of the end of World War II in the Philippines.
“This traveling exhibit was first launched in 2006 and has since toured the country.”
“This traveling exhibit was first launched in 2006 and has since toured the country. We relaunched this exhibit in 2023, and we are happy to bring it for the first time here in the province of Isabela,” Manalo said.
The exhibit features more than 50 panels of wartime photographs, artifacts, and personal accounts showcasing the heroism of Filipinos during the Japanese occupation.
The exhibit also features the leadership of Lt. Col. Guillermo Nakar, the Ilagan Japanese Tunnel, and the contributions of the United States Armed Forces in Northern Luzon alongside Filipino guerrillas.
Representing Governor Rodito Albano, Abegail Sable, chair of the Provincial Committee on Tourism, delivered the keynote address. Sable emphasized the courage of Isabeleños during World War II and the importance of remembering the sacrifices of local guerrillas and civilians.
“Our mountains and forests gave shelter to many Filipino guerrilla fighters who risked their lives to defend our country.”
“Isabela was not just the land of farms. It was also a land of bravery. Our mountains and forests gave shelter to many Filipino guerrilla fighters who risked their lives to defend our country,” she said.
The exhibit will run until September 30 at the Isabela Museum and Library, with free admission for the public.
