Every April 30, the Municipality of Itogon commemorates its liberation from Japanese occupation on April 30, 1945—honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for the town’s freedom.
This year’s observance, led by the LGU Itogon under Mayor Bernard S. Waclin in partnership with the Veterans Federation of the Philippines – Sons and Daughters Association of Itogon (VFP-SDAI) headed by Mr. Juanito Tacay, was held on April 30, 2026 at the Itogon Freedom Park in Batuang, Virac. The ceremony paid tribute to the fallen heroes who gave their lives in the struggle for liberation.
Anchored on the theme, “Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future,” the commemoration opened with a Holy Mass officiated by Fr. Edgar Lumanglang. This was followed by the wreath-laying and candle-lighting rites. Police Captain Florand Oide Sim led the 21-gun salute, also known as the Three-Volley Fire and Taps, in solemn remembrance of the fallen. Traditional rituals of madmad, owek, and tayaw were also performed, led by Ms. Vicenta Dimbanan, highlighting the community’s cultural heritage.
Mayor Waclin led the distribution of financial assistance to the surviving spouses of Itogon guerrillas, recognizing their families’ sacrifices. Each beneficiary received a cash incentive of P6,000. The recipients were Helen Coga Ay Bayacbaco, Anastacia Galletis, Miguela Maingpes, Teresita Cornel, Emelda Olivares, Josefina Kiange, Elena Tiangao, Olmia Agot, Emelia Lardizabal, Nelly Mapili, and Juanita Sebiano.
The Benguet Provincial Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), represented by Ms. Cherrylyn Sabling, also presented one of its Itogon scholar-beneficiaries, Ms. Edelyn Patalan of Upper Camp, Ampucao, who successfully completed a Bachelor of Science in Criminology.
Serving as this year’s guest speaker, Benguet Vice Governor Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship as a continuation of the legacy of the town’s heroes. She noted that protecting Itogon’s natural resources is a shared responsibility—one that reflects the same spirit of unity and sacrifice demonstrated during the fight for liberation.
In his message, Mayor Waclin commended the VFP-SDAI for their continued dedication in preserving the memory of Itogon’s wartime heroes and in sustaining the values of patriotism and community solidarity among the present generation.
