We will carry on.
With this motto, the organization, VFP – SONS AND DAUGHTERS, INC. set itself on the path to overseeing that the heroes of WWII will not be forgotten by succeeding generations of Filipinos.
At the onset, this seemed a formidable task. At the beginning, the only common denomination of the sixteen founders of this organization was idealism and love of country gleaned from their parents. At the start, they only had a mission: find the proper channel thru which the equity right of the Filipino veterans of WWII might be properly claimed.
Seventeen years since its founding, SDAInc already maintains a nationwide membership of over 40,000. Its founding father, former Congressman Eduardo P. Pilapil, is still as youthful as when he and 15 others sat down to organize this collective of the descendants of WWII veterans. Jerry Adevoso is now Presidential Assistant of Veterans Affairs, he of the somber mien and deep laughter. At his end of the spectrum, Frisco “Popoy” San Juan still comes to meetings with the aura of an easy rider aboard his big bike. At any VFP gathering, one inevitably finds anyone or all of them casting their “Is there anything more I can do?” countenance.
SDAInc was born from the need to take up continuous dedication to the veterans’ ideals. Since its founding, these leading figures of the organization have initiated projects that underline its commitment – cooperatives and livelihood training programs, continued communication with its members, expanded coverage in terms of recruitment and membership. It is a collective of children carrying on the unfinished task of asserting the equal benefits promised their parents at the height of Japanese Occupation of the country.
Most importantly, of late, its officers renewed the pursuit of direct participation in the shaping of national consciousness pertaining to unresolved issues of veterans’ benefits thru legislative channels.
Against this background, the officers and members of SDAInc attended the 60th Commemoration activities of the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese Occupation Forces. To the meetings called by the Department of National Defense, they attended. To parade grounds they arrived. And to their credit, they organized and participated in two major activities that underscore their commitment: 13th National Oratorical Contest and the Sunset Ceremony.
During the conference of the national task force under the Defense Department that coordinates the yearly commemoration of Veterans week (April 5 - 12), SDAI Secretary General Liwi Elizares forwarded the theme of the 13th National Oratorical Contest as the concurrent theme of the celebrations. It was unanimously adopted. Thus, printed on the cover of the celebrations’ commemorative issue are the words that underscore the commitment of the organization: Adhikan ng Beterano: Gabay ng Kabataan Magpakailanman
The incident is proof positive of the organization’s adaptability to and acceptability by groups that can assist in forwarding its aims. While the issues of the veterans’ equity rights remain unresolved, SDAInc finds ways to update and upgrade its approach towards the matter.
SDAInc has made its PRESENCE felt in appropriate ways. And for the 16 who signified their dedication to the ideals of patriotism, fame is not a reward. Restitution of dignity of the veterans of WWII is the sole measure of success.
*written in 2005, unpublished
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