COL. SEVERINA Anacion-Rojas stands at the intersection of personal history and national remembrance — her life an emblem of service.
From her father’s revolutionary past to her own courage in Vietnam, her commitment to preserve guerrilla memory gives voice to those who gave their lives for liberation.
At General Vera’s Shrine in Barangay Lalaguna, Lopez, Quezon, the land itself becomes legacy—bearing her trust that future generations learn the price of freedom.
Retired Colonel Severina Anacion-Rojas stands as a towering figure of patriotism, breaking barriers both on the battlefield of international conflict and in the historic hills of Quezon province.
UNBREAKABLE SPIRIT
Long before she became a revered local benefactor, she served her country with distinction as a military officer, eventually deploying overseas during the tumultuous years of the Vietnam War.
As a vital part of the Philippine contingent—highly regarded for its humanitarian, medical, and civic action efforts—Colonel Anacion-Rojas faced the immense psychological and physical pressures of a war-torn landscape. Her experiences during this global conflict forged an unbreakable spirit of discipline, leadership, and a deep-seated empathy for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.
Beyond her illustrious uniform, Colonel Anacion-Rojas’s life is anchored by a rich, multi-generational professional family life that mirrors her own dedication to excellence.
Balancing the heavy responsibilities of a high-ranking military career, she raised a family rooted in public service, community engagement, and professional achievement.
VETERANS’ RIGHTS
Her children and relatives, including her son and daughter Roy and Cielo Rojas, and close cousin Julianito Boy Villasanta have continuously supported her endeavors, transitioning the family’s legacy from military discipline to active civic participation and historical preservation.
This tight-knit, deeply filial support system allowed her to remain vibrant, active presence in retirement, frequently seen participating in cultural events and advocating for veterans’ rights.
The culmination of her life’s mission materialized through a profound act of philanthropy in Barangay Lalaguna, Lopez, Quezon. Recognizing the vital need to preserve the memory of local guerrilla forces, Colonel Anacion-Rojas generously and unselflessly donated over 3,411 square meters (about 0.34 hectares) of family land for the construction of the “Statue of Valor,” known today as “Vera Shrine”— a monument dedicated to WWII liberation leader, fearless war general and guerilla warrior hero of Lopez, Quezon General Gaudencio V. Vera.
After World War II, even before the arrival of the American troops the entire Lopez, Quezon including all of the surroundings of Barangay Lalaguna and other municipalities was already liberated without any assistance from the arriving American forces by General Vera’s Tayabas Guerrilla Battalion Forces (VTGBF).
This sacred ground exists not only to honor the incomparable and unparalleled gallantry and bravery of General Gaudencio V. Vera, and his guerrillas, but also to salute the enduring dedication of a remarkable woman: Colonel Severina “Vener” Anacion–Rojas—veteran, advocate, and philanthropist.
FAMILY LEGACY
Born and raised in Lalaguna, Col. Rojas came from a family deeply rooted in resistance: Grandfather Ato and brothers Cristito and Godofredo served as revolutionary soldiers.
Tragically, Godofredo fell near present-day Lopez National Comprehensive High School, but was never found.
She herself served in the Philippine Civic Action Group (PHILCAG)—a surgical nurse during the Vietnam War, where she received the Philippine Republic Meritorious Service Award, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and NVG ribbons.
She retired from the AFP in 1987.
PHILANTROPIC HEART
On February 16, 2005, Severina and her husband Roberto Rojas made a heartfelt gesture of patriotism and public memory by donating 3,411 square meters (approx. 0.34 ha) of ancestral land—the very site of the wartime guerrilla camp known as “Vera’s Camp” to become the Veterans Park & Guerrilla Shrine.
The donation deed was presented to Domingo T. Abellera of the 4th Quezon Veterans District.
PROOF OF VALOR
Before her philanthropic contributions, Col. Rojas built a distinguished medical and military career.
She was part of the Philippine Medical surgical team in South Vietnam, supporting Filipino and allied troops.
She received multiple commendations, including the Vietnam Campaign Medal and Philippine Republic Merit Award, later recognized as an Outstanding Alumna and Outstanding Lopezeña by her school.
INSPIRING ADVOCACY
Beyond medicine, she became an inspiring community leader and advocate. An active organizer in heritage and local history efforts (Lopez heritage volunteerism). Instrumental in building a chapel in Lopez. Quezon honoring St. John the Baptist—demonstrating her lifelong devotion to community and faith.
Thanks to her donation and leadership, the General Vera Shrine was constructed with support from:The Lopez LGU, providing local governance and logistics; the NHCP, installing the historical marker beneath the statue of General Vera astride his “mola” horse; and local veterans and descendants, creating a living memorial and eco-park honoring all 1942–1945 military forces and guerrilla warriors of Lopez, Quezon together with the entire Quezon province neighboring communities.
Today, the site is known throughout the province of Lopez, Quezon as “Vera Shrine,” standing proudly as a cultural landmark and a sanctuary of local history.
Through the magnificent donation, Colonel Anacion-Rojas bridged her own legacy as a Vietnam War veteran with the foundational history of Quezon’s wartime heroes, ensuring that future generations never forget the true cost of freedom.