HISTORY IS NOT merely written in books or inscribed in stone markers. It is lived, remembered, and renewed each time a community gathers to honor those who gave their lives for freedom.
From September 17 to 20, 2025, I had the privilege of returning to my hometown of Lopez, Quezon to lead a solemn and historic mission—the commemoration of the 121st Birth Anniversary of my uncle, General Gaudencio V. Vera, the fearless guerrilla warrior who led the Vera’s Tayabas Guerrilla Battalion Forces during World War II.
The heart of the celebration was the “Statue of Valor” at Vera’s Shrine in Barangay Lalaguna, once the nerve center of guerrilla resistance against the Japanese occupation.
NOT JUST A MARKER
There, beneath the towering likeness of General Vera and the NUCP historical marker enshrined at its base, veterans’ descendants, local officials, and community leaders gathered to pay tribute.
With flower offerings, chants of “Happy Birthday, General Vera!” and the singing of the birthday song in unison, the community gave life once more to the memory of a man whose courage inspired a generation.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Veterans Federation of the Philippines-Sons and Daughters of Lopez (VFP-SDAI), led by their President, Mrs. Violeta Abellera-Villafuerte, alongside Barangay Captain Kennedy Gime, Councilor Castor Olanda, and Miss Gelyn Valencia-Bulalacao of the Lopez Tourism Office.
KEEPING THE LEGACY
I was honored to stand among them, not only as a historian and journalist but as a nephew of General Vera, carrying the living thread of memory that connects our family to the history of a nation.
After the floral rites, guests and participants gathered at the Barangay Hall for a simple yet meaningful program. Messages were shared, voices echoed with gratitude, and in a “Talakayan” session, members of the VFP-SDAI and community leaders discussed the challenges facing veterans’ descendants and how to sustain the legacy of their forebears.
The dialogue reminds us that commemoration must go beyond ritual; it must be rooted in responsibility to protect memory, to defend truth, and to pass the torch of patriotism to future generations.
TESTAMENT OF VALOR
In attendance were not only local residents but also representatives from nearby towns—Gumaca, Guinyangan, Tagkawayan, Calauag, Hondagua, and Atimonan—showing that General Vera’s legacy radiates far beyond Lopez.
Their presence was a testament that valor is never confined to a single family or town; it belongs to all who cherish freedom.
The support of the Municipal Government of Lopez, led by Mayor Isaiah “Sonny” Ubana, and the tireless efforts of the Tourism Office ensured that this anniversary was not only a commemoration but also a living history lesson for all who joined.
Our gratitude also extends to the artists and documentarians who captured the event—proving that even in the digital age, stories of heroism continue to inspire when told with heart and vision. For me, this journey was more than a historian’s duty.
WEIGHT OF HISTORY
It was a pilgrimage of blood and memory—a reaffirmation that the sacrifices of General Vera and his battalion were not in vain. Standing before his statue, I felt the weight of history on my shoulders, but also the lightness of knowing that his story will never be forgotten.
As we marked his 121st birth anniversary, we also affirmed our commitment to the future. In honoring valor, we are reminded that freedom is never free—it must be defended, remembered, and cherished. To my fellow journalists, historians, and Filipinos everywhere: let us continue to write, to speak, and to fight for truth and justice. That is the mission General Vera bequeathed to us.
Mabuhay ang alaala ni Heneral Gaudencio V. Vera. Mabuhay ang ating bayan.