Proposed construction of a memorial for fallen war heroes in Bacolod
Bacolod City, Philippines, is set to honour its deceased war veterans with a proposed ordinance that aims to establish a memorial monument dedicated to these brave individuals. Authored by Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., the ordinance has already been approved on first reading by the Bacolod City Council as of early August 2025.
Key Details and Requirements
The proposed ordinance mandates the construction of a memorial monument in a historically significant location within Bacolod City. This monument will be a testament to the heroism and sacrifices made by the city's war veterans. The ordinance aligns with national and local heritage laws, including the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 and Bacolod's own ordinances on cultural property protection and conservation.
The monument will serve as part of the city’s tangible cultural heritage, and its construction will be guided by the 2016 Ordinance for the Protection and Conservation of Bacolod City Cultural Properties, Historical Markers, Monuments, and Shrines.
Honouring the Heroes
The monument will honour deceased war veterans who are residents of Bacolod City. To be eligible, veterans must have served in the military forces of the Philippines during World War II, the Korean conflict, and local and national conflicts against terrorist groups such as the Marawi siege. The monument will include the names of these deceased veterans and their acts of service.
Residency of the veterans will be proven by birth and/or death certificates, and the mayor is requested to confirm the listed veterans' records of service from the Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Significance of the Monument
The monument serves as a symbol and educational inspiration for the youth and future generations. It honours the heroism and sacrifices of Bacolod’s war veterans in safeguarding the nation’s freedom, sovereignty, and glory. By institutionalizing the monument within the city's cultural and historical framework, the ordinance helps preserve Bacolod's war heritage for posterity and promotes local pride and historical awareness.
Councilor Gamboa emphasizes the importance of the monument in inspiring citizens to love, serve, and sacrifice for the country in times of peace as well.
In summary, the ordinance formalizes the commitment of Bacolod City to memorialize its war veterans through a dedicated monument placed in a meaningful site and protected under local heritage laws, thereby promoting respect for veterans and cultural preservation in the community.
The monument, mandated under the proposed ordinance, will be built in a historically significant location within Bacolod City to honor deceased war veterans who served in the Philippines' military forces during World War II, the Korean conflict, and local and national conflicts against terrorist groups like the Marawi siege. This monument, conforming to national and local heritage laws, including the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 and Bacolod's own ordinances on cultural property protection and conservation, will not only serve as an educational inspiration for the next generation, highlighting the heroes' sacrifices in safeguarding the nation's freedom, but also help preserve Bacolod's war heritage for posterity and foster local pride and historical awareness.
