The monument will be constructed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Bases and Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), and the Bonifacio Arts Foundation Incorporated (BAFI).
Named "Bantayog ng Kabayanihan", the monument will symbolize the sacrifices and valor of Filipino soldiers who have fought for freedom and peace. It will also pay tribute to the soldiers who continue to fight and dedicate their lives to protect the country and serve the Filipino people.
"It aims to awaken the sense of patriotism of Filipinos, and to help them realize that addressing insurgency and social issues is a shared responsibility," according to Lt Col. Enrico Gil C. Ileto, head of the AFP public affairs office.
A memorandum of agreement was signed for this by Brig. Gen. Arvin Lagamon, commander of the AFP Civil Relations Service (CRSAFP); Atty. Gisela Kalalo, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of BCDA; Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. (FBDC) Chief Financial Officer Maria Lourdes Reyes and Chief Operating Officer Alfonso Javier D Reyes; and BAFI Managing Director/Curator Maria Isabel Garcia.
"This monument will keep the soldiers inspired, motivated especially those who are in the isolated distant posts, those who are manning the isolated islands at the West Philippine Sea, our personnel who are patrolling the skies, seas and streets and our personnel who have to leave their respective families not knowing if they will be able to return safely," said Lagamon.
"Bantayog ng Kabayanihan" will be the second historic statue to be erected in BGC in honor of soldiers.
Previously, the BCDA, Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC), and BAFI erected "Alab ng Puso," which depicts a Filipino soldier reading a letter from his family while his rifle rests by his side. Created by sculptor Daniel dela Cruz, the back of the statue features the lyrics of "Lupang Hinirang" while the steps bear the words "love," "sacrifice," "freedom," "peace," and "hope" in various dialects. It is located at One Bonifacio High Street Park.
(Photos by AFP)
