BICOL UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND PHILOSOPHY

Daraga, Albay

REFLECTIVE ANALYSES ON
TAGUMPAY

Submitted by:

Aculan, Omar L.
AB Political Science – 1B
 Reflection on TAGUMPAY:

Ang Imahe ng mga Beterano at Bayaning Pilipino Noong Digmaang Pasipiko

The Philippines was placed under threat of invasion due to the onset of the Second World
War. In order to ensure our security and safety, the Philippine Defense Act was enacted. Under this
statute, all qualified citizens are enjoined to train under military procedures and defend the country
in times of unrest. Despite the unsatisfactory level of preparedness, our forces were deployed in the
different military bases to combat the Japanese troops. Chua’s exposition challenged to denude the
war veterans from the false depiction made by foreigners, aimed at projecting the former as foolish
and inept. He wanted to provide a fresh insight towards these courageous warriors and
commemorate their sacrifices for the nation.

A recurring theme in the annual Commonwealth celebration is the military parade and
defense exhibition. Every year, the government would flaunt its masculine and virile martial troops,
as if proclaiming “This is how powerful and superb the Philippine army is.” It is a means of showing
off our supposed readiness in case of threat to national security. Nonetheless, the administration
proved that their yearly exhibition was just a one time, big time affair and a mere show to visually
entice its spectators. The manly stance portrayed by the soldiers did not conceal the fact that we
were lacking in terms of manpower and weaponry. Despite the existence of a so-called program for
national defense, our servicemen were not provided with the necessary budget to materialize its
plans. Due to these mishaps and shortcomings, the administration became notorious for its failure
to execute their visions. In addition, the Philippine army was deeply impacted by the utmost
allegiance and faith the Commonwealth has bestowed to the Americans. Quezon shrugged off the
predicament of our soldiers. MacArthur also underestimated the Japanese forces, which
incapacitated our forces. These attitudes were also adapted by the Filipino military, unwary to their
enemies’ strength and power.

Indeed, our countrymen endured greatly in the midst of the conflict. They suffered the
government’s insufficiency in terms of equipment, clothing, and food sustenance. It is disheartening
how they were used as baits. The government officials, realizing subsequently that defeat is
imminent, hastily fled to Corregidor to seek refuge, while our army fought an already lost war.
Forces were consolidated not only to defend the last Filipino stronghold, but also to protect the
administrators. This greedy arrangement gravely contributed to the losses of our troops.
Nevertheless, these war veterans proved that we do not easily give up, a manifestation of a native
concept that originated from our forefathers. In spite of the psychological warfare, torture, and
other forms of abuse, the Filipinos never surrendered. Our forefathers demonstrated the spirit of
compassion when the civilians extended their helping hands to the fallen soldiers. We may have
been conquered by the Japanese, but our sense of nationalism never faded away. Amid the crisis,
one would not only think of himself, but also of the welfare of his fellow Filipino. To me, this is one
of the factors why our veterans never yielded.

Regardless of the horrendous experiences of the Filipino soldiers in the hands of the vicious
Japanese forces and the ineptitude of the government to ensure their well-being, the spirit of valor
and courage still prevail. This unique level of determination must be glorified and celebrated. We
must continue what they have started in terms of fighting for our liberty. May we perpetually
enliven their past and not forget their significance to our patrimony and posterity.