The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, under the leadership of Governor Ramon “Mon-Mon” V. Guico III, has partnered with the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) and the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation, Inc. (PhilWar Foundation) to establish historically accurate and immersive World War II displays at the new Capitol Park in Lingayen. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was held recently at the Pangasinan Provincial Capitol.
Governor Guico emphasized Pangasinan’s vital role in the country’s wartime history, particularly the historic Lingayen Gulf Landings, which marked the return of Allied Forces to Luzon and a turning point in the Liberation of the Philippines. He highlighted the need to share not only this event but also the many untold stories of bravery and sacrifice by Pangasinenses during the war.
The partnership aims to preserve and promote these stories. PVB, whose original shareholders include Filipino WWII veterans, is committed to honoring their legacy of courage and heroism. Meanwhile, the PhilWar Foundation is dedicated to educating the youth about World War II and strengthening their national pride through historical awareness.
The WWII exhibits are envisioned to become a central feature in the revitalized Pangasinan Capitol Complex, offering an engaging and factual portrayal of the province’s wartime contributions.
Present during the MOU signing were PVB AVP Rowena Nuyda, FVPs Geraldine Romano and Mike Villa-Real, Governor Guico, Vice Governor Mark Lambino, PVB Lingayen Branch Manager Charmaine Loresco, and Malu Elduayan, Head of the Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office.
