By: Heather Crisostomo and Lovely Palabay (Isabela State University Interns)
To preserve the memory of the brave men who helped liberate Baguio City during World War II, the 66th Infantry Regiment of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines – Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) has launched an exhibit titled We Remained.
One of the most striking pieces on display is an old, rusting helmet, worn and damaged, but deeply symbolic.
According to Edward Jonathan Yap Santos, Board of Trustee of the USAFIP-NL Baguio-Benguet Chapter, the helmet was used as a shield during battle.
“It served as their defense against artillery and snipers during the war,” Santos explained. “They would hide behind it during open fire.”
He added that the helmet was brought home after the war and eventually donated to the exhibit by the soldier’s family.
Alongside the helmet, visitors can see wartime photos, uniforms, flags, and other memorabilia of the regiment.
Teresa Balñges Pomar, chairperson of the board of trustees, explained the meaning behind the exhibit’s name.
“That is one of the words of the 66th Infantry Regiment veterans, a response to MacArthur’s ‘I shall return.’ When he returned, they also said, ‘We remained,’” she said.
Among the soldiers honored is Juliano Balñges, a member of Delta Company, 1st Battalion.
Though he passed away in 2013, his story lives on through his daughter, Teresa.
“He was the one holding the walkie-talkie for land communication. He covered Benguet, Ifugao, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya,” she shared. “Some land communication veterans had to walk, run, or even ride horses just to deliver messages to headquarters.”
Pomar hopes the exhibit will educate the younger generation and keep the sacrifices of war veterans alive in memory.
“I feel proud of my father. I am so proud, and I miss him,” she said emotionally. “People today need to realize that we are enjoying freedom because of these WWII veterans.”
The exhibit is open to the public until June 29, from 7 AM to 5 PM at the 66th Infantry USAFIP-NL headquarters in Barangay Camp Allen, Baguio City.
