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Press Release
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN CHICAGO COMMEMORATES ARAW NG KAGITINGAN 2026
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago commemorated Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on 10 April 2026 through a solemn and meaningful program honoring the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of Filipino and American soldiers during the Second World War.
The commemoration commenced with a floral offering at the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge (State Street Bridge) in Chicago. The ceremony was led by Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano and Filipino Veterans’ Recognition and Education Project (FilVetRep) Director and Chief Warrant Officer Edward Brotonel, together with Consulate personnel and members of Filipino community organizations. The tribute served as a poignant reminder of the shared history of valor and sacrifice between the Philippines and the United States, and honored the thousands who endured the hardships of Bataan and Corregidor.
Following the floral offering, the program continued with a presentation of the book Dauntless by author Marie Silva Vallejo. The book brings to life deeply personal stories of Filipino soldiers during World War II, highlighting their courage, resilience, and humanity amidst the harsh realities of war. Through vivid storytelling, Dauntless preserves the voices and lived experiences of those who fought for freedom, underscoring the importance of remembering history through individual narratives.
An engaging discussion followed the presentation, during which members of the audience had the opportunity to interact with the author. Participants posed thoughtful questions and reflected on the themes of heroism, sacrifice, and historical memory, fostering a deeper appreciation of the Filipino veterans’ contributions and the continued relevance of their stories.
The commemoration culminated in its highlight activity - the awarding of the US Congressional Gold Medal to four Filipino World War II veterans, in partnership with FilVetRep. The Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in the US, recognizes the extraordinary service and sacrifice of Filipino soldiers in the Allied victory during World War II.
In her remarks, Consul General Diano emphasized the significance of the occasion, noting that the ceremony was “a solemn and meaningful occasion where we remember the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of Filipino and American soldiers during the Second World War.” She further highlighted that the recognition of Filipino veterans through the Congressional Gold Medal represents a long-overdue tribute not only from the US, but from the Filipino people around the world.
The Consul General also noted that this year’s observance holds special significance as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the US, a partnership rooted in the shared sacrifices of their veterans and strengthened by common values and mutual respect.
The awards were presented by Consul General Diano, FilVetRep Chairman Major General Antonio Taguba, and Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Major General Rodney Boyd, who served as Guests of Honor and Speakers. Together, they conferred the medals to the following honorees:
• Sergeant Fernando A. Baylosis (posthumous), who was killed in action in December 1941 while defending the Philippines;
• Private Melecia Baobaoen-Delizo, a nurse aide who courageously performed critical medical duties under wartime conditions;
• Sergeant Pablo A. Delizo (posthumous), a veteran of the Battle of Bessang Pass and the Northern Luzon campaign; and
• Third Lieutenant Geronimo S. Vivit (posthumous), who was captured and later executed after refusing to reveal information about his fellow soldiers.
The ceremony, organized in collaboration with FilVetRep, brought together distinguished guests, community leaders, veterans’ families, and members of the Filipino American community in a shared act of remembrance and gratitude.
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago commemorated Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on 10 April 2026 through a solemn and meaningful program honoring the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of Filipino and American soldiers during the Second World War.
The commemoration commenced with a floral offering at the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge (State Street Bridge) in Chicago. The ceremony was led by Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano and Filipino Veterans’ Recognition and Education Project (FilVetRep) Director and Chief Warrant Officer Edward Brotonel, together with Consulate personnel and members of Filipino community organizations. The tribute served as a poignant reminder of the shared history of valor and sacrifice between the Philippines and the United States, and honored the thousands who endured the hardships of Bataan and Corregidor.
Following the floral offering, the program continued with a presentation of the book Dauntless by author Marie Silva Vallejo. The book brings to life deeply personal stories of Filipino soldiers during World War II, highlighting their courage, resilience, and humanity amidst the harsh realities of war. Through vivid storytelling, Dauntless preserves the voices and lived experiences of those who fought for freedom, underscoring the importance of remembering history through individual narratives.
An engaging discussion followed the presentation, during which members of the audience had the opportunity to interact with the author. Participants posed thoughtful questions and reflected on the themes of heroism, sacrifice, and historical memory, fostering a deeper appreciation of the Filipino veterans’ contributions and the continued relevance of their stories.
The commemoration culminated in its highlight activity - the awarding of the US Congressional Gold Medal to four Filipino World War II veterans, in partnership with FilVetRep. The Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in the US, recognizes the extraordinary service and sacrifice of Filipino soldiers in the Allied victory during World War II.
In her remarks, Consul General Diano emphasized the significance of the occasion, noting that the ceremony was “a solemn and meaningful occasion where we remember the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of Filipino and American soldiers during the Second World War.” She further highlighted that the recognition of Filipino veterans through the Congressional Gold Medal represents a long-overdue tribute not only from the US, but from the Filipino people around the world.
The Consul General also noted that this year’s observance holds special significance as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the US, a partnership rooted in the shared sacrifices of their veterans and strengthened by common values and mutual respect.
The awards were presented by Consul General Diano, FilVetRep Chairman Major General Antonio Taguba, and Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Major General Rodney Boyd, who served as Guests of Honor and Speakers. Together, they conferred the medals to the following honorees:
• Sergeant Fernando A. Baylosis (posthumous), who was killed in action in December 1941 while defending the Philippines;
• Private Melecia Baobaoen-Delizo, a nurse aide who courageously performed critical medical duties under wartime conditions;
• Sergeant Pablo A. Delizo (posthumous), a veteran of the Battle of Bessang Pass and the Northern Luzon campaign; and
• Third Lieutenant Geronimo S. Vivit (posthumous), who was captured and later executed after refusing to reveal information about his fellow soldiers.
The ceremony, organized in collaboration with FilVetRep, brought together distinguished guests, community leaders, veterans’ families, and members of the Filipino American community in a shared act of remembrance and gratitude.