Southern Leyte honors late Ruperto K. Kangleon, declares Feb 27 as Memorial Day

By R.G. CADAVOS, PIA Southern Leyte
February 9, 2011

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte  –  Upon representations of the Maasin City Federation of Senior Citizens and the Maasin Veteran’s Post of the Veterans’ Federation of the Philippines, Gov. Damian G. Mercado declared February 27, 2011 and every year thereafter as Ruperto K. Kangleon Memorial Day.

Local Government Unit Executive Proclamation No 1, series of 2011, signed by Hon. Mercado stated that “the province in particular and the whole country in general recognize the late Col. Ruperto K. Kangleon as a respected war hero of national and international prominence who brought honor to Southern Leyteños and the first Senator and Secretary of the National Defense who came from Southern Leyte.”

February 27 will also commemorate Col. Kangleon’s death as well as to honor World War II guerillas and veterans throughout the province, it noted.

The declaration, based on the approved Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No 807-2010, urged all LGUs as well as the schools and other local government offices and institutions within the province to celebrate the same occasion with appropriate programs and activities.

It added that younger generations of the province need to know and be reminded of the exemplary achievements of the late statesman as an outstanding military officer and World War II Guerilla Commander which deserve emulation by the people.

Meanwhile, preparations to commemorate his 53rd death anniversary on the 27th of February at Macrohon Municipal Grounds were already arranged. A Holy Mass will be celebrated, to be followed by a short program and the unveiling of Col. Kangleon’s statue will follow thereafter by municipal and provincial officials and Cong. Roger G. Mercado.