𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | Echoing the powerful statement, Day 2 of PADAYON PAGBUKWAT HAN ATON MGA KAAGI: An International Lecture Series on World War II Leyte explored stories of heroism, resistance, and the enduring impact of World War II on the Filipino identity.

Broadcast journalist Anna Karmina B. Constantino-Torres, granddaughter of nationalist historian Renato Constantino, was among the keynote speakers. Representing the Constantino Foundation Inc., she emphasized the importance of historical truth, research, and the unending pursuit of facts, for the love of the Filipino people and the country. She also led the launch of the 50th Anniversary Edition of The Philippines: A Past Revisited by Renato Constantino and Letizia Roxas-Constantino, the famous Philippine History textbook written from a Filipino point of view.

Meanwhile, UP Manila Professor and writer Bernard Leo M. Karganilla introduced Guerilla Warfare 101: The Hunters-ROTC Guerillas to an audience composed mostly of students and educators. Prof. Marcelino M. Macapinlac Jr. of De Lasalle University further linked the efforts of Leytenos to other guerrilla forces by discussing how the Southern Luzon guerrillas operated.

Afternoon session’s insightful talk of Editor/Writer Emil B. Justimbate on History from Below: Patterns in Researching and Writing Eastern Visayas History drew comments and opinions from the audience, leading to more interesting discussions. On the other hand, Asst. Rotary Public Image Coordinator and WWII bank notes collector Raymond Ciriaco, presented an interactive discussion on Guerrilla Notes vs. Mickey Mouse Money which concluded in a fun auction of WWII items.

The two-day lecture series stands as another milestone for the Leyte Samar Heritage Society, Inc., in partnership with the University of the Philippines Tacloban College and other stakeholders, in its move to inspire more local researchers and historical workers in Eastern Visayas to unearth more significant stories and facts of the past and establish a stronger and more comprehensive history.