160-km Freedom March to Honor WWII Heroes Resumes in 2025. The legacy of valor and sacrifice continues as descendants of World take part in the annual Freedom March.
Civilians, military personnel, government officials, students, and families, take part in the annual Freedom March.
Bataan, Philippines – The spirit of heroism and sacrifice was alive once again as close to a thousand marchers took part in the annual Freedom March, a commemorative 160-kilometer trek tracing the historic route of the Bataan Death March. Descendants of World War II Filipino and American veterans, military personnel & reservists, government officials, fitness enthusiasts, students, and families gathered to honor the bravery and endurance of those who suffered the grueling march 83 years ago.
Organized by Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) in collaboration with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the Department of National Defense (DND), the event commenced down of March 1, 2025, from Mariveles, Bataan, leading to Capas, Tarlac. Participants walked through the same arduous path taken by the 76,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war in 1942, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
“The Freedom March is more than just a reenactment; it is a solemn tribute to the courage and resilience of our war heroes,” said Mike Villa-Real, PVB First Vice President for Marketing Communications and Consumer Protection. “With every step, we honor their memory and ensure that future generations never forget their legacy.”
This year’s event saw an overwhelming turnout of nearly 1,000 participants, reflecting a growing commitment to keeping the memory of WWII heroes alive. To encourage wider participation, marchers were given the option to join at designated starting points in Bataan, Pampanga, and Tarlac, allowing people from all walks of life to partake in this historic journey.
The Freedom March 2025 was made possible with support from its event partners: The Provincial Governments of Bataan, Pampanga and Tarlac, the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, the Municipalities of Mariveles and Capas, Hotel Sogo, Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Without Limits, and Salgado PR. Their contributions played a crucial role in ensuring the event’s success and in providing necessary support for participants.
“This march is our way of ensuring that the stories of our war heroes live on,” Villa-Real added. “It is our duty to pass down their stories of sacrifice, courage, and patriotism to future generations.”
For more details about the event, follow https://www.facebook.com/veteransbankmarch.
About Philippine Veterans Bank
Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) is a commercial bank dedicated to serving Filipino veterans and their families. It provides a range of financial products and services, while also fulfilling its mandate to support veterans’ welfare. PVB honors the legacy of WWII veterans and contributes to nation-building.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES
