Every month of October, for three consecutive days, Leyte celebrates three historic events: Tolosa's Signal Day on the 18th; Hill 120 Commemorative Day on the 19th, and Leyte Landing Anniversary on the 20th.
As the days of the celebration draw near, scouts and LGUs are always ready for the momentous occasions but it’s unfortunate that many students are not aware what these represent.
"Ambot. Basta waray man nam klase, " a Grade 8 student in Tolosa said.
"Di ak maaram basta long weekend man, " a student from Tacloban City also said.
According to the survey conducted by Opinyon 8, three out of five students in Tacloban are not aware of these events while two out of five are only familiar with the Leyte Landing celebrations on October 20.
Are these events in the nation's history not being taught in school?
It is ironic to note that while the LGUs hold annual preparations and commemoration of these events as tribute to the heroes, recognized and unsung, in the region, the younger ones are more concerned with holidays and class cancellations.
Priceless stories of struggle and sacrifices are either ignored or completely forgotten. Fellow Leyteños and Samarnons who contributed to the Philippine independence are being taken for granted.
Knowledge of history encourages our young citizenry — students specifically who also claim to be the "woke generation" — to learn from the past. Shouldn't they be made aware of our heroes' contributions to Philippines’ success, failures and development as part of history.
We always say that the youth is the hope of the Fatherland and from the youth now will emerge future leaders who will shape new history. How about the past?
Studying history presently opens young minds to an understanding of how past events made things the way they are today. Lessons from the past help the present generation learn about ourselves, how we came to be, and why our society is like so.
Awareness of history helps us develop the ability to avoid mistakes and not repeat the same.
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