BCDA eyes more tribute markers for hero troops

SCULPTURE UNVEILING. Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vivencio Dizon (right): Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Vice Chief of Staff Lt. General Salvador Melchor Mison Jr. (left) and Taguig City Second District Representative Pilar Juliana Cayetano (2nd from left), lead the photo opportunity with BCDA and AFP Officials during the unveiling ceremonies of the “Alab ng Puso” (Fire in the Heart) sculpture in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on Monday (April 16, 2018). (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

MANILA — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is planning to install more historical markers honoring the heroism and courage of Filipino soldiers.

This was disclosed by BCDA president and chief executive officer Vivencio Dizon in a statement Tuesday.

He made this announcement following the unveiling of the “Alab ng Puso” (Fire in the Heart) sculpture in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig.

“This is just the beginning. We’re currently working on more tribute markers for our soldiers,” Dizon said.

The BCDA chief said the “Alab sa Puso” sculpture is also an initiative to promote the history of BGC, which is a former military camp called Fort Bonifacio, prior its transformation to a premier business district.

“Looking back at our cherished history is so important. The history of Fort Bonifacio is really very much ingrained and very deep in the hearts of our soldiers; and it should be the same for each and every Filipino who goes here,” he added. “Alab ng Puso,” which is sculpted by artist Daniel Dela Cruz, depicts a soldier reading a letter from his family and ignoring the war for a moment.

Behind the soldier is metal plaque containing the lyrics of the country’s national anthem, “Lupang Hinirang” in which the name of the sculpture was “lifted”. On the steps are several words that mean “love,” “sacrifice,” “freedom,” “peace,” and “hope” in Filipino and other Philippine dialects.

The sculpture represents the humane side of every Filipino soldier wherein despite treating the battlefield as their second home, these brave and patriotic men and women go back to being an ordinary individual that misses their families back home.