GMA declares war vs poverty in Araw ng Kagitingan rites

CAMP O’DONNELL, Capas, Tarlac — There is a war still going on across the country, President Arroyo told World War II veterans here during the commemoration rites of Araw ng Kagitingan yesterday.

Her administration, she said, continues to "wage war against poverty and lack of jobs."

The President arrived at the Capas National Shrine here, site of the former Japanese concentration camp where the infamous Death March culminated, together with Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita.

Mrs. Arroyo laid a wreath before the national shrine’s obelisk that has been dedicated to the memory of those who died of hunger and disease during the Death March, as well as those who perished as prisoners-of-war in the former concentration camp.

Gov. Jose Yap said the annual event "serves to preserve the heroism of our soldiers and veterans in our national memory so that we can continue charting our bright future."

Capas Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan and Tarlac Reps. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and Jesli Lapus also joined the ceremonies.

While in the province, the President barnstormed two of Tarlac’s vote-rich towns. She first arrived in Concepcion, hometown of former Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. and flew by chopper to Camiling after the ceremonies.