“Kawal Dangal ng Bayan!” (Soldiers are the honor of the country!)
This is the battle cry and the title of a benefit concert for the wounded soldiers and the families of those who died in battle between government forces and terrorist groups.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles), also known as the Philippine Eagles Brotherhood Concord, a historic brotherhood concord founded on May 1979, is now gearing up for their “Kawal Dangal Ng Bayan: Pagpupugay ng Agila sa mga Sugatang Kawal” variety show for a cause.
The show will be held on Oct. 7, Saturday, starting 2 p.m. at V. Luna Auditorium, AFP General Hospital V. Luna Road, Quezon City. It features various performing artists such as singers, band performers, dance groups, and comedians.
Proceeds of the benefit concert will be used to provide monetary and medical assistance with hospital supplies to each wounded soldier and each family of a dead soldier.
“We don’t need to be soldiers or to personally witness how they engage in battles between extremist groups to know their sacrifices just to protect our sovereignty and our country. We can see it at AFP General hospital in V. Luna Quezon City,” Gabo Ignacio, project chairperson and charter president of Cavite Golden Eagles Club, said.
“Some soldiers have broken arms, others broken legs, there are those who are still in the state of shocked. They sacrificed almost everything, their own body, their energies, and their families, so for them to maintain peace and order, uphold our Constitution and the best interests of majority of the Filipino people. This project is our own little way to express our gratitude to our men in uniform,” Ignacio added.
The Philippine Eagles has a nucleus that believes a strong fraternalism should characterize its humanitarian service. Their organization’s name was derived from the Philippine eagle — a majestic, courageous and noble bird with keen sight.
Ignacio said most of their beneficiaries will be the soldiers who recovered from the siege in Marawi City. They will also give financial aid to the families of the soldiers who died in performance of their duties.
But the project will cover not only those soldiers who came from Marawi City, an ample amount will also be provided for soldiers assigned to neutralize the communist New People’s Army.
“This tribute and fundraising activity is encouraged by our principles to serve the people,” Ignacio added.
The Philippine Eagles partnered with Armed Forces of the Philippines and Department of National Defense to ensure a smooth coordination between the organization and its beneficiaries. With the support of the private sector which includes various business and people’s organizations.