Under Proclamation Number 566, Malacañang has declared June 14, 2024, as a special non-working day in the province of Ilocos Sur. 

This is in honor and remembrance of the battle that took place in the mountains of Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, known as 'The Battle of Bessang Pass'.

According to the provincial government, a program will be held at the Bessang Pass National Shrine on June 14, 2024, which will be attended by around a hundred veterans.

"Pinaglalaban namin [na] ang Bataan Day was the downfall of the country, [at] ang Bessang Day was the freedom we won… kaya we are also asking the national government, congress to declare na national holiday sana, pero ang dineclare nila ay provincial holiday lang," Governor Jeremias Singson said.

HISTORY

The war began in 1945 between the occupying Japanese forces and Filipino soldiers or guerrillas.

With the assistance of American soldiers, the Filipinos defeated the Japanese forces led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita on June 14, 1945. 

This battle also commemorates the bravery of General Gregorio del Pilar.

"Naging instrumento [siya] para hindi mahuli kaagad si Pangulong Aguinaldo ng mga dayuhan, dahil siya ang nagtanggol o siya ang naging balakid sa pagdakip o paglusob ng mga Amerikano para arestuhin si Emilio Aguinaldo," Prof. Stephen Tabios, a historian, said.

In recognition of the young general's contribution, a town in Ilocos Sur was named after him. 

Every year, the province pays tribute at the erected monument at Bessang Pass to over 3,000 individuals who sacrificed their lives for freedom.