TWELVE veterans who fought during World War II were given recognition yesterday by the Cebu City Government during the commemoration of the 76th Day of Valor.

The oldest of the veterans was 99-year-old Ruperto Mayuga from Barangay Punta Princesa, while the youngest was Manuela Rosa Labella, 88.

Labella is the aunt of Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella.

She recalled how she served as an informant for guerillas against the Japanese, and how she helped purchase their supplies.

Aside from the giving of certificates of appreciation to the veterans, a book documenting the Cebuano guerilla movement during World War II was introduced yesterday.

Cebuano language scholar Dr. Erlinda Alburo said “Tabunan” depicts the bravery and camaraderie of Cebuanos who fought during the Japanese occupation.

Written in English, the book is published by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and will be sold in Casa Gorordo.

For Mayor Tomas Osmeña, the book will help educate the public, especially the youth, about the valor of the Cebuano veterans.

“I hope that there’s a way to transfer our beautiful heritage to our children. So, I would like to thank the commission for putting up this book about the guerillas in Cebu. If you read our history books, it’s all about Manila as if Manila is the only place in the Philippines,” he said.

Alburo said she and the City Historical Affairs Commission will be working with illustrators to come up with a comic book version of the book.