About The Foundation
Get to know the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation, or “PhilWar” for short.
The prime objective of the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation (PhilWar) is to initiate, develop, and carry out projects and activities that will enlighten the Filipino people, especially the youth, about our World War II history. Through historical projects and activities, we aim to highlight our nation’s glorious history, and instill in every Filipino the love for country and a strong sense of national pride.
By commissioning and sponsoring films, literary works, and other multi-media platforms, we envision to bring the story of our fathers and grandfathers to light – their enormous sacrifices to free our country from foreign aggression during the darkest days of World War II. Through these stories, we aim to inspire the youth to emulate the characteristics of our heroes and veterans that have made us victors of an atrocious war, and to continually aspire for peace across all ages and races.
Our Objectives & Advocacy
The ultimate goal of the Foundation is to be able to build a museum and library as a dedicated repository of World War II archives, documents, and relics. This museum will be a state-of-the-art multi-media institution, aimed not only for education and learning, but more importantly, to honor our glorious past and inspire our future generations.
The Ultimate Goal
Fifty years after the fateful and atrocious Battle of Manila, a group of survivors got together to form an organization dedicated to preserving the history of the battle, and commemorate the memory of the 100,000 innocent, non-combatant Manileños who perished in the battle. Thus, Memorare Manila 1945 was born, and a great remembering began. A monument was built by the founding members of Memorare that serves as the memorial to all the hapless victims, many of which were buried in mass graves, or were never even given a proper burial. This monument proudly stands a the corner of Luna and Anda Streets in Intramuros.
National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin penned the words etched into the monument:
This memorial is dedicated to all those innocent victims of war,
many of whom went nameless and unknown to a common grave, or never even
knew a grave at all, their bodies having been consumed by fire or crushed
to dust beneath the rubble of ruins.
Let this monument be the gravestone for each and every one of the over
100,000 men, women, children and infants killed in Manila during its battle of
Liberation, February 3 – March 3, 1945. We have never forgotten them,
nor shall we ever forget.
May they rest in peace as part now of the sacred grounds of the city:
The Manila of our affections.