Rare WW II photos on display in newly renovated PVB branch in Lingayen, Pangasinan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 10): Rare WW II photos on display in newly renovated PVB branch in Lingayen, Pangasinan
Veterans and their dependents will now see a slice of history in capsule through rare World War II photographs now on display on the wall of the renovated Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) branch in Lingayen, which was inaugurated Monday night.

The inauguration coincided with the commemoration of the 72nd anniversary of the Lingayen Gulf landings in the morning at the Pangasinan Veterans Park near the seashore, behind the provincial capitol here.

The inauguration of the branch located at RBP Building on Avenida Rizal West in Poblacion, Lingayen was led by PVB president and chief executive officer Nonilo Cruz with Governor Amado Espino III and Second District Congressman Leopoldo Bataoil as special guests.

Also present were some of the World War II veterans of the town who co-owned the bank based on its charter.

Gov. Espino and Rep. Bataoil lauded the bank for renovating all its branches in Pangasinan, a sign of its growth and stability and its willingness to help develop the province and its people.
   
Meanwhile, the centerpiece of the renovated branch is its World War II History Wall-6 panels that tell the story of World War II in the Philippines with several of the panels dedicated to World War II events that have happened in Lingayen and other towns of Pangasinan.

The history wall is a standard attraction in every PVB branch to remind the public that the bank is owned by the veterans, numbering some 300,000 all over the country, who did not hesitate to risk their lives so the Philippines would gain freedom.

"It's a tribute to the blood, sweat and tears of the veterans who risked their loves so that we will all be free," said Cruz during a program after the inauguration.

In addition to the history wall, the branch has also two display cases that contain artifacts, paraphernalia, and memorabilia from the war, which, combined with the history wall, make clients as well as visitors of PVB Lingayen almost like they were making a trip to the museum.

The history wall has also a great panel with a display monitor that continuously screens WW II documentaries and photos.

At the same time, PVB Lingayen also sports a new facade with a large "V" that is not only considered a nod to the bank's stockholders, the veterans, but also a symbol of the aggressive outlook that the bank has of the town.

Other PVB top officials who attended the inauguration were Atty. Federico Manalo, corporate secretary; and Mike Villa-Real, vice president and head for corporate and consumer relations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=953955