HEROISM IS NOT just about dying. It is also about living?an exemplary life, that is.
In her part-fictional, part-factual declamation piece, Evan Marish Domalanta, a fourth year student of the Pangasinan National High School who plans to enroll in the University of the Philippines after graduation, outlined in almost dramatic fashion what she thought heroism was about.

Domalanta, who was coached by English teacher Miriam Eaton, won first prize in the provincial declamation contest on ?Ang Kadakilaan ng Bayaning Pilipino? held as a prelude to the inauguration of the Veterans Memorial Park Marker and a permanent exhibit of World War II photographs and memorabilia behind the Pangasinan provincial capitol in Lingayen. The marker and exhibit were set up with the support of the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB).

For her original piece, Domalanta, who previously won in an extemporaneous speaking contest, received P3, 000 and a certificate.

Putting as much emotion into her delivery as she could muster, the high school senior cited the valor of Filipinos in WWII; the unselfish acts of Sajid Bulig, who died rescuing four children from a river; and Rona Mahilum, who was seriously injured saving her five brothers and sisters from a fire, to demonstrate what heroism was all about.

Of course, the late President Corazon C. Aquino got a special mention not only for leading the People Power Movement that toppled a dictator and inspired similar mass actions in other parts of the world, but also for serving as a role model, an inspiration, a moral compass that showed by example what genuine love of country and patriotism were all about. Aquino never withheld her support, her time, her physical presence from causes that advanced the goals of restoring democracy.

Domalanta also cited boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, who never forgot that, while he fought alone in the ring, he carried the hopes and aspirations of every Filipino and his victory did not only mean honor for him but for his country, too.

Also meriting special mention in Domalanta?s winning piece was taxi driver Elmer Advincula, whose honesty became a sensation in a country where greed, selfishness, and venality were more commonplace.

Domalanta said the country could never repay the sacrifices of Jose P. Rizal, those who fought in WWII, Aquino and others, who changed the lives of Filipinos.

?They exemplified the qualities and values we hold dear as a nation,? she said.

But she pointed out that the same blood that flowed in the veins of those heroes also flowed in the veins of every Filipino so every citizen of the Philippines could become a hero.

Domalanta concluded her winning piece, ?I hope that, by God?s grace, I too will have the strength of character, the fervor for prayer, the humility to stand with all of you (heroes) and say I am truly proud to be a Filipino.?

Ricardo S. Balbido, Jr., president and chief executive officer of the PVB, said the new marker and exhibit were standing tributes to the Filipino freedom fighters. Pangasinan Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. said the new installations were an enduring monument to WWII heroes, as he declared that the province would continue to wage war but this time ?against those who wish to destroy our environment and moral values.?