ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 8 -- The city's Verano (Summer) Festival will begin Wednesday with a program commemorating the soldiers who fought against Japanese forces during World War II.

City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian said Tuesday that the opening program holds significance as the country observes Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).

Day of Valor honors the heroism of Filipino and American soldiers during the 1940s Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II.

"We have lined up a series of activities to celebrate and enjoy summer in Zamboanga. We have sports-related activities and we will also feature activities for Heritage Month," Sebastian said in an interview.

Heritage Month is observed every May to promote awareness, re...