A Framed Memory of Valor: The PEFTOK Certificate of Mauricio V. Beltran

 A Framed Memory of Valor: The PEFTOK Certificate of Mauricio V. Beltran

Among the treasured archival holdings of a family in Cadre Site, Bayambang, Pangasinan rests a modest yet powerful document: the PEFTOK certificate awarded to Mauricio V. Beltran. Dated April 20, 1951, this 8.5 x 11-inch paper certificate stands as tangible proof of the Philippines’ participation in the Korean War through the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK), under the banner of the United Nations Forces.

Mounted in a simple wooden frame, the certificate bears the marks of time. The backing, ingeniously replaced with a scrap of magazine in lieu of a modern support board, reveals the family’s determination to preserve it despite limited resources. The paper has faded into a soft brown hue, with foxing and faint signs of wear, yet the printed text remains legible and dignified. At its top are two insignias flanking a banner boldly declaring “Korean War Veteran.” In the center, an eagle spreads its wings between two flags—on one side the Philippine flag, and on the other, a global emblem representing international solidarity. Superimposed before the eagle is the photograph of Mauricio V. Beltran himself, his name inscribed below, along with details of his service in the 2nd Battalion Combat Team (BCT).

This document is not merely a certificate; it is a testament to history. When North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel on June 25, 1950, igniting the Korean War, the United Nations called upon member states to defend South Korea. The Philippines responded by deploying PEFTOK contingents—young Filipino soldiers who journeyed far from home to uphold democratic ideals in a distant land. Mauricio V. Beltran was among them.

As recounted by his son, Eduardo Beltran, who was only a child at the time, his father left for Korea while his children were still very young. For the Beltran family, the framed certificate symbolizes not only military service but paternal sacrifice—a quiet departure into uncertainty, motivated by duty and courage. Hung on the wall of their home and carefully wiped clean during family housekeeping, it has remained a silent yet constant presence through generations.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Historically, the certificate affirms the Philippines’ active role in international peacekeeping efforts during the early years of the Cold War. It embodies the country’s commitment to global responsibility and solidarity under the United Nations. More intimately, it personalizes that history. Instead of abstract dates and geopolitical movements, it presents a face—a Bayambangueño soldier who once stood on foreign soil in defense of freedom.

Socially and culturally, the certificate represents the valor of ordinary Filipinos whose contributions often remain unsung. It transforms global conflict into local memory, anchoring world history within the walls of a Pangasinan household. As an archival object, it carries strong interpretive potential: it invites reflection on themes of bravery, nationalism, family separation, and the cost of peace.

Conservation and Continuity

Today, the certificate shows signs of aging—fading ink, brown spots, possible mold growth, and vulnerability to humidity, pests, and natural calamities. Yet its survival for more than seven decades speaks to the devotion of the Beltran family. Though conservation measures remain informal—primarily framing and routine dusting—the act of preservation itself is meaningful. It signals recognition of the document’s value not only as a family keepsake but as part of Bayambang’s historical narrative.

In its fragility lies its strength. The PEFTOK certificate of Mauricio V. Beltran bridges the personal and the national, the local and the global. It reminds us that history is not confined to textbooks or monuments; it is also framed on living room walls, safeguarded by families who remember.

Through this single sheet of paper, the story of a Bayambangueño soldier continues to resonate—quietly affirming that courage, once given in service of peace, deserves to be remembered.