City honors WWII veterans during Araw ng Kagitingan celebration
In remembrance of the Valor of Filipino Freedom Fighters, the city conducted the 81st “Araw Ng Kagitingan” Philippine Veterans Week with a Sunset Ceremony, April 11, at the Veteran’s Park to pay tribute to their “unwavering heroism and sacrifice for the country’s freedom and democracy during World War II.”
The ceremony is a rite celebrating the sacrifices of the country’s veteran soldiers that achieved a peaceful society for future generations with the sun’s last rays emerging from the horizon symbolizing a tomorrow filled with limitless possibilities.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong said: “Today marks a pivotal moment in our history, a time when our ancestors demonstrated their bravery and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. But the fight for freedom and democracy in our country did not end in the Second World War”.
Veteran of War Post-124 Commander of Baguio Jonathan Estoque stressed that the celebration is a huge thing for these veterans as “no amount of money can repay for their sacrifices that paved the way to the peaceful lifestyle we are experiencing today.”
Regional Head in the Field Service Extension Office of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO)- CAR, Cherrylyn Sabling revealed that in the Cordillera region, the remaining 30 Post-World War II living veterans in Sadanga, Tadian, Abra, Baguio, Ifugao, and Benguet are already physically weak.
She said that PVAO has increased the Veteran’s Pension and available benefits like old-age pension of P20,000 pesos monthly for senior veterans and P5, 000 for post war veterans plus the disability pension of P1,700 pesos per month.
“To continuously show gratitude, the public is reminded to give respect and admiration to our modern heroes: To the soldiers, police, first responders, and even medical professionals, who continue to sacrifice their lives to protect the country and people,” Sabling said.
Meanwhile, the Baguio City Liberation Celebration will commence on April 27, 2023, with a sunrise Ceremony, with Defense Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr., as guest of honor and speaker. – Alpha May Patacsil, and Joshua Walitang
