CEBU, Philippines — For the lives, dreams and youth they sacrificed to defend the country and restore its freedom, 10 Cebuano World War (WW) II veterans will be honored today in time for the 76th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).
The honorees are Ruperto Mayuga, Lourdes Alfafara, Arturo Dela Casa, Leodegario Gardon, Dioscoro Alesna, Luisa Gonzales, Zacarias Inocando, Soledad Boja, Lourdes Ceballos, and Renato Espinosa.
“This year, we give due honor and recognition to the 10 living WW II veterans for their valiant efforts in defending the country during the second World War,” said Bryner Diaz, Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) officer-in-charge.
The honorees, many of whom are in their 90s and are residents of Cebu City, will receive a certificate of appreciation from the city government through CHAC.
The war veterans, however, will not get cash assistance from the city.
According to Diaz, the distribution of cash aid needs prior approval from the City Council.
“No cash incentives, just certificates,” he said.
Diaz said WW II veterans will be recognized today for their contribution and sacrifices, adding that the nation, especially the Queen City of the South, has been grateful for their valor for 76 years.
“It is mandated by law; this is the least that we could do to honor those who defended the nation against foreign aggression; we continue to remember their heroism because by their blood, sweat and tears, we now enjoy our freedom and independence,” he said.
It can be recalled that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has also backed the measure that seeks to increase the pension of war veterans from its current P5,000 to P20,000 per month.
He is confident that Duterte would approve into law the bill, pending at the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The annual ceremony will be held at the Veteran’s monument at the Plaza Independencia in Barangay San Roque at 8 a.m.
Expected attendees are the city officials, including Mayor Tomas Osmeña and his wife, Councilor Margarita Osmeña, who also chairs the council tourism, local and international relation, arts and culture committee, department heads, Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command officials, private sector, and civil organization.
The AFP-CentCom will also be setting up its Camp Kagitingan at the Plaza Independencia. (FREEMAN)