(Photo via Zaldy Comanda)
SOLANO Nueva Vizcaya -- Two remaining World War II veterans, both centenarians, were honored during the commemoration of National Heroes Day
Held the Heritage Memorial Park here,on August 31.
The provincial government also paid tribute to a fallen member of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force ot SAF 44.
Governor Jose Gambito led the ceremony, joined by Rep.Timothy Joseph Cayton and Vice Governor Eufemia Ang-Dacayo.
The memorial park is the resting place of some Novo Vizcayano veterans who fought in World War II.
Private Alberto Ruizo and Private First Class Maximo Santiago, the province’s last living World War II veterans, each received P25,000 in financial assistance from the provincial government.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Flordelina Granada said the annual aid is provided under the Northern Valor Ordinance, authored by former Board Member Patricio “Patpat” Dumlao Jr. The ordinance grants P25,000 every year to living World War II veterans in Nueva Vizcaya.
Gambito said the freedoms enjoyed by Filipinos today were earned through the courage and sacrifice of the country’s heroes and veterans.
“Our heroes made sacrifices so that we could live in freedom. We can never fully repay what we owe them, but we can honor their legacy by protecting the democracy they fought for and by exercising our rights with responsibility,” Gambito said.
“Freedom must never be abused or taken for granted—it was won through the courage and sacrifice of those who came before us,” he added.
The provincial government also honored SPO2 Joel Bumidang Dulnuan of Barangay Ocapon, Villaverde, one of the 44 police commandos killed during the Mamasapano operation in Maguindanao in January 2015.
Dulnuan was among members of the PNP Special Action Force who died in the operation, now widely remembered as the Mamasapano clash.
Cayton said the bravery and patriotism of World War II veterans and fallen uniformed personnel would remain etched in the nation’s memory.
“To every veteran who offered strength and life for the country, we extend our heartfelt gratitude,” Cayton said.
The congressman also pledged to help secure funding for the purchase of a larger property that would serve as a burial ground for Novo Vizcayano heroes.