The 73 rd   anniversary of the “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor) was commemorated yesterday with a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of the unknown soldiers at the Bacolod City Public Plaza.

The celebration was to honor officers and members of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, Bacolod City Veterans District, Region Vl.

Leading the celebration were Jerzon Juarez, District and Bacolod City president of the 1 st   Veterans Post, with his fellow presidents, Meligildo Sanogal, Edwin Recabe, Antonio Caldeo, Levey Juele, Antonio Sapalo, Alberto Ejida and Ramon Carino,

Councilor Archie Baribar, Sangguniang Panlungsod chairman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, and 303 rd   Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Noel Buan, who represented B/Gen. Jon Aying, 303 rd   Brigade Commander, City Social Services and Development head Pacita Tero and former Councilor Catalino Alisbo.

Baribar who represented Mayor Monico Puentevella, said “We stand before this monument of the unknown soldiers that though unknown, their bravery, gallantry and self-sacrifice is too known to the whole world.”

He told the veterans that although the war is over, the struggle for their benefits is continuing and the City of Bacolod will join and will support them on that.        

Meanwhile, Buan said that as soldiers, the war veterans are their inspiration. “We thank them for their contribution and for their sacrifices for the cause of our country.”

“Let us share our experience about heroism and love of country to the younger generation. We are here to learn from your experience and our veterans will serve as our inspiration,” he said.

War veteran Pio Claridad, 93, said they thank the Puentevella administration for increasing their financial assistance from P1,000 to P1,500 quarterly per veteran.

This will continue because the city has appropriated P2.5 million to fund the financial assistance to the WW II veterans and this is covered by a City Ordinance, he said.

Claridad said the original number of WW II veterans was 700 and now, it is about 70, or more or less 200 to include the spouses of deceased WW II veterans.

He said they also would like to ask President Benigno Simeon Aquino, III to implement the increase in  burial assistance from P10,000 to P20,000 as this was already covered by a Congressional act.*CGS

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