On the occasion of the 73rd Liberation of Panay, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) awarded 13 veterans of World War II.

According to PVAO Administrator Ernesto Carolina, awarded for their “honorable performance” are Geronimo Losaria Leal, Benjamin Quesada Arguelles, Antero Pan-Agua Armentia, Pablo Alcosaba Balsamo, Meliton Porfillo Calcaben, Narciso Lesarte Casaquite, Gaudisio Albeza Elizalde, Juan Andres Fordan, Maria Solinap Sirilan, Ramon Parreno Celeste, Ana Dema-ala Lutero, Felix Magulladur Magullado, and Jose Dolendo Lobaton.

The awards were given at the Balantang National Memorial Shrine in Jaro, Iloilo City during the annual March 18 rites.

Pangasian Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil, who is a retired police general, disclosed how the Lower House already approved a P15,000-increase of monthly pension for veterans.  From P5,000 per month, it will become P20,000 if the Senate approves it./WDJ