Bacolod City commemorates Day of Valor

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City government, led by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, commemorated  the 76th Araw ng Kagitingan, or Day of Valor, yesterday at the Bacolod Public Plaza.

The vice mayor, alongside Colonel Antonio Tumnog of the Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade, laid flowers at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. World War II veterans, led by Bacolod City North Veterans District President Jerson Suarez, were on hand to witness the event.

In an interview following the event, Suarez stated veterans were instrumental in bringing back freedom and democracy to the country following years of colonization.

He also encouraged young people to join the armed forces, calling the military “crucial in defending freedom and peace.”

However, Suarez said veterans are disappointed with the pensions provided by the government, saying, it is not sufficient to cover their needs.

He hopes the government will consider raising pensions, along with constructing veterans hospitals in every province.

Currently, there are 3,000 living World War II veterans, each receiving a P5,000 monthly pension./DGB, WDJ