In observance of the 76th Lingayen Gulf Landings Anniversary and the 14th Pangasinan Veterans Day, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan paid tribute to the World War II heroes in a solemn celebration held at the Veterans Memorial Park last January 9.
The ceremony was led by Governor Amado I. Espino III, accompanied by PNP Pangasinan Acting Provincial Director Col. Ronald V. Gayo, Brigade Commander 702, Defender Brigade of the Philippine Army Brig. Gen. Audrey L. Pasia, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Provincial Head Sheryl D. Simeon, and representatives from the Sons and Daughters Association Inc. Luis Santiago B. Samson III and Charmaine T. Loresco.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa pangunguna ni Governor Espino na talagang ginugunita natin ang kabayanihan ng ating mga naunang bayani,” Brig. Gen. Pasia said, commending the Provincial Government led by Governor Espino for its commitment in honoring the sacrifices and heroism of Pangasinenses 76 years ago.
To prevent the transmission and spread of the COVID-19, the ceremony was regulated and held privately to observe health protocols.
Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan shared that as of November 2020, there are 127 living veterans residing in 38 out of 48 cities and towns of Pangasinan. The oldest living Pangasinan veteran and a recognized guerilla solider, Pedro Carpio Torres, has reached the age of 106 and resides in Burgos while the oldest female veteran, Victorina Garcia Urmaza from Binmaley, is currently 98 years old.
Pangasinan’s World War II veterans receive a monthly pension of P21, 700 which staff from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) directly distributes to their respective homes to personally thank them for their sacrifices for the province of Pangasinan.
/MCDG
