CAPITOL NEWS

Lingayen, Pangasinan — Pangasinan under the helm of the Espino administration paid tribute anew to the World War II (WW-II) veterans of the province via a commemorative program held annually since 2008 at the hallowed Veterans Memorial Park, Capitol Complex, here.

The surviving WW-II veterans — dwindling in number as years go by — were accompanied by their family members during the 12th Pangasinan Veterans Day celebration held today, January 9. The celebration coincided with the 74th Lingayen Gulf Landings Anniversary.

Addressing the WW-II veterans as honored guest speaker, Maguindanao province 2nd district Representative Zahid Mangudadatu bared the relevance of conducting the commemorative events in honor of the veterans who lost their lives, including the surviving, to liberate the country from foreign invaders.

“Sila ay nagbuwis buhay para mapalaya ang ating bayan,” said Rep. Mangudadatu, a member of House Committee on National Defense and Security.

Reiterating his advocacy on peace and security, the solon, as a peace advocate, said he bats to break the barriers among Christians, Muslims, and Indigenous Peoples.

“When there’s no fighting, no rebellion, we attain genuine peace,” he said.

Gunning for a senatorial seat in the Midterm elections on May, Rep. Mangudadatu echoed the decisive call of President Rodrigo Duterte’s to fight against illegal drugs, criminality and, corruption.

Leading the officialdom of the province in the twin commemorative events was Pangasinan Governor Amado I. Espino III who pledged his administration’s continuing commitment and dedication to serve Pangasinenses.

Owing to the efforts of our forefathers in liberating the country, Governor Espino, who spoke on behalf of the provincial officials, thanked not only the war veterans, but also all Pangasinenses for their continuing sacrifice in shared development endeavors.

“Maraming salamat sa inyong patuloy na pagsuporta sa mga programa ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan,” said Gov. Espino who emphasized the provincial administration’s unwavering heartfelt public service to Pangasinenses.

Present during the twin commemorative events were: former Governor and now 5th district Representative Amado T. Espino Jr., 2nd district Representative Leopoldo N. Bataoil, and several members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim Jr.

The commemorative program proper was preceded by the solemn wreath-laying ceremony and 21-gun salute. The following led the wreath-laying at the Veterans’ Memorial Park marker: Rep. Mangudadatu, Gov. Espino, Brigadier Gen. Lenard Agustin of the Philippine Army, Veterans Federation of the Philippines President Manuel Pamaran, Lt. Gen. Ernesto Carolina of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Atty. James Curtis-Smith and Mr. Graham Crispin of the Returned Services League of Australia, PVAO Pangasinan head Romeo Madriaga, and Ms. Zoraida Navarro – daughter of a war veteran.

Rev. Fr. Jerry Orbos celebrated the Thanksgiving Mass held earlier.

Lunch and medical mission for the surviving WW-II veterans and their families followed at the Sison Auditorium. /Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca

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