GOLD MEDAL AWARD

LINGAYEN–Thirty-six Filipino war veterans in Pangasinan were presented on Thursday the United States Congressional Gold Medal Award in recognition of their outstanding wartime achievements and honorable service to the United States during World War II.

The awards were presented at the Purok Marcela Resort at the historic Lingayen Gulf.

The oldest living war veteran honored is centenarian Pvt. Santiago Genetiano.

Tracey Betts, Pacific Director of the US Department of Veterans Affairs, said having come from a family of war veterans, she is honored and privileged to be part of the event to recognize World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal.

The Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by Congress and is the highest civilian award in the United States. The decoration is awarded to an individual or unit who performs an outstanding deed or act of service to the security prosperity and national interest of the United States.

Since the American Revolution, US Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contribution.

Second District Rep. Leopoldo N. Bataoil, chairman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare of the Philippine Congress, said, “The event is very historic as we reminisce the good old days of our own veterans that made them the centerpiece of this event today.”

Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office administrator, said this was the third awarding held in the Philippines for the US Congressional Gold Medal Award for Filipino World War III veterans. The first was held at the US Embassy with 15 awardees and the second was held at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) with 28 awardees.

He lauded Pangasinan for having the most number of war veterans, adding that the awardees have been very thankful for not being forgotten yet.

During the event, a memorial marker was unveiled in honor of 3Lt Leopoldo G. Bataoil, a member of the (PMA) Class 1943, who died during the World War II in Bataan. “His body was never recovered but he will remain in our hearts forever,” the marker read.

The late Bataoil was awarded the United States Congressional Gold Medal in Washington, D.C., USA on Oct. 25, 2017 which was received on behalf of the Bataoil family by his nephew and namesake, Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil. (PhilStar Wire Service and Nora Dominguez)

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