WWII veterans’ ward opens in R1MC
LTC JAIME ARZADON WARD
A DAY after the commemoration of the Lingayen Gulf Landings in Pangasinan, a significant event unfolded for the province’s World War II veterans and their dependents.
The Region I Medical Center (RIMC) opened the LTC Jaime Arzadon Veterans Ward, a dedicated facility that will serve medical needs of the veterans and their families.
Lt. Colonel Jaime Arzadon, was founding member and leader of the Army of the Agno, a guerrilla organization operating in Pangasinan under the National Volunteers of the Philippines (1932). When World War II erupted in December 1941, the Army of the Agno, under Arzadon’s leadership, was incorporated into the USAFFE as the 24th Infantry USAFFE.
Arzadon’s heroic act of killing the Japanese commander of an armored unit advancing towards San Manuel town in Pangasinan on December 25, 1942, enabled his group to defeat the Japanese forces in a three-day battle that led to the capture of Tayug, San Nicolas, San Quintin, Natividad, and other towns in Pangasinan.
Unfortunately, on August 29, 1945, Arzadon was killed in action while en route to a military conference in Dagupan City.
Dr. Joseph Roland Mejia, director of RIMC, credited the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) for establishing the special ward for veterans.
PVAO Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu said the decision to establish veterans wards across different provinces stemmed from the challenges faced by aging war veterans in traveling to Quezon City, where the Veterans Hospital is situated.
Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco, DOH regional director, said the veterans’ ward aligns with the department’s enduring commitment to delivering the highest quality medical care to veterans.
Jaime Arzadon’s son thanked PVAO and other agencies for acknowledging the honor bestowed upon his father.
Vice Governor Mark Lambino highlighted the timeliness of the facility’s opening, occurring a day after the celebration of the historic Lingayen Gulf Landing led by American General Douglas McArthur. (Eva Visperas)
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