Untitled - Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Website

MGen. Hernando Delfin Carmelo A. Irreberi, AFP, the 56th Commanding General of the Philippine Army, will
lead this year’s Sunrise Ceremony, the event that traditionally starts the 2014 Observance of the Philippine
Veterans Week at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City at the break of dawn on
5 April 20413.
The Sunrise Ceremony provides an opportunity for Filipino veterans to honor their fallen comrades and for
the families of these veterans to do the same. Thus, soldiers and civilians, veterans and the youth, gather in this
symbolic event to offer flowers to those who have offered their lives in the altar of freedom amid the majestic
rising of the sun in the horizon that symbolizes the dawning of a new era of freedom, peace and democracy.
Col. Andres Bonifacio O. Belleza, Chief, Chaplain of the Philippine Army will lead the blessing rites and
invocation while Col. Ramon C. Estella (GSC), PA, MNSA, Commanding Officer of Philippine Army Task Group
Bantay, will introduce the guest of honor and speaker for the ceremony.
MGen. Ireberri served as spokesperson of Honorable Voltaire T. Gazmin, Secretary of the Department of
National Defense (DND) when he was then the Army Chief in 2000. He became the commander of the Army's
503rd Brigade in Abra and later 7th Infantry Division. He also served as senior military assistant to the defense
chief.
The 503rd Brigade in Abra under Ireberri was instrumental in achieving the most peaceful elections in Abra,
a perennial election hotspot, last 20413. Effectively responding to various threats in peace and order and security,
the unit contributed to an 83% voters turn out in the province, the highest recorded so far in the Cordillera
Administrative Region in the past elections.
Most of Iriberri's combat duties were in Mindanao. He is a recipient of two Gold Cross Medals, the 3rd
highest combat honor. He received the first in 41996 when he commanded a Scout Ranger Regiment that overran
a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camp in Maguindanao and later in 41999 when he was Army spokesperson
and survived an ambush in Lanao.
He is also a recipient of five Distinguished Service Stars, and one Bronze
Cross Medal.
After the program, soldiers and civilians, veterans and the youth will offer flowers in the Tomb of the
Unknown soldiers to honor those who have offered their lives for the country’s freedom.
-END-
Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin will lead war veterans, veterans support institutions, veterans
servicing institutions, and youth representatives in the Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the onset of the 2014
Observance of the Philippine Veterans Week on 5 April 2014 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City.
The Wreath-Laying Ceremony is an institutional way of venerating the memory of Filipino patriots and
martyrs who laid down their lives for the motherland, thus offering the most supreme sacrifice of all. War veteran
leaders, veterans support institutions, veterans servicing institutions, and organizations of men and women in
World War II resistance movements will offer memorial wreaths, followed by youth leaders who represent the
hope and the future of the nation, upon whose hands the veterans bequeath the precious blessings of freedom,
peace and democracy, and the task of safeguarding these gifts which they have defended at the cost of their lives.
As a veteran himself, and a son of a veteran - the late BGen Segundo L. Gazmin, AFP (Ret.), who served in
the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) under the 2nd Battalion, 941st Division during World War
II, Secretary Gazmin will offer a wreath to pay tribute to our country’s defenders at the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier.
To join him is Taguig City Mayor Laarni L. Cayetano; members of the Technical Working Committee headed
by its Chairperson, Hon. Eduardo G. Batac, Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Reserve Affairs; heads of
servicing institutions for veterans namely: Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina of the Philippine Veterans Affairs
Office; Dr. Nona F. Legaspi, Director of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.
Servicing banks and financial institutions for veterans and their legal beneficiaries will likewise offer
wreaths during the event. These included the Philippine Veterans Bank, Development Bank of the Philippines, Asia
United Bank, United Coconut Planters Bank, Maybank Philippines, Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loan
Association, Air Materiel Wing Savings and Loan Association Inc. and Composite Wing Savings and Loan
Association Inc.
Youth representatives from the National Youth Commission, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Girl Scouts of
the Philippines and students from various schools within the National Capital Region will also participate in the
ceremony.
The observance of the Philippine Veterans Week and Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan) is pursuant of
Proclamation No. 499 series of 41989 and Executive Order No. 23, series of 41987, respectively, during the
administration of the late President Corazon C. Aquino. This year’s commemorative theme is, “Balik-tanaw sa
Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago.”
-END-
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will offer its snappy salute to the nation’s senior defenders by
hosting a Review in Honor of the Veterans at the Hunters ROTC Guerrilla Field Headquarters, Philippine Army
Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on 5 April 2014 during the start of the observance of the 2014 Philippine
Veterans Week.
A battalion-sized contingent from the AFP will perform the review wherein veterans are paraded and
accorded honors at par with high-ranking military officers and visiting dignitaries who are entitled to such honor.
The review has four elements: the formation of troops, presentation and honors, ceremonial inspection (passing
around the troops) and march in review where the veterans-leaders will stand in front of the stage to acknowledge
the parading troops.
LtGen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, AFP Chief of Staff, the military host, will lead the Review as the AFP’s way of
paying tribute to their forebears and the country’s senior defenders – the Filipino war veterans and of bringing to
fore the Filipino’s peculiar brand of heroism and love for country.
The review is a time-honored annual tradition of the AFP whereby men and women in the uniformed
service show their respect to Veterans for their unparalleled sacrifices, numerous accomplishments and the distinct
values which shaped the Armed Forces into what it has now become - a more capable, more professional and more
reliable Armed Forces of the people.
No less than the Vice President of the Philippines, Hon. Jejomar C. Binay Sr. will be the Special Inspirational
Guest in the review. He will be introduced by Hon. Leon G. Flores III, Chairman of the National Youth Commission.
Selected veterans will be awarded with plaques and medals in recognition of their wartime services and
honorable performance of duties during World War II. The living awardees are BGen. Arnulfo D. Banez AFP (Ret);
Col. Paterno V. Viloria Pa (Ret); Col. Emmanuel V. De Ocampo (Ret); Lt Col. Andres N. Aquino PA (Ret); Maj. Senen
L.R. Asuan MC (Inact); Capt. Jose P. Javier MC (Ret); Capt. Fernando P. Javier MC (Ret); Cpt. Ernesto G. Castañeda
PA (Ret); Maj. Senen L.R. Asuan MC (Inact); 41Lt. IGNACIO F. PALAD (Ret); 2Lt.Narciso M. Cayetano PA (Ret); 3Lt
Damaso C. Tria Inf (Inact); Ssgt. Jose P. Pal INF (Inact); Pvt. Mariano P Figueroa INF (Inact); and Veteran Jose L
Villafuerte.
Meanwhile, BGen. Francisco H. Licuanan, Jr. AFP (Ret) will also be posthumously awarded. His daughter,
Dr. Patricia B.Licuanan, Chaiperson of the Commission on Higher Education, will be receiving the award, together
with her bother, Mr. Francisco “Kaico” Licuanan III CEO of the Geostate Development Corporation.
-END-
Undersecretary Eduardo G. Batac, Defense Undersecretary for Civil Veteran and Reserve Affair
(USCVRA), son of a distinguished World War II veteran, will lead veterans and the youth in a “Tribute to
all Filipino Heroes” on 7 April 2014 in the historic Corregidor Island.
The occasion aims to honor all Filipino heroes, patriots and defenders who fought and died for
country’s freedom and liberty – from the time of Lapu-lapu to the Revolutionary and World War II eras up
to the present that included the veterans of anti-dissident campaigns.
It also honors Filipino defenders who fought in the Korean War, Vietnam War, veterans of military
campaigns, members of humanitarian contingents to other countries and our modern-day veterans who
render honorable military service in defending the country in times of war or peace and in faithfully
upholding their duty to preserve our sovereignty and national security.
The event will be attended by veterans and other guests from Manila, Bataan or Cavite who will
be ferried for free by the vessels of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and Sun Cruises.
Usec. Batac is also the Chairperson of the Technical Working Committee on the Observance of
2014 Philippine Veterans Week and Araw ng Kagitingan. He is a son of a World War II veteran – the late
BGen Gonzalo L. Batac, AFP (Ret) of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). “Salong,” as
the older Batac was fondly called, served in the Second Field Artillery Regiment. After the surrender of
his unit in Bataan, he was also forced to trek the Death March all the way to Camp O’Donnell in Capas,
Tarlac where he became a prisoner of war. Upon release from the camp, the brave soldier joined the
guerrillas of the United States Army Forces in the Philippines – Northern Luzon as 2nd Lieutenant. He
continued serving in the regular force during which he fought in the Luzon and Anti-Dissidence
Campaigns.
The program proper will feature a “Tolling of Bell” by a veteran, with a youth representative
reciting a pledge extolling those who sacrificed their lives for their love for the Philippines, and vowing to
keep the flame of patriotism ever burning in the hearts of Filipinos of all generations.
After the program, the veterans and their descendants and other guests who are given free
accommodation to the luxury vessel M.V. Sun Cruiser 2 courtesy of the Philippine Amusement and
Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) will be given a guided tour via “tramvia” buses around the historic place,
luncheon at the Corregidor Hotel, including lights and sound show at the Malinta Tunnel .
-END-
The Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), the only exclusive medical facility for veterans and their
dependents, will be holding the HANDOG- KAGITINGAN: LUNAS SA MAMAMAYAN, an outreach that will provide free
medical, surgical and dental services on April 8, 014 at Camp Servillano Aquino Station Hospital, San Miguel, Tarlac
City.
The outreach is VMMC’s contribution to the national observance of the 2014 Philippine Veterans Week (April 5-11,
2014) and 72nd Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9), pursuant to Executive Order No. 23, Series of 1987 and Proclamation
No. 466, series of 1989 and in keeping with VMMC’s mission to provide quality health care and hospital services to
veterans and their families, especially those residing in provinces distant from Quezon City where the hospital is
located.
“This is the first time that the VMMC is doing a project this big. It’s unprecedented and it’s like bringing the entire
hospital to the venue” Dr. Dominador Chiong, Jr., VMMC Chief of Professional Services, said. The beneficiaries of
the project will be the Veterans, Armed Forces Retirees and their dependents.
A pre-surgery screening will be held on April 7, 2014 for patients with thyroid problems prior to the major operation
that will be performed by surgeons at the Camp Aquino Station Hospital on April 8, 2014. Post-operative care to
patients who have undergone surgery will also be done on the following day. Minor surgeries for cyst extraction
and circumcision will also be performed.
A total of 150 medical specialists, social workers and nurses from the VMMC and the 62 nd Medical Service Battalion
of the AFP Reserved Command will render their voluntary services to patients.
Aside from medical consultation and surgery, diagnostic services such ECG will be offered to beneficiaries as well
as maintenance medicines and vitamins.
HANDOG- KAGITINGAN: LUNAS SA MAMAMAYAN is co-sponsored by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office,
Armed Forces of the Philippines, Provincial Government of Tarlac, Filipino War Veterans Foundation (FILVETS), and
other generous benefactors.
For inquiries, contact Mr. Jun Montefalcon of VMMC at (0926) 643-0199.
-END-
The Department of Transportation (DOT) under Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya now oofers free rides for
the veterans and one companion in the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) during the observance
of the Philippine Veterans Week from April 5 to April 11, 2014.
This was announced by the DOT to the Technical Working Committee (TWC) on the 2014 Observance of the
Philippine Veterans Week and the 72nd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan headed by Eduardo G. Batac,
Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Reserve Affairs of the Department of National Defense.
All veterans can avail free rides on both MRT and LRT from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting on April 5 to 11, 2014. To avail of
the free rides, veterans must show their identification cards issued by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO)
upon entrance to MRT & LRT stations. The guards on duty will then list their name in a logbook after which they
will be given boarding pass. Upon arrival at their destination, they must surrender their boarding pass to be
allowed to exit through the service gate.
Veterans are allowed one companion / aide in traveling for free via the LRT or the MRT. The companion must be
identified by the veteran to the guard on duty after which, the companion must be able to present a valid ID to
avail of the privilege.
Atty. Al S. Vitangcol III, General Manager of MRT and Rafael S. Rodriguez, Administrator of the LRT, were both
directed by Usec. Oban to disseminate information and facilitate the proper implementation thereof. In
compliance, the LRTA and DOTC-MRT3 have directed all station personnel to assist and extend utmost courtesy to
veterans and their aides while on the station’s premises.
The free ride to veterans, according to Sec. Abaya, is the DOT’s modest way of showing gratitude to the veterans
for their loyal services to the nation. Aside from it, DOT will also be providing shuttle buses, coasters and other
vehicles for the veterans and their loved ones who would troop to Mt. Samat, Pilar, Bataan for the Araw ng
Kagitingan and other venues of the 2013 Philippine Veterans Week observance.
The observance of the Philippine Veterans Week and Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan) is pursuant of
Proclamation No. 499 series of 1989 and Executive Order No. 23, series of 1987, respectively, during the
administration of the late President Corazon C. Aquino.
-END-
World War II soldiers who were held Prisoners of War (POWs) at Camp O’Donnell by the Imperial Japanese Forces in
will be given a tribute in the “Paggunita sa Capas” as part of the week-long celebration of the 2014 Philippine Veterans Week on
410 April 2014 8:00 AM at the Capas National Shrine, the former site of the said concentration camp and the final stop of the
Bataan Death March.
With this year’s theme: “Balik-tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbaabgo,” Tarlaquenos will
remember the valor and selfless sacrifices of Filipino war veterans who shed their lives in defense of our homeland.
The “Paggunita sa Capas” will commence with a Wreath-Laying Ceremony to be led by Hon. Noel L. Villanueva,
Representative of the 3rd District of the Province of Tarlac, the Guest of Honor and Speaker in the ceremony.
He will be joined by the members of the Technical Working Committee (TWC), headed by Undersecretary Eduardo G.
Batac, Defense Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Reserve Affairs and Chairperson of the TWC; Lt.Gen. Ernesto G. Carolina,
AFP (Ret), Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and Hon. Ludovico D. Badoy, Executive Director of the
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
His Excellency, Ambassador Josef Rychtar of Czech Republic, and Capas Mayor Antonio C. Rodriguez, Jr. will also offer
wreaths before the “Obelisk,” the towering structure of the shrine.
The other wreath offerors include descendants of World War II veterans represented by Atty. Rafael E. Evangelista,
National Commander of the Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor (DBC), Inc.; veterans belonging to the DBC, Veterans
Federation of the Philippines, Philippine Veterans Legion; and youth representatives from the Sangguniang Kabataan, Boy
Scouts of the Philippines and Girl Scouts of the Philippines.
After the wreath laying ceremony, the program will start with an invocation to be led by Rev. Fr. Jason C Aguilar, Parish
Priest of St. Joseph the Patriarch Parish Church followed by the “Tolling of Bell” by a veteran from Tarlac, while a special tribute
for the veterans will be read by Ciara M. Corpuz, a student from Cristo Rey High School.
The highlight of the program is the recognition ceremony to veterans 2LT Mathew A Sucdad INF (PA); Veteran Magno
G. Lamsis; Pfc. Celino S Cayad-An PA (Ret); 2LT Domingo P Marquez PA (Ret); Pvt. David A. Losnong PA (Ret); Sgt. Rufo P.
Yumul PA (Ret) Pvt. Valentin M. Taruc PA (Ret); Pvt. Limbao P. Rasuman INF (Inactive); Pfc. Alfonso J. Betiong PA (Ret); Pvt.
Kiplot M. Sicang PA (Ret); Cpl. Camilo A. Surel INF (Inactive); Pvt. Jose De Guzman Tamina PA (Ret); 2LT Anacleto A. Badoy PA
(RET) (posthumous); Veteran Marcial M. Ramos(posthumous) and Pfc. Ciriaco V. De Villena PA (Ret) (posthumous).
The Capas National Shrine is formerly Camp O’Donnell, an American facility that was turned by the Japanese Imperial
Forces into a concentration camp where around 25,000 Filipino and 6,000 American soldiers ultimately succumbed to death
due to sickness, brutal treatment, deprivation and hardships of war.
At the center of the shrine stands an Obelisk with a towering height of 73 meters which symbolizes peace. The needle
-like tower consists of three sections which represent the Filipino, American and Japanese people in this modern age of global
peace, who have learned the lessons of war.
The shrine also features a mini-forest with 341,000 trees where every tree represents each of the 6,000 Americans and
25,000 Filipinos who offered the supreme sacrifice in the last world war. This reforestation project not only aims to honor the
gallantry of the soldiers but also to evoke environmental consciousness among the people.
-END-
The week-long national observance of the 2014 Philippine Veterans Week began at
sunrise, and this it will come to a close with a Sunset Ceremony on 4141 April 2014 at the
Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
Veterans, widows, children and great grandchildren of veterans – both the alive
and the fallen, gathered before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier like one big family,
sharing their personal reflections on how their lives were touched by a shared
experience of being a war veteran or having a veteran in the family.
MGen Jose C. Lapus AFP (Ret), member of the Board of Trustees, Defenders of
Bataan and Corregidor will address the audience in his welcome remarks to be followed
by the awarding ceremony of distinguished war veterans. The only living awardee is Pvt.
Su S. Tiu of Wha Chi Guerilla Squadron. Meanwhile, the posthumous awardees are: Col
Sixto R Dantes, Sr. PC (Ret); Veteran Gregorio P. Lacap; Col Pedro C Bersola PA (Ret); Pvt
Cecilio C. Carelo INF (PA); Alejo S. Santos; Fidel M. Cimatu, Sr. and Col Rafael C. Rodriguez
INF (PA).
Immediate relatives of these veterans will give impressions about or tribute to the
awardees after which P/Dir. Gen. Umberto A. Rodriguez, PNP (Ret), former PVAO
Administrator, will address the audience as the Guest of Honor and speaker in the
program.
The Sunset Ceremony will conclude with a Pledge of Patriotism to be led by
Dingdong Dantes, a grandson of the late Col Sixto Dantes, a veteran. It will be followed
by lighting of candles by the nation’s youth as the sun recedes in the horizon – setting
the mood for a dramatic and solemn ceremony of remembering the veterans’ heroism
and validating their heroism by affirming the people’s commitment to contribute to
nation building and preserve the freedom, peace and democracy they had fought and
died for.
-END-