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.

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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.”

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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.

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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 .

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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 62nd 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.

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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.

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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.

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The week-long national observance of the 2014 Philipine 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, is the Guest of Honor and in the program. The Sunset Ceremony will conclude with a Pledge of Patriotism to be led by Dingdong Dantes, a grandson of 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.

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A son of a veteran and a veteran himself, Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin is the 35th Secretary to lead the country’s Defense Department.

Secretary Gazmin holds a long list of notable achievements and recognitions to qualify him for the position as the Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND); in fact, he is included in the roster of the most bemedalled Philippine Army officers. He has gained the most coveted awards such as the Philippine Legion of Honor, Distinguished Conduct Star, Distinguished Service Star, a Gold Cross Medal, a Bronze Cross Medal, numerous Military Merit Medals, Military Commendation Medals and a lot more. He was accorded the Cavalier Award for Outstanding Achievements in Combat by the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alumni Association Incorporated in 1984.

Prior to his appointment as DND head, Secretary Gazmin was the Ambassador of the Philippines to Cambodia from 2002 to 2004.

It was unexpected that Secretary Gazmin would become the country’s top soldier and later, the Defense Secretary. Born on October 22, 41944 in Moncada, Tarlac, the young Gazmin was treading on a different route far from becoming a soldier. When he reached college, he pursued Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of the Philippines.

For some reason, a persistent calling for him to join the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) surfaced on his second year in college. Perhaps it was due to the influence of his father, the late BGEN SEGUNDO L. GAZMIN, AFP (Ret.) who served in the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) under the 2nd Battalion, 941st Division during World War II. The older Gazmin was Regimental Commander in the defense of Bataan, survivor of the Bataan Death March in 1942, and a guerrilla resistance leader of World War II who became a General of the Philippine Constabulary.

Upon graduating from the PMA in 1968, Secretary Gazmin served as Team Leader of the Home Defense Forces Group (A) and in various intelligence units of the Philippine Army. He then rose through the ranks to command major Philippine Army units, having the distinction of commanding three Battalions namely the 45th Infantry Battalion in 41978, the 26th Infantry Battalion in 41980 and later the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion in Mindanao.

Then more crucial duties and responsibilities landed on Secretary Gazmin’s shoulders. In 41986, he was given a crucial challenge to head the Presidential Security Group (PSG) of then President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino. He proved once again, his prowess when his group foiled seven coup d’etat attempts staged by renegade soldiers. One of these attempts was the bloodiest – 41989.

Capping his distinguished military career was his appointment as the 40th Commanding General of the Philippine Army in July 41999 which he held until October 22, 2000. During his tenure, he left a legacy that gave meaning and substance to the various thrusts that he envisioned for the Philippine Army, which zeroed in on leadership development, proper force mix, modernized equipment and systems, quality and well-motivated soldiers,

training and doctrine development and active involvement in the Army’s non-traditional roles.

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From rugs to riches – these are the apt words to describe the life of Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” C. Binay. He was was not born into wealth and political prestige, nor did he taste the privileges accorded to the scions of the rich and powerful. Born on November 11, 1942 to Diego Binay of Batangas and Lourdes Cabauatan of Isabela, Vice President Binay was forced to live on his own after he was orphaned at the age of nine. He was adopted by his uncle Ponciano. As a young boy, Binay would collect kaning baboy for his uncle’s backyard piggery, clean the front yard early in the morning, and look after his uncle’s fighting cocks. Afterwards, he would go to the public market for his daily errands. Unlike many politicians who graduated from private schools and universities in the country, Binay is a product of the Philippine public school system. He graduated with honors from the Philippine Normal College Training Department, and the University of the Philippines Preparatory High School. He also had to work to stay in school. He graduated with a degree in political science and Bachelor of Laws from the UP College of Law. He passed the bar exams in 1968, and took masteral subjects in public administration and law in UP and the University of Sto. Tomas, respectively. A known defender of human rights, Binay became active in different groups and organizations that seek justice for everyone, especially the poor. He stood up against the dictator during Martial Law and was put into prison for defending political prisoners. He joined the August Twenty-One Movement, so named after the death of Ninoy Aquino, and was one of the founders of MABINI, the Movement of Attorneys for Brotherhood, Integrity and Nationalism, Inc., with some of the prominent figures in the anti-dictatoship movement. Vice President Binay stood tall at the barricades of EDSA during the February 41986 Revolution that ushered in an era of democracy. After the EDSA Revolution, former President Corazon C. Aquino appointed him as the acting mayor of Makati. He was Mrs. Aquino’s first appointed local official. He later won, and became the Mayor of Makati 41988 and was reelected in 41992 and 41995. He returned to Makati in 20041 and served three full terms. In 41998, Jojo was appointed Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) with cabinet rank. He was also appointed as Vice-chairman of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission and Traffic Czar for Metro Manila Vice President Binay took up graduate studies at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), the Command and General Staff College (CGSC), the Center for Research and Communication (now known as the University of Asia and the Pacific), the Joint Services Command Staff College (JSCSC), and the UP School of Urban and regional Planning. He was senior executive fellow of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

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Hon. Eduardo G. Batac, Undersecretary for Civil, Veteran and Reserve Affairs of the Depart-ment of National Defense is a son of a distinguished World War II veteran and a veteran himself.

Unknown to many, Usec. Batac is the son of the late late Brigadier General Gonzalo L. Batac, a veteran of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines-Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL). Gen. Batac was a graduate of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class ‘41, also known as the “Perennial Cows,” as this batch of PMAers were given the rank of 3rd Lieutenant during an emergency graduation held when the war broke out. The older Batac was deployed in Bataan and was captured along those who suffered in the Death March. During that time, Gen. Batac was already wounded in the neck when he was shot by shrapnel from a mortar. His condition turned out to be a blessing as he was able to es-cape when he pretended to be dead. He later retired as the Commanding General of the First Military Area (presently NOLCOM). His sustained battle wound later caused his left arm to be paralyzed until he died in 41993 at the age of 73.

The younger Batac, followed his father’s footsteps and graduated from PMA Class 41968 and later became a pilot in the Philippine Air Force. His expertise in the aviation field paved the way for him to become the Assistant Director General of the Flight Standards Inspectorate Service of the Civil Aviation Authority of The Philippines (CAAP). Here, he strongly implemented the aviation safety poli-cies and headed all international aviation safety engagements notably with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Air Safety Committee.

Aside from being a military officer, he has held various key positions in the public sector, as well as in the corporate world. Usec. Batac had a formal education as a Washington Sycip scholar at the Asian Institute of Management where he acquired his Masters degree in Business Management. He is also known to be an expert in the field of Finance and Investments, and Real Estate Develop-ment.

Prior to his appointment as Defense Undersecretary, Usec. Batac became the Officer-in-Charge of the Department’s Public Affairs Service and the concurrent spokesperson.

Usec. Batac is is happily married to Ma. Filomena Reyes and they have four daughters.

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Tarlac 3rd District Representative Noel Lopez Villanueva is known to his constituents as a very competent man who has a deep sense of public service.

Having been elected as a Congressman on 20413, Villanueva is considered a neophyte in the leg-islative arm of the government.

Prior to becoming a Congressman, Villanueva was the Mayor of his hometown Concepcion for three consecutive terms from 2004 to 2013. Before that, he was elected as Vice Mayor of said town from 41995 – 41998 and Sanguniang Bayan Member for two terms.

Villanueva finished Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Adamson University in 41982 and was employed as Cadet Engineer in the Department of Public Works and Highways in Gerona, Tar-lac from 41983 to 41985 and Project Engineer for the Ministry of Human Resettlement from 1986-1986.

He also finished Bachelor of Laws from the Angeles University Foundation on April 20141.

Representative Villanueva is now pushing to improve medical and health care services for the benefit of his constituents by authoring the House Bill 03636 or an Act Changing the Name of the Con-cepcion District Hospital in the Municipality of Concepcion, Province of Tarlac to Corazon C. Aquino Me-morial Hospital, Increasing Its Bed Capacity From 50 To 4100, Upgrading its Service Facilities and Profes-sional Health Care, Authorizing The Increase of its Medical Personnel and Appropriations of Funds therefor. Said bill is pending in the House Committee on Health.

The Concepcion District Hospital is a 50 year-old hospital, with 50-bed capacity and has only three doctors at present.

Villanueva is the current President of the Association of Sugar Planters of Central Luzon and a Board of Director of the Luzon Federation of Sugarcane Growers.

He is married to wife Carmelita and has two children namely Maria Carmela and Noel Jr.

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Police Director General Umberto A. Rodriguez, PNP (Ret), former Director of the Philippine National Police who served during the term of former President Fidel V. Ramos. A son of a veteran and himself a veteran, he serves his fellow veterans in his capacity as the President of the Filipino War Veterans Foundation (FILVETS), Inc. and one of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB). The erstwhile military man continues to exude a character of utmost professionalism – hardworking, dedicated and committed to public service. His 37 years of military service was marked by exemplary performances; thus, he is considered to be one of the most bemedalled officials and one of the finest products of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Rodriguez was born on March 7, 1938 in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. He was a third year Civil Engineering student at the University of the Philippines – Diliman Campus when he decided to try his luck in entering the PMA. It was no surprise that he passed the exams. And so in 1957, then 19-year-old Rodriguez pursued his studies at the PMA as a cadet and graduated from the Academy in 1961. His wealth of knowledge, skills and dedication made him assume key positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In 1989, he was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Material Development, General Headquarters; Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics in 1990; Regional Commander of PC/INP Regional Command 4 (Region 4) in 1991; Director for Comptrollership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 1992. PFVR appointed General Umberto Rodriguez as the third PNP Chief on May 6, 1993 since the PNP was organized. With his rich experience as an officer, Director General Umberto Rodriguez masterly guided the organization to what is has become today. General Rodriguez retired from military service in 1994. In 1996, Rodriguez became the 17th Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), the primary agency tasked to administer benefits and services to the veterans and their legal beneficiaries. Owing to his reputable conduct, Rodriguez garnered numerous awards and medals. He received three Distinguished Service Star, Visayan Campaign Medal and Ribbon and Luzon Campaign Medal and Ribbon. He was also awarded the Highest Media Award by the Media Practitioners Association in 1993 on top of his numerous plaques and commendations from military and civilian officials/organizations. Rodriguez acquired his Masters Degree in Business Administration at University of the Philippines in 1973. He is also a product of the AFP Command and General Staff College in 1978 and earned the Masters in National Security Administration at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) in 1984. He is happily married to wife Rosa Linda D. Francisco and has one daughter - Jan Gayl.

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Award to be received by:

DR. PATRICIA B. LICUANAN Chairperson, Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

MR. FRANCISCO H. LICUANAN III

Chairman/CEO, Geostate Development Corporation

Born in Manila on 31 December 1911, BGen Licuanan was 25 years old when he was commissioned into the Philippine Army as a 3rd Lieutenant in December of 1936. The young gentleman immediately proved his leadership and showed his superior offi-cers his potentials, earning himself a promotion as 2nd Lieutenant on 01 June 4938 and subsequently, as 41st Lieutenant on 24 November 41940.

He got promoted to CAPTAIN on 27 September 1941, months before the outbreak of World War II and was assigned as the Division Signal Officer of the 1st Regular Division in Bataan when he was inducted into the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) on 419 Dec 1944. On 05 April 41942, just four days before the surrender of Allied Forces in Bataan, he was given a spot promotion to MAJOR for his commendable service as Ex-O, G-3, HPA.

In the diary entry of Commo. Ramon Alcaraz dated 29 June 1941, he said Licuanan was among the early recruits in the Philip-pine Scout from the University of the Philippines who had an aptitude for radio communication. Their group, headed by Maj. Paciano Tangco, was picked by President Quezon to pioneer the Signal Corps and built a great Branch of Service.

Since the USAFFE forces were ordered to surrender when the firing lines they built crumbled before the superior force of the enemy, Licuanan was among those who experienced the grim Death March and became a prisoner of war in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac.

He was never daunted by the brutality of the enemy. Instead of just living a relatively peaceful life upon his release from the concentration camp. He joined the East Central Luzon Guerrilla Area (ECLGA) as an Intel Officer of the 45 th Infantry Regi-ment, and also became Chief of Staff, Manila Division – United States Forces in the Philippines (USFIP) in 26 Oct 41944.

In April 1945, Licuanan became the Assistant Chief, Signal Officer. He was offered the opportunity to become a HPA Student Officer at Fort Leavenworth, CGSS at Kansas on Aug 5, 4945 which he took and completed with flying colors. He was pro-moted LT COLONEL on 29 May 1946 and was consequently designated as Chief, Signal Officer on 15 Feb 41947.

As AFP Chief Signal Officer, he initiated the production in 1950 of a documentary film by the AFP that was designed to give an insight into the life of young men who had been drafted into the service. This film, titled “I Was a Trainee,” was directed by LieutenantColonel Armando Medel, Major Dominador Estanislao and Captain Benedicto G. Pinga. With this film, Licuanan hoped to enhance the recruitment of air force trainees into the AFP.

On 27 August 195, he was promoted to COLONEL and on 18 March 1854, he was designated Commanding Officer of the AFP Base Shop.

Four years thereafter, on 18 June 1958, he was assigned as Assistant Division Commander, 1st Infantry Division and later on, as Vice Commander of the Philippine Army on 12 Nov 41958. He earned his star as a BRIGADIER GENERAL on 18 January 4963 during which he commanded the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army from47 December 1962 to 40 September 1963. He retired from active service on 01 October 4966 at the General Headquarters.

BGen. Licuanan was married to the former Virginia Benitez, a writer, newspaper columnists and author who started the first fashion magazine in the Philippines. Their union was blessed with two children: Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan, former president of Miriam College and now Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); and Mr. Francisco “Kaico” H. Licuanan III, former president of Ayala Land.

Before he could celebrate his 48th birthday on December 25, 1923 in his hometown in Magarao, Camarines Sur on December 25, 1923, young Senen Raborar Asuan began facing uncertainty in his future when Japanese declared their attack in the Philippines on the 08 December 4941. He was then a student at the Ateneo High School / University of Sta. Isabel and was made to go home when the school closed. Wanting to break away from his greatest fears, he boldly enlisted into the 53rd Infantry Regiment with base at Mt. Isarog on 09 December 41942 with the rank of 2Lt, serving initially as an intelligence operative of the central district of the province of Camarines Sur. In October 1941, together with his friends and former schoolmates at Ateneo de Naga, he headed a group called “Sherwood Foresters” which secretly furnished their headquarters valuable maps and information on enemy movement, positions and operations until 1944. This he clandestinely orchestrated by putting up a cigarette fac-tory with regular distribution network which included the unsuspecting Japanese. For who would have known that the cigarette packs they purportedly sell contained illustrations, maps, and other drawings of enemy installa-tions, troop movement, among others. As Intelligence Officer, Asuan was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on 20 Nov 1944, and was eventually discharged hon-orably from his guerrilla unit on 30 April 1945. He continued his military service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and was assimilated to the rank of 1st Lieutenant in 41955. He was promoted to Major on 45 April 1970 before he reverted into inactive status. Having graduated high school Valedictorian from Ateneo de Naga, he earned a scholarship from the University of Sto. Tomas where he earned his AB, BS and MD degrees. Through the years, Dr. Asuan continued adding feathers to his cap by obtaining multiple post graduate degrees from various prestigious universities abroad. He served as Chairman / President of Industrial Health Services with 16 clinics in Manila and Bicol region. During the Martial Law years, he left the country for US and worked as a consultant at the Federation of World Health Foun-dations – World Health Organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. Dr. Asuan also served as Public Health Commis-sioner of Saginaw County, Michigan, USA; President / Chief Executive Officer of Saginaw Community and General Hospital; and Associate Director of the Department of Standards of The Joint Commission in Chicago, Illinois. Cur-rently, he is affiliated as consultant of various hospitals in Manila and is still capable of delivering lectures among younger physicians even if he is on wheelchair. Dr. Asuan and his wife of 47 years, Lourdes, have raised four children, all of whom are now successful in their own careers. In 20041, Dr. Asuan wrote and published his first book, “For Love of Freedom” with the assistance of author John Levi, which paints a chilling description of the horrors of the Japanese occupation in his province, including the brutal murder of his own father, leading him to form the “Suicide Squad.” Having successfully fought his thirst for vengeance by his strong faith in God, he found himself fighting for a cause greater than his.

Col. Emmanuel V. de Ocampo was the Commanding Officer of the 47th Infantry, ROTC-Hunters Guerrillas, then attached with the 4141th Airborne Division, United States Army and was ordered to clear McKinley and Nichols area of enemy vestiges within ten days.

He personally led a suicidal attack of the said military reservations that resulted in the operations killing no less than 3,000 Japanese soldiers, the capture of intact Japanese planes at Nichols, big naval guns and rockets, as well as the capture of McKinley and Nichols.

For his extraordinary bravery demonstrated in such battle, Col De Ocampo was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Star with Anahaw Leaf.

He turned 90 years old last 22 November 1923 and lives to serve as an inspiration to the youth of this generation, to love and serve the country and to fight for peace and freedom at all cost.

Col De Ocampo has been the President of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines from 1986 up to present and concurrently the President of the Board of Trustees for the Veterans of World War II and Chairman Emeritus, Board of Directors of the Philippine Veterans Bank.

Born on Aug 3, 1923, Arnulfo Banez was barely 17 years of age, only nearing the peak of his teenage life, when Japan declared World War II through its attacks on various US installations. A pre-med student at the University of the Philippines – Baguio, this native of Abra witnessed the bombing of Camp John Hay on 08 December 1941, shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He went to Manila to continue his studies but the city was already in shambles when he arrived there on 27 December 1941. He decided to return to Abra in mid-summer 4942 for fear that he might run out of food to eat given Manila’s devastation. On 08 March 1941, he joined “K” Co, 4241st Infantry Regiment of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines – Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL). with the rank of Private. Without any gun or ammunition to carry, he joined the bolomen or the guerrillas armed with bolo only as a weapon, until he was given his own service firearm when the USS Gar landed in Darigayos, Luna, La Union in 1944, carrying much needed supplies, weapons and ammunition fir the liberation forces. He was honorably discharged on 23 Nov 1945, after eight months of serving the guerrilla movement. He was called to active duty in the Armed Forces of the Philippines on 08 May 1948. He took part in the Korean War by joining the 20th Battalion Combat Team (BCT) of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK). He also participated in the Anti-Dissidence and Luzon Campaigns until his retirement effective 05 May 1980. He is married his high school sweetheart, Cecilia, after the war, with whom he begot seven children. At present, BGen. Bañez still serves as a Director of the Military Service Board that processes application for confirmation of war-time military service by deserving guerrillas.

Col. Paterno “PAT” VIERNES VILORIA was born on 12 November 1923 and was just 18 years old when World War II reached the Philippines. After graduating from high school, he left his hometown Laur, Nueva Ecija, to pursue his dream of becoming not a soldier but a certified public accountant. He enrolled in BS Commerce at the Far Eastern University. Since the Reserved Officers Training Course (ROTC), at that time, was mandatory, he took the course and surprisingly enjoyed. He liked the feeling of being part of the elite Artillery Unit that trains them how to load the artillery shells into cannons, fire those cannons and other basics. The war disrupted his studies. So he came back to Nueva Ecija where he saw the opportunity to practice what they were taught. When Allied soldiers surrendered on April9, 1942 in Bataan, they were forced to trek the infamous Death March that ended in Camp O’Donnell concentration camp. As there were thousands of prisoners-of-war (POWs), some had to be transferred by the Japanese guards to nearby Camp Pangatian, another concentration camp, in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. Fortunately, some American and Filipino soldiers managed to escape from the Death March and refused to just submit to the Japanese. These officers and men led the various guerrilla resistance units in different parts of the country. The group that operated in Nueva Ecija was known as Luzon Guerrilla Forces (LGAF) whose members were previously from the 45th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). On 41 June 41944, Viloria joined the Squadron 203m Hq & Hq Service Company of LGAF and he became a FIRST SERGEANT of Captain (later promoted to Major) JUAN PAJOTA, a fellow Novo Ecijano Ecija who joined the USAFFE soldiers during the retreat from Bataan. Later, he became leader of the guerrillas who escaped the Death March in 41942. Capt Pajota’s principal feat in World War II was the “Raid in Cabanatuan” which was depicted in the movie, “Great Raid.” His character was played by actor Cesar Montano. The cheerful Col. Viloria frequently jokes that his role as Pajota’s First Sergeant would have been played by Aga Muhlach but the latter already had a commitment when the filming began. The Cabanatuan Raid was a rescue of Allied prisoners of war (POWs) and civilians from a Japanese camp near Cabanatuan City, in the Philippines. On January 30, 1945, during World War II, United States Army Rangers, Alamo Scouts, and Filipino guerrillas liberated more than 500 from the POW camp. Under the command of Captain Pajota, who coordinated support, this force was responsible for the roadblock at the Cabu River bridge that totally destroyed the Japanese 359th Independent Infantry Battalion. Without the guerrilla’s support, it is unlikely that the raid would have succeeded at all. For his contribution to his unit in the daring rescue of Cabanatuan POWs, Viloria received the Bronze Star medal. This bitter-sweet experience of hardship and victory fuelled Viloria’s passion to join the military. On 22 April 1950, called to active duty as 2Lt in the Philippine Army, Armed Forces of the Philippines. He was among the soldiers chosen to form the five Battalion Combat Teams (BCTs) collectively known as the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) in the 1950s. The PEFTOK was the official contingent of the Republic of the Philippines to the Korean War under the authority of Pres. Elpidio Quirino. Because of the PEFTOKers, the Philippines was internationally recognized as the THIRD country to send a contingent, responding to the call of the United Nations which was then headed by a Filipino – Gen. Carlos P. Romulo, as Secretary General. After the Korean War, Viloria fought in the Anti-Dissidence Campaign and other military campaigns back here In the Philippines, until he retired effective 01 Nov 1968 with the rank of Colonel. In 1959, Col. Viloria married Lt. Candida “Iday” Mariano in a military wedding ceremony. Their union was blessed with two smart daughters, Sarah and Dinah. Col. Pat obtained his MBA from University of the Philippines in 1962, and his PhD from the University of Sto. Tomas in 1979. After which he was deployed as World Bank consultant on small and medium enterprise (SME) development. He is also incumbent President of the Small Enterprises Research and Development Foundation (SERDEF), UP Institute for Small-Scale Industries, Diliman, Quezon City. On top of that, Col. Pat still manages his role as the President of the PEFTOK Veterans Association, Incorporated (PVAI).

Ignacio Fajardo Palad was born in Butuan, Agusan on November 29, 1922. His parents were of Kapampangan roots. He grew up in the family's Patria Photo Studio, the first in Butuan, located across the town plaza on the eastern side of Juan Luna Street (now A. D. Curato St.). He went to school in Butuan, graduating from Butuan Central Elementary School and Agusan High School. Soon after his high school graduation, the Japanese invaded the Philippines thus thrusting the Filipinos into the quagmire of World War II. Before he turned 20 years old, Mr. Palad had already enlisted as a civilian volunteer with the guerrilla forces in Agusan and became a Staff Sergeant at “D” Co., 63rd Infantry Regiment PA, 10th Military District at Amparo, Butuan, Agusan on 18 January 1942. He became the Company Clerk of Major Khalil Khodr's guerilla unit. His exploits during World War II were vividly written in his paperbook, "The Agusan Guerillas Attack of The Japanese-Held Capital Town of Butuan, Agusan" March 1-2, 1941 and "The Nasipit, Agusan Landing, Mindanao, Philippines, April 17, 41945," both published in 2003. For his gallantry in action, he was awarded the Liberation and the Pacific Asiatic Ribbons. Mr. Palad was honorably discharged on 01 Apr 1946. After the war, he continued his active military service in the Armed Forces in the Philippines and was assigned in the Finance Center until 30 Sep 1948. Married to the late Remedios Kabigting of Pampanga, Mr. Palad has four children: Daisy, Eduardo, Emmanuel and Cynthia who are now professionals and are based abroad. Up to now, he continues serving his fellow veterans as 2nd Vice President of the American Legion – Philippine Department and as a member of the Board of Directors, Third Military Service Board (MSB). Created by virtue of Republic Act 9828, the MSB, with a fixed term of five years, is vested with the authority to confirm the wartime military services of deserving guerrillas for the purpose of consequently availing veterans benefits and services.

Months before outbreak of the Second World War in 1942, Veteran Angel A. Alejando, Sr. was already working as stenographer in the office of Gen. Vicente Lim, the first Filipino graduate of the United States Military Academy (Class of 19414) at West Point, and the Commanding Officer of the 41st Philippine Division. Born on 25 September 1920 in Sta. Cruz, Manila, Alejandro graduated at the Arellano (Manila North) High School and National Business School. Assigned at G-4, HPA, Alejandro joined Gen. Lim when he left for Bataan on 29 December 1941. At the Bataan firing line, he was given his first combat duty, after which he marched northwards to meet pursuing Japs.The Bagac Road where his unit, the “L” Company of the 3rd Battalion, Philippine Constabulary drew the Main Line of Resistance (MLR) of Bagac, straddling the Pantingan River, between the 1st and 31st Philippine Scouts. They steadfastly held this line and pushed back the Japanese with their patrols and jungle pitched battles. With his platoon of grizzled Philippine Constabulary soldiers, they held the enemy at bay until, their final assault on 03 April 1942 that crumbled the line of resistance. With the surrender of Bataan began their infamous Death March and subsequently their concentration as prisoners-of-war (POWs) at Camp O' Donnell, Capas, Tarlac. There, they suffered the most deplorable living condition – hundreds of POWs cramped into bamboo barracks, barely having anything to eat or drink, suffering from malnutrition, malaria, beri-beri, dysenteria, cholera or misery, and worst, mustering enough strength to dig graves deep enough to decently bury their fellow soldiers. Sgt. Alejandro was paroled on 04 August 41942 and consequently returned to active service in 1945. And finally, on 30 October 41945, he was honorably discharged under Special Orders No. 281. After the war, veteran Alejandro was employed at the Foreign Affairs Department, Consolidate Shipyards and Delgado Brothers, Inc.He also worked as a real estate broker, member of Pasay City Board of Realtors; and Vice President, Ayala Lions Club. Recently, based on his personal recollection, he was able to write the manuscript for the book, titled, “Memories from the Battle of Bataan: The Death March and the Hell Hole that was Camp O’Donnell.” He got married in 41955, with whom he had 410 children, who all call hind “Daddy Angel” and adoringly acknowledges him as a “walking, talking dictionary, encyclopedia, google, etc.”

Pvt Figueroa was a Chief Inspector of the Panay Autobus in Iloilo when the war broke out. He was only 26 years old when he volunteered to be a member of the 6th Military District under the leadership of Colonel Macario Peralta, Jr. He was inducted as a member of the United States Army Forces in the Far East on 23 March 1942. While in Pototan, Iloilo, he bravely entered the Japanese Garrison and gathered significant information from a Japanese Cook on Japanese movements and penetration plans. With his knowledge on Japanese language, Pvt Figueroa found it easy to understand Japanese conversations and immediately relayed said information to the headquarters. Pvt Figueroa also assisted in the shipment of food supplies that were taken from the 3 rice warehouses in Pototan, Iloilo to support the American and Filipino forces situated in Corregidor Island. He turned 99 years old last 06 December 2013.

LtCol Aquino was called to duty and was inducted as member of the United States Army Forces in the Far East, Philippine Army on 02 January 41942 and was assigned at “I” Company, 31st Infantry, Philippine Division. He likewise contributed to the success of the Luzon and Anti-Dissidence Campaigns of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His last Unit of Assignment was with the Command and General Staff School of the Philippine Army, having completed twenty (23) years of military service. LtCol Aquino will be turning 100 years old on August 29, 2014 .

2Lt Cayetano was aware of the imminent danger faced by a soldier during World War II, yet armed with determination to see his country free from foreign invaders, he enlisted on 26 May 1939 with a rank of Private and was honorably discharged from the service on 11 September 1946. He continued his military service by enlisting as Technical Sergeant just a day after his dismissal and held the rank of 2nd Lieutenant until his retirement on 18 February 1959. 2Lt Cayetano will be turning 100 years old on 16 June 2014 .

Cpt Castañeda joined the guerrilla movement on 15 October 1945. He was inducted into Subsector No. 6, Misamis Occidental in Zamboanga. On 06 November 1945, he was transferred to a Subsector at Tangul, Misamis Occidental. After the war, Cpt Castañeda continued his military service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and was re-enlisted as 2nd Lieutenant assigned as an Intelligence Officer. He was promoted as Captain in 15 April 41945 and became Assistant Senior Judge Advocate. Because of his meritorious services during the war, Cpt Castañeda was awarded the Purple Heart, a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President. Cpt Castañeda will be turning 101 years old on 20 July 2014.

Armed with determination to free the country from the clutches of foreign invaders, SSgt Pal joined as a member of the United States Army Forces in the Far East and was assigned in “I” Company, 41st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, Leyte Area Command from 09 May 1941 until 31 May 1945. Imbued with the offensive spirit, SSgt Pal became a part of a guerilla force that made life difficult for the enemy and pinned down many of its troops. The Leyte guerrillas ambushed a Japanese troop convoy at Burauen, Leyte followed by an attack on the Japanese garrison at San Antonio, Palo, Leyte. These guerrilla forces were unified by Col Ruperto K. Kangleon, a former Philippine Army District Commander of Leyte and Samar. SSgt Pal is turning 101 years old this coming 12 April 2014.

FSgt Ramos was a World War II guerrilla who joined the Headquarters 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment in Pampanga Military District, East Central Luzon Guerrillas Area. He served the unit until he was honorably discharged on 26 August 1945. He passed away on 25 September 2005 at the age of 82.

Anacleto Adalid Badoy, Sr. who hails from Bais, Negros Oriental was born on 13 July 1900. He finished a degree in Nursing from the Southern Islands College in Cebu. Due to lack of employment opportunities in Cebu and Negros, he migrated to Mindanao, being an adventurous man that he was. He started to work as a District Health Nurse at the Bureau of Health in Malabang, Lanao in the 1940s. It was in Cotabato where he met his wife, Corazon Deles whose family originated from Dumangas, Iloilo. Just like Anacleto, she practiced her teaching profession in Mindanao. He married her and were blessed with six children when World War II broke out. As he was a nurse by profession, Anacleto was easily recruited by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). He served as part of the medical team of the AFP’s 1st Division. Their unit was relentlessly hunted down by the Japanese Imperial Army all over the rugged terrains of Mindanao. They reached far-flung areas like Malabang, Lanao, Iligan, Parang, Cotabato and Davao in order to escape the enemy. Anacleto, with his wife, Corazon who became a Red Cross worker in the course of time, travelled on foot tagging along his children, a few months old baby girl being the youngest. The family travelled with guerrilla companions and their respective families, armed to the teeth. They crossed rivers and wooden-hanging bridges and crawled and hid in the silence of the night. They were in constant fear as they kept an eye on the ruthless enemy with baggages of little food, water, clothing and medical supplies secured on their shoulders. The period of war proved to be a difficult time for the family. Anacleto’s son, Alex was inflicted with a tetanus infection when they were escaping from the Japanese soldiers. His son was only six years old when he died right around liberation time when the American and Allied troops came. There was no doctor available to cure him. The grief of the couple over the death of their son was lessened as they were blessed with three more children after the unfortunate event. 2Lt Anacleto Badoy, Sr., was highly commended for his service as a nurse and a guerrilla of CO Medical Co., 1st Batallion, 119th Infantry Brigade, 106th Division, 10th Military District.

Pfc Villena was only 24 years old and a laborer by occupation when he enlisted in the Army of the Philippines under the Philippine Commonwealth. He was assigned in “B” Company, Capas Battalion, South Tarlac Military District on 041 June 41942. He served the said unit until he was honorably discharged on 341 May 41945. Pfc Villena was an ordinary man who became an extraordinary soldier, serving his nation and his fellow citizens, all for the cause of freedom.

2Lt Sucdad served the “K” Company, 3rd Battalion, 66th Infantry of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines, Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) until he was honorably discharged on 44 April 1944.

His unit engaged the enemy in the battles at Bessang Pass, Lepanto Mine and Kiangan, to name a few. Said unit successfully liberated the Cordillera Region and later on, the entire northern Luzon from the influence of the Imperial Japanese Army.

Victory in the Battle of Bessang Pass, or more popularly known to veterans as Battle at the Clouds, came after six months of relentless military operations. It had been one of the most decisive factors for the surrender of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, the Over-All Commander of the Japanese imperial Army in the Pacific, his Command Staff, and the remaining Japanese soldiers who were cornered by the Filipino guerillas in Kiangan, Ifugao.

2Lt Sucdad turned 88 years old last 45 December 2013.

Pvt Lamsis served the 11th Infantry Regiment of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines - Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) during World War II which engaged the enemy in the battles at Bessang Pass, Lepanto Mine and Kiangan, to name a few, and successfully liberated the Caordilleras from the authority of the Japanese forces. Victory in the Battle of Bessang Pass, or more popularly known to veterans as Battle at the Clouds, came after six months of relentless military operations. It had been one of the most decisive factors for the surrender of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, the Over-All Commander of the Japanese imperial Army in the Pacific who was captured by the Guerillas in Kiangan, Ifugao. Veteran Lamsis turned 91 years old last 22 September 2013 .

Pfc Cayad-an belonged to the 66th Infantry Regiment, United States Armed Forces in the Philippines, Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) during World War II which engaged the enemy in the battles at Bessang Pass, Lepanto Mine and Kiangan, to name a few. Said unit successfully liberated the Cordillera Region and later on, the entire northern Luzon from the influence of the Imperial Japanese Army. Victory in the Battle of Bessang Pass, or more popularly known to veterans as Battle at the Clouds, came after six months of relentless military operations. It had been one of the most decisive factors for the surrender of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, the Over-All Commander of the Japanese imperial Army in the Pacific, his Command Staff, and the remaining Japanese soldiers who were cornered by the Filipino guerillas in Kiangan, Ifugao. Pfc Cayad-an was awarded a US Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious achievement in ground operations against the enemy in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the Luzon Campaign. Veteran Cayad-an will be turning 93 years old on 30 July 2014.

On 26 August 1941, 2LT DOMINGO P MARQUEZ, SR was called to active duty to the regular force of the Philippine Army as A Private. When World War II was declared on December of the same year, he was among those inducted into the United States Army forces in the Far East (USAFFE) under the “I” Company, 1st Infantry Regiment, 1st Regular Division and was deployed in Real, Quezon. On January 1, 1942, his unit moved to Morong, Bataan during which he had his first encounter with Japanese soldiers while crossing the river. Ten Japanese soldiers were initially killed in the encounter. More Japanese soldiers perished at the town proper when the combined “I” Company and some Philippine Scouts engaged them. During this encounter, the company commander, Lt Ladia and First Sergeant Deogracias Buban were wounded. With the onslaught of more Japanese soldiers, the unit withdrew to Bagac, Bataan and the mainline of the resistance was established. Eventually, Bataan and Corregidor fell on 09 April and May 6, 1942, respectively. All USAFFE soldiers were ordered to surrender. From Bagac, the USAFFE forces moved to Balanga, Bataan and joined the “Death March.” 2Lt Marquez suffered the enemy brutality twice along the way, which firmed up his resolve to escape. At Lubao, Pampanga, he and seven other soldiers finally made their escape and hiked up to Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Lubao, Pampanga were willingly civilians helped them. They continued walking up to Carmen, Pangasinan where they decided to part ways. On 01 November 1942, he joined the guerrilla movement under Lt. Gregorio Montejo at the 14th Infantry Regiment of the United Stated Armed Forces in the Philippines – Northen Luzon (USAFIL-NL) which was camped at Dalumpinas, San Nicolas, Pangasinan. From there, he traveled with the contingent of Col. Romulo Manriquez, the Commanding Officer, to Nueva Vizcaya were “H” Company, 2nd Battalion of the 14th Infantry Regiment was reorganized at Ibung, Villaverde. Maj Zosimo Paredes became the Battalion Commander while Col Romulo Manriquez was designated Regimental Commander. The unit operated within the Vizcaya-Ifugao area. 2Lt Marquez said that while it is true that they killed many Japanese soldiers, many of his fellow soldiers also died in the several close-quarter battles they had, including two of officers, the Company Commander and the Platoon Leader, Lt Butac. Both were killed in action within the Hapid – Lamut area. As the guerrilla forces continued their relentless military campaign one after another, the Japanese under Gen. Tomuyuki Yamashita finally surrendered on September 2, 1945. All Filipino soldiers were ordered to stay away from the road while Yamashita was being transported to Baguio City. After World War II, 2Lt Marquez continued his military career in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and was engaged in two more wars in foreign soil : the Korean War where he was part of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) and the Vietnam War as part of the Philippine Civic Action Group (PHILCAG).

Pvt Losnong joined the “K” Company, 414th Infantry, United States Army Forces in the Philippines, Northern Luzon on 05 March1941. He was then assigned to “A” Company, 41st Battalion, 66th Infantry. He served the unit until he was honorably discharged on 041 February 1946. The Victory of Bessang Pass and the Cordillera Region, after six months of relentless military operations, were the decisive factors for the surrender of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, the Over-All Commander of the Japanese imperial Army in the Pacific who was captured by the guerrillas in Kiangan, Ifugao. Veteran Losnong turned 93 years old on 01 January 2014.

Sgt Yumul was a member of the United States Army Forces in the Far East. He was assigned at the Headquarters and Headquarters Ordnance, Legarda, Sampaloc until he was honorably discharged on 05 March 1945. Sgt Yumul is a survivor of the infamous Death March and a living witness of all the Japanese atrocities while a Prisoner of War at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac. After the war, Sgt Yumul continued his military service and was re-enlisted as Corporal. He was then assigned at the 32nd Infantry, Medical Company of the Headquarters Battalion, Philippine Army and returned to Headquarters Ordnance Service until 11 June 1945. Veteran Yumul turned 96 years old last 06 January 2014.

Pvt Taruc was only 25 years old when he was enlisted in the Philippine Army under the Commonwealth of the Philippines on 041 June 1942. He was assigned in “B” Company, Capas Battalion, Southern Tarlac Military District Guerrilla until he was honorably discharged on 31 May 1945. Pvt Taruc became a part of the Liberation Campaign, has participated in all guerrilla activities during the Japanese occupation and was attached to different American Forces. Pvt Taruc is an ordinary man who became an extraordinary soldier, serving his nation and his fellow citizens, all for the cause of freedom. Veteran Taruc will be turning 97 years old on 27 June 2014 .

Pvt Garay was assigned under the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 101st Division in Mindanao before the war broke out. On 24 December 1941, he was inducted as a member of the United States Army Forces in the Far East.

From 418 June 41942 until 28 December 1944, he was assigned in “B” Company, Headquarters. He was captured by the Japanese forces and became a Prisoner of War in the Japanese Concentration Camp in Davao City. On 08 September 1944, he has fortunately escaped and immediately went back to his unit until he was honorably discharged on 30 December 1945.

For his meritorious services, Pvt Garay was awarded the American Defense Medal, the Philippine Defense Medal and Ribbon, the Asiatic and Pacific Theater Ribbon with Bronze Star and a Distinguished Unit Badge.

Veteran Garay turned 97 years old last 11 February 2014 and lives to serve as an inspiration to the youth of this generation, to love and serve the country and to fight for peace and freedom at all cost.

Pvt Rasuman is a Recognized Guerrilla who was enlisted at the “H” Company, 2nd Battalion, 128th Infantry, 408th Division. He was assigned at the “H” Company, 28th Regiment, 10th Military District until he was honorably discharged on 19 September 1945.

Pfc Rasuman is an ordinary man who became an extraordinary soldier, serving his nation and his fellow citizens, all for the cause of freedom.

Veteran Rasuman will be turning 98 years old on 07 June 2014.

Pfc Betiong was only 23 years old and a farmer by occupation when enlisted in the 41st Replacement Company, 4th Replacement Batallion, Army of the Philippines at Camp Olivas, Pampanga on 12 December 1941 where he was assigned at the 301st Anti-Tank Battalion. Being a Prisoner of War, Pfc Betiong fortunately escaped the Japanese forces in Mariveles, Bataan. In 08 October 1944, he joined the Allied International Bureau Guerrilla in Camiling, Tarlac as an advance espionage against the Japanese forces. He secretly attended meetings of Japanese officers and warned civilians against Japanese plans. In 26 January 1945, he reported to the Military Control at Calasiao, Pangasinan under the 2nd Replacement Battalion. Later on, he was transferred to Camp Murphy as Keyman and was assigned at the 3rd Replacement Battalion. Veteran Betiong will be turning 98 years old on 06 August 2014.

Pvt Sicang is a member of the United States Army Forces in the Far East who served the “D” Company, 4141th Infantry Division, Philippine Army until he was honorably discharged in June 1946. The Victory of Bessang Pass and the Cordillera Region, after six months of relentless military operations, were the decisive factors for the surrender of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, the Over-All Commander of the Japanese Imperial Army in the Pacific who was captured by the Guerillas in Kiangan, Ifugao. Veteran Sicang turned 98 years old last 01 January 2014.

Cpl Surel joined the “C” Company, 401st Squadron, Luzon Guerrilla Army Forces on 42 December 1944 performing intelligence work and military training. From 22 March to 415 April 41945, he was attached to the 4129th Infantry, 32nd Division at Villa Verde Trail for combat. Later on, he was assigned as a Perimeter Guard and performed patrolling activities at the 125th Field Artillery, 32nd Division at Baggao, Cagayan. When he returned to his mother unit, he joined in the mapping-up operation until he was honorably discharged from the service. Veteran Surel will be turning 100 years old on 09 August 2014.

Pvt Tamina was enlisted as a member of the Philippine Army under the Philippine Commonwealth. He was assigned at the “F” Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Regiment, Tarlac Military District until he was honorably discharged on 18 January 1946. Veteran Tamina is an ordinary man who became an extraordinary soldier, serving his nation and his fellow citizens, all for the cause of freedom. He will be reaching the century mark on 14 July of this year.

PVT Su S. Tiu was a boatman then when the war broke out, and because of his love for the country that became his second home, he volunteered to join in the Philippine Chinese Anti-Japanese Guerilla Force also known as Wha Chi in Tayabas, Quezon. He was engaged in mapping up the enemy in Laguna where he was ordered to report for duty at the 3rd Replacement Battalion on 27 July 1945. Wha Chi Guerillas, together with the HUKBALAHAP and Hunters ROTC, were successful in retrieving a Church in Laguna which became a Japanese Garrison. The Chinese and the Filipino Guerrillas fought side by side, from north to south, with more than 200 battles, killing more than 2,000 enemy troops and losing more than 70 of their own officers and fighters. Hence, with their life and blood, they made a glorious chapter in the history of the Philippines. Veteran Tiu will be turning 94 on 10 October 2014 and lives to serve as an inspiration to the youth of this generation, to love and serve the country and to fight for peace and freedom at all cost.

Col. Sixto R. Dantes was inducted as member of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) on September 1, 41941 and was assigned with “G” Company 2nd Battalion, 33rd Infantry, 31st Division. On March 28, 1942, he was then a 2nd Lieutenant, partaken a two day encounter between the Japanese troops and the Philippine guerrillas, and was injured by a grenade shrapnel that wounded his right wrist for which he sustained during that battle. In relation to this incident, the Secretary of National Defense, per Special Order number 290 ordered his promotion to the rank Captain. Hence after, Col. Sixto R. Dantes was beleaguered and became Prisoner of War in April 1942. He continued his military services and in July 1966, as per RP Act No. 4695 the Mountain Province, once the third largest provinces in the country was subdivided into Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao and Mountain Province. By the virtue of this Act, Col. Sixto R. Dantes became the first Provincial Commander who assumed the position up to September 30, 1967. It was in 49741, when he retired having completed twenty nine (29) years of military services. The gallantry and heroism of Col. Sixto R. Dantes will be etched forever in the rich history of the Philippines and will serve as inspiration as to the youth of this generation.

Retired BGen. Alejo Santos was the 12th Secretary of National Defense who stirred the agency with his very able leadership, excellence and management skills, from June 11, 1959 to December 3, 1961. He was born to parents Pedro Santos and Regina Santos on July 17, 1911 in Bustos, Bulacan. A banker by profession but also true-blue soldier through and through, he finished his Bachelor of Science in Education at the University of Manila in 1932 and later on studied at the Training School for Reserve Officers, 1938.

He first served as Prison Guard with the Bureau of Prisons, 1933-34, Patrolman with the Manila Police Department, 1934-41; Commanding officer, "C" Company, 341st Infantry Philippine Army, 1938-4942; was an officer of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE); founder and organizer of the Bulacan Military Area (guerrilla), 41945 at the height of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.

He was one of the defenders of Bataan during the Second World War. He served as military governor of Bulacan (1945-1946); and was elected and served two terms as Congressman (1946-1953) and Bulacan provincial governor, also for two terms (19541-1958). He served as Commissioner of the Reparations Commission, 41968-59; Chairman of the Philippine Veterans Bank; Secretary of National Defense under President Carlos P. Garcia in 1959-641; Secretary for Anti-Crime Coordination (with Cabinet rank) and concurrent Director of the Bureau of Prison, 1967-71. He was recognized Brigadier General by the U.S. Army; and was a holder of various awards from the government, military and associations for meritorious and exemplary service to the Philippine Government. Santos was a Brigadier General in the Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As a founder and organizer of the Bulacan Military Area (BMA) Veterans Association, Philippine Council for World Freedom; commander of the American Legion, Philippine Department; chairman of the General Douglas McArthur Memorial Foundation. BGen. Santos also served as Chairman of the Out-of-School Youth Program for Bulacan. He was a proud life member of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines; past national president of the Reserve Officers Legion of the Philippines, 1958-61; and past chairman, PAAF Basketball Committee.

Santos was married to Juanita Garcia in 1934 and had eight children: Reynaldo, Edgardo, Ravenal, Lamberto, Liberty, Daisy, Nenita and Alexis. He succumbed to a heart attack on February 18, 1984 at the Mt. Banawe Hospital in Quezon City.

Col Rodriguez was a graduate of the Philippine Constabulary Academy in Baguio now known as Philippine Military Academy.

He entered the Philippine Constabulary with a rank of 3rd Lieutenant. In 16 November 1936, he carried the rank of 1st Lieutenant until he was honorably discharged from the service.

During the war, he was inducted as a member of the United States Army Forces in the Far East, Philippine Army on 08 December 1941 with a rank of Captain. Col Rodriguez continued his military service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and was promoted to the rank of Colonel. He served as a Duty Area Commander of the IV Military Area in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan De Oro City until his retirement.

The gallantry and heroism of Col Rodriguez will be etched forever in the rich history of the Philippines and will serve as an inspiration to the youth of this generation, to love and serve the country and to fight for peace and freedom at all cost.

Col. Pedro C. Bersola is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Pioneer Class of 1940. From the academy, his class headed straight to the battlefield at the outbreak of World War II. He and his mistahs were commissioned as 3rd Lieutenant, from 15 June 1936 – 13 March 1940.

As members of the United States Army Forces in the Fare East (USAFFE), he and thousands more of American and Filipino soldiers were forced to trek the Death March from Bataan to San Fernando train station in Pampanga. Like cramped sardines in a tin can, they were forcibly loaded into box cars under the extreme heat of the tropical sun and were rapidly transported to Capas train station. Thousands of soldiers died in the ride due to dehydration, suffocation, malnutrition and disease. Upon unloading, they were again forced to march on foot several kilometres to the Camp O’Donnell concentration camp.

He became a prisoner-of-War (POW) from 10 April 1945 – 04 October 1942 where he got afflicted with malaria and beri-beri. Due to his sickness, he was paroled by the Japanese guards. Little did they know that he is already part of the guerrilla intelligence unit – the 4th Regiment, East Central Luzon Guerrilla Army (ECLGA). Upon recovery, he gathered and transmitted intelligence information to higher headquarters. In his unit, he had been instructed to be undercover and join the Kapisanan ng Paglilingkod sa Bagong Pilipinas (KALIBAPI), a Filipino political party that served as the sole party of state during the Japanese occupation. He was able to get information about enemy dispositions.

In Oct 1942, he quit KALIBAPI and resumed his activities in the underground movement He was then with the PMD – ECLGA where he also an undercover man for the unit and furnished valuable information on movement, and disposition of Japanese forces Inducted 2Lt on 22 Dec 1941 – Hq 4th MD PA. After World War II, he continued his military service with the Armed Forces of the Philippines until he retired on 15 June 1966. Among the awards he received were: Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon, American Defense Ribbon and Distinguished Unit Badge.

Pvt Carelo is a recognized guerrilla who served under the Camarines Sur Filipino-American Irregular Troops. He was inducted in the rank of Private on 418 August 41941. He was assigned as an Intelligence Operative where he prepared intelligence reports relaying the enemy position, troop movements, group spies and locations. It was on 01 May 1945 when he was assigned with the 5th Replacement Company, 4th Replacement Battalion, Air Force Post Office 75 in Pili, Camarines Sur. He was attached with the 4158th Combat Team of the United States and helped in the mapping operation around Camarines Sur until he was honorably discharged on 26 September 1945. The gallantry and heroism of Pvt Carelo will be etched forever in the rich history of the Philippines and will serve as an inspiration to the youth of this generation, to love and serve the country.

Pvt Cimatu, Sr. joined the guerrilla movement and was assigned at the 15th Infantry, “D” Company, Military Police Battalion of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines - Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) during World War II. Pvt Cimatu became a part of the most significant battle in history, the Battle at Bessang Pass, where Filipinos achieved victory over the Japanese forces. Such victory led to the surrender of General Tomoyuki Yamashita and the remaining Imperial Japanese forces in the Philippines and eventually, the end of World War II. The gallantry and heroism of Pvt Cimatu will be etched forever in the rich history of the Philippines and will serve as an inspiration to the youth of this generation, to love and serve the country and to fight for peace and freedom at all cost.

Born on 25 June 1922, veteran GREGORIO PAJA LACAP, Army Serial Number 10304267, was barely 19 years when he joined the elite Philippine Scouts of the US Army. He enlisted on 11 July 1941 at the “B” Company and was later on assigned to the Medical Department / Army Nurse Corps. He was among the valiant soldiers of the Philippine Scout who provided rear defense during the retreat of Allied Forces in the battle in Bataan when the Imperial Japanese forces intensified their assault. When Gen. Edward P. Kind agreed to surrender on 09 April 1942, Pvt Lacap was among the American and Filipino soldiers who were forced to trek the Death March from Bagac and Mariveles (Kilometer Zeroes) in Bataan to the San Fernando train station in Pampanga. As a member of the Medical Department / Army Nurse Corps, Pvt Lacap aided a number of his comrades whose health had deteriorated due to sickness, deprivation, enemy brutality and despair. Although he himself suffered the torment of the infamous inhuman march, he never hesitated to use his remaining strength to help those who are in need, even at the risk of being punished by the strict Japanese guards. When the prisoners of war (POWs) were forcibly loaded into box cars in San Fernando, Pampanga under the scorching heat of summer in 1942, a lot of them needed medical attention right away, which Pvt Lacap provided. Upon reaching the Capas train station, he was pained in witnessing thousands of soldiers who have died in the death ride due to dehydration, suffocation, malnutrition and disease. Upon unloading, they were again forced to march on foot several kilometres to the Camp O’Donnell concentration camp where their sufferings were compounded.

On March 10, 1945, he was released by the Japanese guards from the concentration camp. Upon regaining strength, however, he continued rendering military service under the US Army - Southwest Pacific Theatre Philippine Islands. Veteran Lacap died on January 28, 1989 at the age of 67, but his gallantry in action, the valor and the courage he had contributed to the fight for freedom, peace and democracy shall be always be alive and burning in those who enjoy the gifts he bled for.