The provincial government honored a 100-year-old World War II veteran from Tanauan town, one of the few surviving members of the so-called “greatest generation”.

Fidel Gonzales Macahia received much-deserved recognition from Governor Hermilando Mandanas and the Provincial Council, in ceremonies held at the provincial capitol on Monday.

In an interview on Thursday, Macahia recounted that when he was conscripted in 1941, there was nothing he could do but march into battle and hope to survive the Japanese onslaught.

He served in the 224th Infantry Station Philippine Constabulary, and was later captured and forced to walk in the infamous “Death March.”

Unwilling to accept defeat, Macahia managed to escape his captors and went on to fight the invaders until Liberation Day.

“I noticed that every 20 minutes, a guard comes in a bicycle. I told my companion that we have a chance to escape. After passing the bicycle, we retreated and went down the river [to escape]. God is good,” he said, recalling his getaway.

Macahia was later hired by former Speaker Jose B. Laurel Jr. as security and intelligence officer in his office.

Later, he went to the United States as a US War veteran and became an American citizen.

During the ceremonies, Mandanas said the province and the country owe the centenarian a huge debt of gratitude.

“He is a true inspiration and a wonderful hero who defended our country during the war, who is part of our history, and an example of a brave Filipino Batangueño,” said the governor.

Despite the lack of arms, ammunition, food and war equipment, the Batangueño soldiers were among those who fought to the bitter end, Mandanas added.

The Tanaueño, who celebrated his 100th birthday on April 24, also received an incentive from the provincial government, apart from the recognition ceremony.

“This one is from Batangas at first it was PHP20,000 then they gave me PHP50,000. There in Tanauan, I was given PHP25,000 then later another P50,000,” said Macahia.

“I thank this whole province that I am really recognized. I am glad that my hardships and sacrifices are really appreciated by them,” the centenarian added. (PNA)