The provincial government honored the 10 remaining World War II veterans of Pangasinan on Friday during the 81st Lingayen Gulf Landing anniversary.

Five of the veterans, aged 99 to 109, attended the ceremony at the capitol beachfront. Valentin Untalan, 109, expressed pride in their legacy for the province’s youth.

Governor Ramon Guico III said the event encourages reflection on freedom and citizenship, while also highlighting the province’s Veterans Park and Reflective Pool as lasting memorials.

“It is a day to express our pride, our honor, and honor the past, and renew our commitment to a brighter and more prosperous future for our province,” Guico said in his speech.

Defense Undersecretary Pablo Lorenzo outlined national efforts to support veterans’ welfare, including new outpatient clinics and dedicated hospital wards. He noted a veteran’s ward at the Region 1 Medical Center in Pangasinan, inaugurated last year.

“Although many of our veterans have passed, we continue to advocate for them and their loved ones. The Defense Department continues to strengthen programs for our veterans,” Lorenzo said in an interview.

Senior Veterans Assistance Officer Sheryl Simeon said WWII veterans receive over PHP20,000 monthly in pensions and benefits, plus centenarian cash gifts and medical support.

The 1945 Lingayen Gulf landings were a pivotal start to the Luzon liberation campaign. (PNA)