BONTOC, Mountain Province – The provincial government honored the veterans of World War II during the Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9.
The celebration kicked-off with a wreath laying at the Veteran’s Memorial Park led by Mayor Franklin Odsey, Provincial Administrator Jose Tombali, and Provincial Police Director, Col. Ruben B. Andiso with war veterans Laurence Pangod, Pio Kidpo and Paulo Pagteilan.
Andiso, in his speech, underscored the importance of cooperation between all sectors of society as well as government agencies in overcoming challenges as what the honored veterans have done.
“The theme for today’s celebration is timely situation wherein we are still being challenged by this Covid-19 pandemic, internal and external conflicts and the effects of climate change that affects our economy, peace and order and our way of life. These challenges cannot be overcome by individualism or factionalism but by cooperation, collaboration and communication between all sectors of society and all government agencies. This was demonstrated by these veterans we are honoring today” he said.
Odsey said the bravery of the war veterans is commendable and must be emulated.
“Remembering bravery is not enough, it’s (more important) to be brave like our war veterans,” he said.
Tombali who represented Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr., also lauded the veterans for fighting for the country.
Pagteilan, the District President of War Veterans in Mountain Province, encouraged the youth to join the armed forces. – Valerie Taguba
April 25, 2024
