𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐏𝐕𝐀𝐎 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐦

To formally welcome the participants, Assistant Secretary Domingo C. Carbonell Jr., PVAO Deputy Administrator for Operations, delivered the opening remarks. He encouraged the students to draw inspiration from the veterans, emphasizing that their stories are not just pages in history books but living testaments of patriotism, courage, and love for the country. “May these encounters stir within you a sense of duty and a commitment to serve others in your own unique ways,” he said.

Assistant Secretary Restituto L. Aguilar, OIC of PVAO, also addressed the students with a heartfelt message. “As a veteran myself, it fills me with pride to see your genuine interest in our history, our heroes, and the sacrifices made for our country. This reaffirms my strong belief that the youth remain the hope of our nation,” he said. He also shared his personal journey of overcoming struggles to enter the Philippine Military Academy, highlighting the values of determination and hope. He wished the students success in all their endeavors and hoped the experience would leave a lasting impression, guiding them toward becoming responsible, compassionate, and patriotic Filipinos.

Students from Western Bicutan National High School, cadets of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), and representatives from various organizations participated in the event. These included the Veterans Federation of the Philippines-NCR, VFP Sons and Daughters Association, Inc., Filipino War Veterans Foundation, Marine Historical Branch, Fleet Marine Warfare Center, History and Heritage Branch OG3-Philippine Army, Office of the Chief Historical and Cultural Activities-Philippine Air Force, and the Marine Historians Office-Philippine Marine Corps.

Among the honored guests were two World War II veterans, Federico Villanueva Calleja, 97, and Alejo Malicdem Valdez, 100, who personally shared their experiences with the students. Before the program concluded, Veteran Valdez inspired the younger generation with an empowering message, emphasizing the importance of dedication, honesty, loyalty and fear of God.

PLTGen. Reynaldo Velasco, PNP (Ret.), Chairperson of the Filipino War Veterans Foundation, Inc. (FILVETS), expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share FILVETS’ mission with the students. He emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and preserving their legacy for future generations.

After the breakout session, students had the opportunity to share their reflections. Joshua Dayandan, a Grade 12 student from Western Bicutan National High School, expressed his admiration for the veterans’ resilience, saying, “Kahit sobra ang hirap nila noon, kahit anong gutom ang naranasan nila ay tiniis nila para maranasan natin ang kabusugan at kalayaan na mayroon tayo ngayon.” He called on his fellow youth to uphold nationalism and patriotism, adding, “Bilang kapalit ng paglaban ng mga tao noon, ng mga sundalo natin, ay sana ipaglaban din natin ang ating bayan ngayon.”

Emmanuel Soriano, another Grade 12 student, echoed the veterans’ advice, saying, “Wag magsundalo dahil sa benepisyo, magsundalo para sa bayan.”

The event successfully bridged generations, allowing students to gain firsthand insights into the sacrifices of the country’s veterans while inspiring them to embrace the values of patriotism, service, and dedication to the nation.

After the program, the students and veterans proceeded to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. They offered flowers and paid tribute to the brave men and women who had gone before them, honoring their sacrifices and unwavering dedication to the country. This solemn gesture served as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of heroism and the importance of remembering and upholding the ideals for which these veterans had fought.