SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the Philippine Air Force are leading the weeklong Veterans Week in La Union, a celebration dedicated to honoring the contributions of war heroes and emphasizing the enduring legacy they have in empowering communities today.
Adeadatus Retuta, head of the PVAO Field Service Office in La Union, stressed that the event is not only about remembering the sacrifices of veterans but also about offering them meaningful services they deserve.
“This week is about honoring our veterans, but it’s also an opportunity to extend vital services to them,” Retuta shared during the Tugstugan at Balitaan radio program of PIA La Union.
Currently, there are 780 living veterans in La Union who benefit from the various services provided by PVAO.
With the theme “Kabayanihan ng Beterano, Sandigan sa Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas,” Veterans Week is celebrated from April 5 to 11, as declared under Proclamation No. 466 by former President Corazon Aquino.
The week includes the observance of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on April 9, a national holiday that honors the courage of Filipino soldiers, particularly those who fought during World War II.
The celebration will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at the United States Army Forces in the Philippines-Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) Military Shrine and Park in Luna, La Union.
The USAFIP-NL Military Shrine and Park serves as a significant historical landmark, paying tribute to those who played a pivotal role in the country’s struggle for freedom.
Government agencies, including PVAO and the provincial government of La Union, will participate in the event.
The Veterans Week also features a medical-dental mission on April 10 at the La Union Convention Center, in collaboration with the provincial government and the Provincial Health Office.
Additionally, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, the Philippine Statistics Authority, and the Department of Agriculture will provide mobile services and distribute seeds to veterans and their families.
These initiatives reflect a whole-of-government approach to supporting veterans and ensuring they receive the care and services they deserve.
This year’s Veterans Week not only commemorates historical sacrifices but also reinforces that heroism is honored through continued action, unity, and service to the nation. (AMB/KJCR/KJC/LG, PIA La Union)
