BUTUAN CITY (PIA) -- The local government of Butuan paid tribute  to  the 20 oldest surviving post World War II veterans of the city during the celebration of the 82nd Day of Valor or the "Araw ng Kagitingan" on April 9.

According to Dulce Vida B. Sta. Iglesia, officer-in-charge  of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) in Butuan City, ‘The veterans are awarded today to recognize their valuable contributions to the country.”

Sta. Igesia also shared that the awarding of merit started in 2016 when the first awardees were the oldest surviving World War II veterans.

“However, for this year, we are now giving the merit to the oldest surviving post World War II veterans,’ she said.

Sta. Iglesia also relayed the services of  the PVAO on the veterans and their families saying, “It is both a privilege and honor to serve them and the office will continue to provide their needs and improve their services for the veterans.”

"I did not expect to be one of the awardees and I am very thankful to the city government of Butuan. I am grateful and happy that they recognized my efforts during my long years of service as a police officer of the country." said Virgilio Velo Aquino, awardee and retired police senior inspector.

The Day of Valor was highlighted with a ceremonial wreath-laying followed by a 21-gun salute at the Butuan City Library.

Government officials from different regional line agencies, city government and officials/members of different organizations were present during the activity to remember the heroism of the brave Filipino and American soldiers in the Battle of Bataan on April 9, 1942.  (MFC/PIA-Caraga)