A TOTAL of 561 World War II pensioners who have reached the age of 100 or over will witness the celebration of the 119th anniversary of Philippine independence today.
Official records at the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office show that the oldest pensioner is 110-year-old Paraula M. Saguilla who was born on April 22, 1907 and is 110 years old.
The second oldest is Julita E. Layug who is 109 followed by Rizalina A. Claravall who is 108.
There are four 107-year-old veterans: Rambi S. Paino, Calixta B. Dumlao, Juliana Y. Jaen and Ubaldo R. Abano.
Records also show that there are 10 veterans who are 106 years old, 10 who are 105, fifteen who are 104, 46 who are 103, 78 who are 102, 156 who are 101, and 349 who are 100 years old.
With their advanced age, they may not be able to join the parade or attend official functions, but they will know that today is independence day.
Of the 561 centenarian pensioners, 173 are soldiers or guerrillas who saw action during World War II.
President Rodrigo Duterte will lead the Independence Day celebrations today.
In his message, Gen. Ernesto Carolina, former vice chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and commanding general of the Southern Command that is now the Western Mindanao Command, cited the veterans for their vital role “in strengthening our democracy towards genuine and meaningful change.”
He said love of country was what the veterans taught the Filipino people to emulate. He also praised the veterans for their courage.
Meanwhile, retired Maj. Gen. Jose Maria G. Solquillo said the Filipino people should count the blessings that God had given us over the years.
Solquillo, a veteran of the Mindanao war, called on the Filipinos to unite to push the country forward. With Sandy Araneta
