Veterans Bank pays tribute to World War II veterans
Bacolod City -- The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) launched recently a traveling exhibit of memorabilia of war in honor of the veterans of World War II entitled "War of our Fathers...A Tribute to the Filipino Freedom Fighters" at the SM City Event Center.
World War II veterans from Bacolod City despite difficulties in walking and seating for long hours graced the occasion with dignity and pride in their veterans vest that glisten with their badges and medals.
Antonio Balgos, Director of the Philippine Veterans Bank, a son of a brave and patriotic veteran himself, in his speech is honored by the presence of the veterans showcasing their heroism during the war.
"The moving/travelling exhibit goes into places where there is reason to celebrate and Negros is one of them," Balgos said of the exhibit.
The exhibit runs until the end of the month (August 30) at the lobby of the SM Event Center, SM City Bacolod.
The event was supported by the local governments of Bacolod and Negros Occidental and by other organizations like SM City, National Historical Institute and the Department of Education.
Dramatic stories of the World War II veterans are being featured in the exhibit for the young generation to have a better grasp of the history.
Through this project, PVB hopes to honor the veterans and make the youth appreciate the sacrifices of some 30,000 combatants and a war that killed more than 100,000 lives. Balgos also revealed that modern medical facilities in Taguig would soon be of service to the veterans.
Meanwhile, representing the government sector is Presidential Adviser for Veterans Affairs Jesus Terry Adevoso disclosed that PVB is the 25th biggest bank in the country today.
The Office of Veterans Affairs, the office which Adevoso is currently holding was created by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who is a daughter of a veteran herself.
President Arroyo, according to Adevoso is the first president to have started paying debts to veterans and in the next years the arrears will be paid including the P5.5 billion debt in 2008, assured Adevoso.
"The tendency to forget of the new generation is critical in maintaining our national identity," Adevoso said.
Adevoso also urged the LGUs to help for the welfare of the veterans as the Veterans Affairs Office is consistent and persistent in its effort to uplift its programs for the veterans.
(PIA/EAD)