By Eva Visperas
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Twenty-five remaining World War II veterans in the province of Pangasinan were honored today during the 80th anniversary of the Lingayen Gulf Landings and 18th Pangasinan Veterans Day.
At the forefront of this living testament to history is Valentin Mamanta Untalan, a 108-year-old veteran from Calasiao, Pangasinan. Lolo Valentin, alongside eight other centenarians, represents the unwavering bravery of those who fought in the war. The youngest among them is 94 years old, with veterans’ ages ranging from 97 to 102.
The provincial government has made it a tradition to honor these heroes annually with both financial assistance and medical support.
This year, to mark the 80th anniversary, the veterans received monetary gifts and free health checkups. A cash incentive of ₱20,000 is also awarded to centenarians, facilitated by the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office.
Six of the veterans have already received this grant, while the remaining three are in the process of submitting their documents to claim theirs.
The remaining WWII heroes of Pangasinan are as follows:
- Valentin Mamanta Untalan, Calasiao – 108
- Adriano Sinlao Salomon, San Carlos City – 104
- Hospicio Ninobla Mallari, Mapandan – 103
- Pedro Fernandez Fernandez, Sta. Barbara – 102
- Serapio Medrano Placido, Bayambang – 102
- Victorina Garcia Urmaza, Binmaley – 101
- Eduardo Gabiola Caerlan, Bayambang – 100
- Adriano Gabiola Herrera, Bayambang – 100
- Federico Carbonel Villon, Alcala – 100
- Raymundo Manaois Cabrera, Dagupan City – 99
- Gabaldon Castil Cacho, Anda – 99
- Candido Marzan Fabia, Urdaneta City – 99
- Ricardo Cariaga Manzano Sr., Sto. Tomas – 99
- Santiago Defunturum Nonay, Sual – 99
- Andres Nipales Ramirez, San Quintin – 99
- Adelaida Gabrillo Iglesias, Bayambang – 98
- Efren Valentino Nivera, Agno – 98
- Ernesto Cabaes Cantillo, Agno – 97
- Godofredo Valencerina Dela Cruz, Labrador – 97
- Daniel Mondok Drapete, Tayug – 97
- Narciso Bugayong Fabiculanan, Bugallon – 97
- Constantino Jose Palos, Natividad – 97
- Juan Malubay Santiago, Rosales – 97
- Fernando Divina Sison, Asingan – 97
- Pedro Nayan Corpuz, Agno – 94
Governor Ramon V. Guico III earlier said, “Our veterans are the embodiment of true patriotism. Their sacrifices paved the way for the freedom we hold dear. As a nation, we must continue to honor their legacy and ensure that the love of country remains at the heart of every Filipino.”