As part of the worldwide Veterans Day celebration, the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya (PGNV), under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito paid tribute to the province’s three surviving World War II veterans held at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center on August 25, 2025. The honorees were Ignacio Abrin Galindez, born December 21, 1926, of Poblacion, Aritao; Albert Guttierez Ruizo, born January 14, 1926, of Bonfal West, Bayombong; and Maximo Bueza Santiago born September 12, 1925, of Bascaran, Solano. These men were hailed as heroes of Nueva Vizcaya for their courage and sacrifice in securing freedom for the province and the nation.
They were formally recognized under Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ordinance No. 2024-252, authored by former Board Member Patricio F. Dumlao, which institutionalized benefits for WWII veterans. The ordinance grants each living veteran a ₱25,000 financial incentive annually and the assurance of a memorial lot at the Heritage Memorial Park in Solano.
The program was organized by the PGNV through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), headed by Ms. Flordeliza G.C. Granada, in coordination with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Field Service Office in Bayombong led by Ms. Marilen Tolentino, and the Nueva Vizcaya AFP Veterans Association, Inc., led by Col. Marcelino B. Tacadena, Jr. GSC PA (RES). Members of the AFP-PNP Veterans Association from Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya also joined the celebration.’
In his speech, Governor Gambito expressed gratitude to the veterans, saying, “These men fought with bravery, sacrificing and risking their lives to secure our freedom. They did not simply die in war; they died with honor, deserving our highest salute as the heroes of our generation.”
He further urged the younger generation to preserve the spirit of nationalism and to keep alive the memory of the veterans’ sacrifices, “From a young age, they gave up the lives they could have enjoyed, so that we may live freely today. Let us honor them by ensuring their stories live on in the hearts of our children and grandchildren,” Gov. Gambito said.
The tribute united veterans, their families, local officials, and the community that reminds the people that the province’s history and freedom were built on the courage of men who gave everything for their country. Through these efforts, the province of Nueva Vizcaya continues to pay homage to its history. /gloria
[This article was initially created on Facebook – Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. For PGNV updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/vizcayareporter]