Increase of Medal of Valor gratuity shows President Duterte's appreciation of soldiery's sacrifices, heroism

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 25): Increase of Medal of Valor gratuity shows President Duterte's appreciation of soldiery's sacrifices, heroism

President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to increase the gratuity of Medal of Valor awardees to PHP25,000 to PHP75,000 effective this January shows the Chief Executive's appreciation for the sacrifices bravery shown by the Filipino soldier in the field of battle.

This was emphasized by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo who said this upgrading will do a lot to inspire the soldiery and encourage them to perform well in their constitutional duties.

"(Increase in Medal of Valor awardees' gratuity) shows the Chief Executive's appreciation of the heroism and gallantry of our soldiers in the field, especially those who bravery have earned them the Medal of Valor, our highest decoration and honor in combat, also the increase in gratuity also serves as a challenge for our troops to do their utmost in security the peace and fighting the enemies of state that might jeopardized this peace," he said in Filipino.

The Medal of Valor is the nation’s highest combat medal, being awarded to only 40 military personnel of which 17 are still surviving to date.

It can also be given posthumously. It was first awarded to Filipino military and constabulary personnel early in the 1900s.

The medal is awarded by the President of the Philippines to members of the AFP and allied military personnel, including recognized guerrilla forces.

It is awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

With this privilege now in the offing, Arevalo is hopeful that this incentive will push all AFP personnel into serve the country and nation further so that lasting peace will reign in the land.

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