DND vows to prioritize welfare of Filipino veterans

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 12, 2023): DND vows to prioritize welfare of Filipino veterans (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (right) (Photo courtesy of DND)

MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday said it continues to look after the welfare of Filipino veterans.

"One of the essential tasks or jobs of the Secretary of National Defense is to ensure the welfare of our veterans. Yan po ay patuloy na pinagbibilin ng ating Pangulo sa at sisikapin po natin na masigurado natin na (That was one of the instructions of our President [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.] and we will try to ensure that) they get the best of care, particularly those who cannot care for themselves," Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in an interview with reporters at the Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion, Manila North Cemetery in celebration of the country's 125th Independence Day.

Teodoro, meanwhile, said the Philippines is for the Filipinos and that their interest must be of paramount importance.

He also urged all Filipinos to study or research the challenges being faced by the country and have more discussions and dialogues so that a better understanding of these issues is reached.

"Para sa ganun, makipag-ugnayan tayo bilang magkababayan, bilang magkakapitbahay, para sa ganoon, lumakas ang ating bansa. Ganun din ang mga kababayan natin na wala dito sa Pilipinas ngayon, na napakalaki ang tulong sa atin. Kami po ay nagpapasalamat din dahil sila ay mga bayani din. Hindi natin sila dapat kalimutan (Just like that, we can communicate like fellow Filipinos and neighbors, through this, our nation will be strengthened. The same should be done with Filipinos abroad, they are a big help to us. We are also thanking them as they are heroes too. We should not forget them)," he added.

Teodoro also said the task of Filipinos does not end with the declaration of the country’s independence from foreign domination.

He likened the country’s independence to a tree or a person that needs to be nurtured.

Honor sacrifices of Filipino patriots

Meanwhile, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Monday paid tribute to the valiant men and women who paved the country's path towards sovereignty.

"What made these individuals remarkable was their strength of will which enabled them to stand up against powerful foreign adversaries; their unequivocal love for our nation; and most of all their willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow Filipinos," OPAPRU acting Secretary Isidro Purisima said in a statement.

With the country facing pressing social, economic, diplomatic, peace and security concerns, the OPAPRU chief reminded Filipinos to remember the lessons left behind by Filipino patriots who are the country's "champions of independence and apply them as we address the challenges of nation-building."

"All across the globe, it is disheartening to witness nations and governments that are trying to subvert the independence of other democratic, peace-loving countries, and even their own citizens. The Philippines was in this situation before," Purisima stressed.

He also added that Filipinos know how it is to be at the mercy of sword-wielding invaders whose only desire is to impose their will on the colony and rob people of their dignity.

Purisima also emphasized the Filipinos' willingness to fight with "every ounce of our courage and strength to preserve our freedom."

"Independence, however, does not only mean being free from the bondage of colonizers; it means being free from the shackles of violence, fear, mistrust and prejudice that has held our country back from achieving sustainable development and long-lasting peace," the OPAPRU chief emphasized.

Purisima also said the true measure of a nation’s independence is having the ability to fully harness its God-given resources, and create an environment wherein all its citizens can enjoy the dividends of peace and development without foreign intervention.

"To our fellow Filipinos who are in the frontlines and risk their lives everyday to protect our nation’s sovereignty, thank you for your selflessness, dedication and commitment. You are heroes of democracy in the truest sense," he added.

Serve people well, cops told

The Philippine National Police also joined the nation's observance of the country's 125th Independence Day anniversary.

“For our part in the Philippine National Police, the celebration of the 125th year of Philippine Independence is an opportune time to reaffirm our professional commitment to uphold law and order, and help our government achieve lasting peace and sustained progress,” PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said in a statement sent to reporters on Monday.

“In recognition of the fruitful gains that we have established as a nation all those years under a regime of freedom, justice and peace, the PNP continues to be at the forefront of government efforts to make democracy work by ensuring that every Filipino can enjoy the blessings of our hard-won independence, free of foreign control, and threats to peace and stability of our nation,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Gilberto DC Cruz of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission urged Filipinos to remember the sacrifices of the country's forefathers, heroes and ancestors.

“Their unwavering spirits, selflessness and bravery have paved the way for the independence we hold today. The theme of the year’s celebration carries the powerful message that resonates keeping with us,” Cruz said in his message during the Quezon City Police District's traditional flag raising rites. (with Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203354