ILOILO City – Families of approximately 300 uniformed personnel who were either wounded or killed in the line of duty received assistance from the government.
First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos spearheaded the distribution of assistance here on November 20 during the “Pagpupugay sa mga Bayani ng Bansang Makabayan” program honoring the sacrifices of uniformed personnel.
The beneficiaries, hailing from regions including Cagayan Valley, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, received various forms of assistance under the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP).
Among the benefits distributed were special financial aid, social welfare assistance, shelter support, health and medical care, educational grants, and employment assistance.
The event was organized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office 6.
The uniformed personnel honored were under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Units (CAFGU).
A Mother’s Pain and Gratitude
For 72-year-old Dominga Parenas of Dumalag, Capiz whose son — a Philippine Army soldier — was killed in action during an operation in Negros Occidental in 2019, the event was both emotional and meaningful.
Parenas was one of the recipients of a house and lot through the program, providing a lasting reminder of her son’s ultimate sacrifice.
“This is a great help for us, and I’m deeply grateful,” she said.
A Tribute to Sacrifice
Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., who attended the event, paid tribute to the fallen and wounded personnel, citing their esacrifices play in the peace and security the country enjoys today.e
“We not only celebrate their heroism but also recognize the strength and sacrifices of their families who stood steadfast behind them,” Defensor said, adding that the presence of the First Lady underscored the nation’s gratitude for these unsung heroes.
For his part, Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Jone Paulo Salvahan said the “Pagpupugay sa mga Bayani ng Bansang Makabayan” program has provided P895.25 million in aid since its inception in 2016.
“This program ensures that the immeasurable sacrifices of our modern heroes and their families do not go unnoticed,” Salvahan said./PN
