Developmental challenges confronting the Philippines are like the threats that veterans of World War II fought to free the country from foreign domination.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said on Monday the country is still facing threats despite enjoying freedom.

“So let us mark this day, March 18, 2024, to renew our vows together with our veterans, together with our Armed Forces of the Philippines, together with our Philippine National Police, and together with the rest of our people. Let us continue in our fight for the defense of our country,” Defensor said in his message during the commemoration of the 79th year of the Liberation of Panay, Guimaras, and Romblon held at Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine in Jaro district.

The governor cited climate change, storms, floods, drought due to the El Niño phenomenon, La Niña, food security, and the educational system as among the current challenges to full development.

“The best way to honor the sacrifices of our veterans is to continue the fight, and finish the fight, and eventually see the Philippines as a truly free country, not only free from foreign domination but freedom from poverty and other threats that we are facing right now. Again, the best defense against the threats we are facing right now is development, and development is urgent,” he added.

The commemoration was highlighted by the conferment of the World War II Service Medals to eight living war veterans and five posthumous awardees.

The living veterans are Corporal Simon Hinola; Private First Class Gregorio De Asis, Claro Daulo, Abello Eler and Esperidion Dalida; Private Angeles Calmorin and Resurrecion Salazar; and Sgt. Pablo Balsamo.

Hinola and De Asis are both 99 years old; Daulo, Eler, and Calmorin, 100 years old, Dalida and Salazar, 103 years old, and Balsamo, 105 years old.

The posthumous awardees are Sgt Nicolas Pulmones; and Private Joaquin Katipunan, Filomeno Flamiano, Potenciano Madrigal, and Francisco Dimalaluan.

There are 14 living World War II veterans in Panay and Guimaras whose ages range from 99 to 105, and 7,000 post-war veterans.

The commemoration started with the flag-raising and the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Balantang Shrine by guests, including descendants of the veterans.

Proclamation No. 430 signed by President Corazon C. Aquino in 1989 declared March 18 of every year as Victory Day in Panay and Romblon, a special non-working day to commemorate the liberation of the islands from Japanese forces and the valor of the Free Panay Guerilla Forces. (PNA)