War vet: Today’s youth lack zeal

CEBU, Philippines - If top rank World War II veteran retired Col. Manuel Segura were to assess, the youth of today lacks the zeal of his times.

Segura said this when he spoke in front of co-veterans, city officials, and fellow Cebuanos during yesterday’s celebration of Araw ng Kagi-tingan.

But the war survivor signified optimism that this will change.

“Sa umaabot nga panahon, maisog ra unya na sila,” he told reporters.

Segura, along with 12 other veterans graced the Araw ng Kagitingan commemorative activity hosted by the Cebu city government through its Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC).

Floral offering and 21 gun salute were given to all veterans who selflessly fought against the Japanese occupation during the World War II.

In an interview after the short ceremony, Mayor Michael Rama seconded Segura’s observation.

“Tungod man gud na sa mga gadgets, kanang mag download na ug mga butang ang mga batan-on ug mga dili improtanteng butang nga makalimot na sila how to show their love for their country,” Rama said.

The mayor also observed that perhaps this happened because of  lapses on the part of the family and school in terms of values formation.

Despite this, Rama is positive that the distracted youth will be awakened in the near future.

Meanwhile, the mayor reiterated in front of the veterans his intention of increasing their burial assistance from P25,000 to P50,000.

“The existing amount has been around long time ago. It is time for an increase. Sauna, daghan pa ni sila mu-attend. As you can see, nagkagamay nalang intawn sila,” he added.

The existing resolution allocating P25,000 for every veteran has yet to be amended either by Councilor Edgar Labella or Councilor Joey Daluz, Rama said.

According to the Veterans Federation of the Philippines District Commander Second Cebu City Veterans District secretary Angelo Alo, there are about 400 recognized veterans in the city.

This is among the total 1,000 in the Central Visayas with about 700 from Cebu Province. — /MBG (FREEMAN)