Pangasinan to honor oldest living war veteran

ALCALA, Pangasinan, Philippines  – A centenarian from this town will be honored as the oldest living war veteran during the province’s commemoration of the 66th anniversary of the historic Lingayen Gulf Landing and Veterans Day tomorrow in the capital town of Lingayen.

“I’m very happy,” said Glicerio Valdez of Barangay San Nicolas this town who turned 100 last Dec. 22.

On his birthday, Valdez, or Lolo Iyong to his family, received a letter greeting him from the US Social Security Administration. A US representative visits him from time to time, the last was in May, to check if he is still alive.

Alcala Mayor Manuel Collado, who volunteered to accompany this writer to the Valdez residence, as one of the old man’s four children was his classmate, said the municipal council would also pass a resolution lauding him for his exploits and contributions as a war veteran, and honor him as an outstanding son of Alcala in May.

In the book “War Memoirs of the Alcala Veterans” written by Alberto Marquez, Valdez recounted his stint with the US 57th Infantry Regiment where he was a sergeant of the Philippine Scouts-US Army.

Valdez recalled their encounters with the Japanese Imperial forces and how “we fought valiantly with our rifles and machine guns against the rifles, tanks and armored cars of the enemy.”

Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman, provincial health officer who heads this year’s Veterans’ Day celebration, said this is the first time that they launched a search for the oldest living war veteran in the province.

Gov. Amado Espino Jr. would award Valdez with a plaque, memorabilia, and a medical gift certificate for medicine and diagnostic services worth P10,000. – With Cesar Ramirez