LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Pangasinan pays its deepest respect to the 25 remaining living World War II veterans. With this, a fitting tribute for their bravery, patriotism, and heroism will serve as the centerpiece of the 80th Lingayen Gulf Landings celebration on January 9.
The oldest living testament of WWII in the province is a 108-year-old veteran from Calasiao, Pangasinan, named Valentin Mamanta Untalan.
Joining Lolo Valentin are eight other centenarians who, like him, braved WWII valiantly. Six veterans are aged 99; two are aged 98; seven are 97; and one is aged 94.
On the 80th year of commemorating their heroism, the provincial government will award them with financial assistance. It has been a tradition that these Pangasinan heroes received an annual financial gift. They are treated with free medical checkups as well.
Aside from this, the provincial government also awards cash incentives of P20,000 to centenarians with the support of the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO). Six of the war veterans have already received their cash grants, while the other three have just submitted their required documents and will be scheduled to receive their cash incentives.
Here is the complete list of the WWII veterans that are still with us to date:
Name Town/City Age
1. Valentin Mamanta Untalan, Calasiao, 108
2. Adriano Sinlao Salomon, San Carlos City, 104
3. Hospicio Ninobla Mallari, Mapandan, 103
4. Pedro Fernandez Fernandez, Sta. Barbara, 102
5. Serapio Medrano Placido, Bayambang, 102
6. Victorina Garcia Urmaza, Binmaley, 101
7. Eduardo Gabiola Caerlan, Bayambang, 100
8. Adriano Gabiola Herrera, Bayambang, 100
9. Federico Carbonel Villon, Alcala, 100
10. Raymundo Manaois Cabrera, Dagupan City, 99
11. Gabaldon Castil Cacho, Anda, 99
12. Candido Marzan Fabia, Urdaneta City, 99
13. Ricardo Cariaga Manzano Sr., Sto. Tomas, 99
14. Santiago Defunturum Nonay, Sual, 99
15. Andres Nipales Ramirez, San Quintin, 99
16. Adelaida Gabrillo Iglesias, Bayambang, 98
17. Efren Valentino Nivera, Agno, 98
18. Ernesto Cabaes Cantillo, Agno, 97
19. Godofredo Valencerina Dela Cruz, Labrador, 97
20. Daniel Mondok Drapete, Tayug, 97
21. Narciso Bugayong Fabiculanan, Bugallon, 97
22. Constantino Jose Palos, Natividad, 97
23. Juan Malubay Santiago, Rosales, 97
24. Fernando Divina Sison, Asingan, 97
25. Pedro Nayan Corpuz, Agno, 94
Giving emphasis to patriotism, Governor Ramon V. Guico III stated during the 2024 celebration that it is something essential in us, Filipinos. Hence, he earlier said, it should be the responsibility of all leaders and all nations to promote the love of one’s country, being the driver and lifeblood of any nation.
“Our veterans are the most important example of patriotism. We will not be enjoying the freedom that we have today if not for the sacrifices and patriotism of our dear veterans,” he previously said. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
