In celebration of National Heroes Day, President Rodrigo Duterte took time to recognize the efforts of unsung heroes wounded in operations against groups like the Abu Sayyaf and the New People’s Army (NPA).
64 soldiers received surprise gifts and words of inspiration from the president in a simple dinner held at the Malacañan Palace on Mon, Aug 29.
“My presidency will take care of you,” Duterte promised the wounded soldiers from Camp Siongco in Maguindanao and V. Luna’s Heroes Ward in Quezon City.
According to a report by GMA News, they were served chicken sotanghon, ensaladang talong, ginataang isda with mustasa, grilled seafood, mais con yelo, cassava cake, and durian tart at the Heroes Hall.
The President promised that the soldiers’ kids will get free education from kindergarten to college. He also reiterated that the financial assistance for the soldiers will continue.
Injured soldier 2nd Lt. Jerome Jacuba, who was blinded by an IED blast during clearing operations in Maguindanao, received a laptop, while Army Corporal Ralph Divino received a new electric wheelchair.
The rest of the soldiers each received a Glock 30 pistol.
Duterte said that he wants the wounded soldiers to “travel another mile in their lives.”
“There is life after being wounded,” he said.
The commander-in-chief earlier met wounded soldiers confined in V. Luna Hospital’s Heroes Ward, where he first promised that he won’t abandon them.
