Government Recognizes 300 Families of Heroes

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The government honored 300 families of fallen and wounded uniformed personnel under the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP) during the “Pagpupugay sa mga Bayani ng Bansang Makabayan” assembly on Wednesday, November 20, at Diversion 21 Hotel.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with other government agencies, organized the event, bringing together beneficiaries from eight regions, including Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the ceremony, which honored the heroism of uniformed personnel and recognized the resilience of their families.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. highlighted the significance of the gathering as a testament to the nation’s gratitude for its defenders.

“We not only celebrate their heroism, but we also recognize the strength and sacrifice of families who stood steadfast behind them. Their sacrifices are etched in the heart of every Filipino who enjoys the peace and security they fought for,” Defensor said.

DILG Region VI Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero described the event as a tribute to those who gave their lives or endured injuries in service to the country, while raising awareness about the CSBP.

The CSBP, established through Executive Order No. 1104, provides assistance to families of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

Beneficiaries receive financial aid, shelter, employment, medical assistance, and educational benefits.

Since its inception in 2016, the program has granted PHP 895.25 million in assistance, according to Jon Paulo Salvahan, Interior and Local Government undersecretary for peace and order.

Salvahan emphasized the importance of ensuring no sacrifice goes unrecognized, describing the contributions of uniformed personnel as “immeasurable and unquantifiable.”

One of the beneficiaries, 72-year-old Dominga Parenas from Dumalag, Capiz, whose son, an Army soldier, was killed in action in 2019, expressed her gratitude upon receiving a house and lot certificate.