‘Only 12 in CAR and just 440 in the country are still alive among World War 2 soldiers - VPH National Pres. Mendoza calls on stronger policies and social welfare for veterans

Baguio City, Philippines – As the observance of Araw ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans Week concluded, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker and Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) National President Rep. Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza renewed his call for concrete measures to assist the country’s remaining World War II (WWII) veterans, including 12 in the Cordillera region.

As reported by the Philippine Information Agency–CAR, Mendoza made the statement during the 84th Araw ng Kagitingan rites held in Baguio City on April 8, 2026, where various stakeholders gathered to honor the courage and sacrifices of Filipino soldiers during World War II.

Mendoza emphasized that recognition of veterans must go beyond commemorative ceremonies, stressing the need for stronger policies that will directly improve their welfare.

Among the measures he cited were enhanced pensions, expanded healthcare services, and sustained social support for aging veterans—many of whom are now centenarians.

“While fewer than 500 World War II veterans remain alive today, our responsibility to remember and act grows greater. Their courage is not just a story of the past; it is a living legacy that continues to inspire us,” he was quoted as saying.

Mendoza also pushed for the passage of a measure declaring April as Philippine Veterans Month, which aims to strengthen nationwide efforts to honor veterans through memorial activities, social services, and educational programs for the youth.

The WWII veterans

Data reported by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) show that the number of surviving veterans has significantly declined over the years, particularly in the Cordillera, where only 12 remain today. According to Philippine Veterans Bank First Vice President Miguel Angelo “Mike” Villa-Real, only 440 veterans remain alive nationwide, down from 566 in 2025.

Although exact figures are unavailable, historians estimate that thousands of Igorot and Ilocano fighters joined the resistance against Japanese forces in Northern Luzon during World War II.

As the number of surviving veterans continues to decline, authorities have stressed the urgency of translating remembrance into sustained and meaningful support. With only 12 veterans left in the Cordillera and fewer than 500 nationwide, leaders underscored that the passage of time makes their welfare an even greater responsibility for the present generation.