The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) joined the 81st Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings through a series of activities honoring the heroism and sacrifices of Filipino World War II veterans and their Allied counterparts.
In partnership with the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP), PVB opened the War of Our Fathers: A Brotherhood of Heroes exhibit on October 19, 2025, at the newly inaugurated VFP Veterans Center in Palo, Leyte. The exhibit includes a showcase of rare World War II photographs and stories of the people of Leyte, together with other Filipino soldiers and guerillas, who fought during the war. It will remain open to the public until November 2, 2025.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by PVB Chairman Emmanuel Herbosa, PVB President Eulogio Catabran III, VFP President MGen. Romeo Alamillo (Ret.), PVAO Deputy Administrator for Operations ASec. Domingo C. Carbonell Jr, Provincial Board Member Hon. Raissa Villasin, who represented Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, and Leyte Tourism Consultant and former Palo Mayor Ms. Frances Anne Petilla.
As a gesture of partnership with VFP, PVB donated a commemorative mural highlighting the heroism of Filipino guerrillas and the history of Leyte during World War II. The artwork, now permanently displayed at the new Veterans Center, symbolizes the enduring collaboration between both institutions in keeping alive the stories of courage and sacrifice of our veterans.
On the eve of the anniversary, Chairman Herbosa, together with PVB officials, attended the Barrio Fiesta hosted by the Municipality of Palo. The festive cultural event showcased Leyte’s hospitality and vibrant traditions, bringing together local leaders, guests, and descendants of veterans in celebration of the province’s role in the nation’s liberation.
On October 20, 2025, PVB officials joined the commemoration rites at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, led by the Provincial Government of Leyte. PVB Chairman Emmanuel Herbosa and President Eulogio Catabran III participated alongside representatives from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), the diplomatic corps, and various veterans’ organizations. The ceremony paid tribute to Filipino and Allied soldiers whose valor paved the way for the country’s freedom.
Culminating the day’s observance, Chairman Herbosa, PVB Director Gen. Reynaldo Velasco (Ret.), and Leyte Governor Petilla led the awarding of cash incentives and plaques of recognition to 11 living World War II veterans during the commemorative luncheon hosted by the Provincial Government of Leyte. The 11 awardees, some of them already centenarians, were recognized for their bravery and heroism during the war. They are as follows:
- Cornelio Gandia Dacuno
- Priscila Rivera Ayllon
- Loreto Lauzon Yepes
- Eleuteria Basas Cabacungan
- Gregoria Equipaje Badeo
- Bonifacio Jervoso Ocana Sr.
- Teofilo Canete Advincula
- Josefa Cazar Festejo
- Paula Teoco Lim
- Eugenia Miole Maglinte
- Teofilo Sanchez Nuevo
