BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR
During the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Baguio, congressional candidate and city councilor Engr. Isabelo “Poppo” Cosalan Jr. honored the bravery and sacrifices of World War II veterans and pledged to advocate for greater health support for the few surviving veterans.
“Today, we enjoy peace, we do our daily lives, we go to school, we raise our families because of these veterans who sacrificed their lives, many of them died in action, and today in Baguio City, we celebrate the 88th anniversary of the liberation of Baguio city. Whatever our plan for the development of Baguio this was all possible by all of the veterans who defended Baguio,” said Cosalan.
Cosalan, whose family has a deep military legacy, recalled the contributions of his forebears.
His grandfather, Tomas Cosalan, served as a second lieutenant under the F Company of the 66th Battalion, alongside his older brother Enrique and younger brother Andres Acop Cosalan.
After the war, Andres became a lawyer and served Baguio and Benguet as a congressman.
Cosalan highlighted the importance of passing down these stories to future generations to ensure that the sacrifices made for freedom are never forgotten.
“Today we had the privilege and the pleasure of meeting veterans, we should look into their concerns also in as much as they were in their later years, and if ever we can them the government should extend assistance to them, especially in the area of health,” he mentioned.
He stressed that the peace and opportunities enjoyed today are thanks to the heroes who defended the city.
During the celebration, Cosalan met 98-year-old Ernesto Luis, one of the remaining WWII veterans who fought during Baguio’s liberation.
Inspired by these living heroes, Cosalan emphasized the need to provide more government assistance, especially healthcare support, for aging veterans, many of whom are already in their 90s or older.
He said helping the surviving veterans is a way of honoring their sacrifices and expressing the gratitude of the present generation.
