Pension and Gratuity Management Center, AFP

1st VeteRide 2026: Riding as One for Our Veterans

HEROES MOBILE APPLICATION

𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃: 𝐏𝐆𝐌𝐂 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐖𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐎

For more than 50 years, generations of Filipinos in Mindanao lived through fear, uncertainty, and conflict. Children grew up hearing gunfire instead of lullabies. Families slept through restless nights uncertain of what the next day would bring. Soldiers left their homes never knowing if they would return to their loved ones. Many never did.

Long before roads became safe and communities reopened to opportunity and progress, countless Filipino servicemen and women stood in the line of fire so future generations would no
longer have to. Some sacrificed years away from their families. Others carried wounds beyond what the eyes could see. Many came home draped in the Philippine flag.

The Pension and Gratuity Management Center (PGMC), Armed Forces of the Philippines, under the leadership of Commodore Luideger C Casis PN, led the Pension Caravan in Jolo, Sulu and
Zamboanga City where one truth became impossible to ignore: the peace now being experienced across Western Mindanao was not achieved overnight. It was earned through decades of sacrifice, courage, and unwavering service.

Today, the same places once associated with terrorism and violence are slowly becoming symbols of resilience, recovery, tourism, and hope. Jolo, Sulu, once remembered for conflict and
instability, now welcomes visitors with peaceful communities, rich culture, and renewed dreams for the future.

This transformation did not happen by chance. It happened because brave men and women chose to stand their ground so others could live in peace. Behind every peaceful street is a soldier
who missed birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and precious moments with family in the line of duty. Behind every step toward progress are servicemen and women who endured exhaustion,
separation, and danger so that communities could finally move forward without fear. And behind every Philippine flag waving freely today are heroes. Some living, others fallen who defended it
with their lives.

The successful conduct of the PGMC Pension Caravan, which gathered more than 800 participants in Western Mindanao, served not only as a venue for pension-related services and assistance under the HEROES Program. It also became a reminder that the peace and freedoms many Filipinos enjoy today were built upon the sacrifices of generations of servicemen and women, alongside the resilience and cooperation of local communities who long prayed for an end to conflict.

The activity was made possible through the support of the Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) under Lieutenant General Donald M Gumiran PA and the 11th Infantry Division
(11ID) led by Major General Leonardo I Peña PA, whose continued commitment to peace and stability strengthens the bond between the military and the people they serve.

At a time when division, politics, and personal interests often dominate society, may we never forget those who chose service above self. The soldiers who stood watch while the nation slept
peacefully, the families who silently carried the burden of separation, and the fallen heroes whose sacrifices allowed future generations to live with hope instead of fear.

Because somewhere in Mindanao, where conflict once defined daily life, children can now laugh freely, communities can dream again, and peace can finally begin writing a better future. And
perhaps the greatest tribute we can offer to every Filipino soldier who sacrificed for this country is “To never forget why they fought and to build a nation worthy of their sacrifice”.

Congratulations to Team PGMC 🫡