The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on third and final reading a measure declaring April of every year as Philippine Veterans Month, setting aside a full month to honor Filipino veterans and reaffirm the country’s obligation to recognize their service, sacrifice and patriotism.

Voting 218 House Bill (HB) No. 7301 was approved overwhelmingly reflecting broad support in the chamber for strengthening institutional recognition of veterans’ contributions to nation-building and the defense of freedom.

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, one of the principal authors of the measure alongside Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, of Ilocos Norte said the proposed law gives Filipinos a wider platform to remember and honor those who served the country in times of war and conflict.

“Let’s pay tribute to them and recognize their bravery and heroism and the sacrifices they have made for our country so we can enjoy freedom,” Marcos noted. 

The bill was deliberated on and approved under the leadership and guidance of Speaker Dy, whose stewardship of the House helped ensure smooth committee deliberations and timely action at the plenary, consistent with the chamber’s push to advance measures honoring national service and sacrifice.

Marcos, who as Majority Leader actively steered the bill through the plenary, said the proposed law reinforces the Constitution’s mandate for the State to care for Filipino veterans, not only through symbolic gestures but through concrete programs and sustained support.

“During this whole month of celebration, let us conduct programs and activities in recognition of our veterans. More importantly, let us provide the benefits and services due them,” Marcos added.

Aside from Speaker Dy and Majority Leader Marcos, the other authors of HB No. 7301 include former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of Pampanga, TUCP Party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza and Reps. Rudy Caogdan of North Cotabato, Yevgeny Vicente Emano of Misamis Oriental, and Dibu S. Tuan of South Cotabato. 

Under HB No. 7301, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Department of National Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Health, Department of Education and other relevant agencies are mandated to lead and coordinate activities in observance of Philippine Veterans Month.

These activities are intended to highlight veterans’ patriotic sacrifices and underscore their role in safeguarding the country and the Filipino people, while also strengthening public awareness of veterans’ welfare and entitlements.

Local government units, other state offices and private organizations are encouraged to support and participate in commemorative programs and activities throughout the month of April, fostering a whole-of-society approach to honoring veterans.

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, the Department of National Defense and other concerned agencies are tasked to issue the implementing rules and regulations for the law.