Filipino World War II veteran honored on his 100th birthday

World War II veteran Bert Pumento turned 100 on July 12, 2024. CONTRIBUTED

WASHINGTON – The Filipino Veterans Recognition & Education Project (FilVetREP) honored World War II veteran Bert Pumento on his 100th birthday on July 12, 2024.

The centenarian celebrated his special day with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren at a tourist resort in Lipa, Batangas, Philippines. He has been living with one of his children in San Francisco, California.

Pumento served with Filipino guerrillas during WWII in Leyte. He later joined the Philippine Scouts (US Army). On October 25, 2017, he was among dozens of Filipino WWII veterans who were honored at the US Capitol’s Emancipation Hall, where the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to over 250,000 Filipino and Filipino American veterans who fought alongside American troops in WWII.

Pumento’s granddaughter, Christine Garcia Pabico, president of the Philippine Nurses Association of DC, was at the ceremony with her daughter, Lauren.

Four generations of Bert Pumento’s family celebrate his 100th birthday. Photo from Christine Pabico

“It was a priceless gift to hear him share his stories,” Pabico said. “It made me realize how there was so much about his past we did not know. I am more in awe of him now, hearing what he and his comrades went through at such a young age. The Congressional Gold Medal ceremony was an enduring lesson about sacrifice, courage, resilience, triumph and fruits of perseverance.”

Pumento’s birthday was a weeklong celebration and family reunion of four generations, replete with dinner parties, dancing and excursions. “Grandpa Bert is still so full of energy,” Pubico said.

After the war, Pumento worked for the Veterans Administration, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Peace Corps and the University of Hawaii, where he retired after 23 years of service. During his retirement, he was active with the Knights of Rizal and various other Philippine organizations.

FilVetREP Chairman Maj. Antonio Taguba (ret.) honored Pumento on his 100th birthday, saying the service and heroism of Pumento and his comrades inspired “Duty to Country.”  This online education program tells the untold story of Filipino soldiers who fought under the American flag.

“We don’t want memories of World War II to disappear from living history,” Taguba said. “Mr. Pumento is a living memory and we congratulate him for his resilience and reaching this milestone in his life. To have served his family, community and country is a fitting tribute to his valor and selfless sacrifice.”