on Friday announced a permanent bonus for young people performing military service in each branch of the country's Armed Forces—the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
The announcement was made during his speech at a ceremony marking the Battle of Arica’s 146th anniversary, the renewal of the oath of allegiance to the Flag, and a tribute to Francisco Bolognesi.
"From my government, I want to announce that we are going to start from the top down and from the bottom up; that is, provide for in the Republic's budget a permanent S/300 bonus for our soldiers serving in the Army, Navy, and Air Force," he stated.
The Head of State said many of these young people who enlist in voluntary military service return to poverty after completing their two-year term, without receiving follow-up support from the Peruvian State to help them secure a better future.
"If this payment becomes permanent, if this recognition becomes permanent as we intend starting today, it will serve as compensation for the service provided by these young people when they leave the Army, Navy, or Air Force," Balcazar pointed out.
"This is how we must begin, by paying tribute to our (national hero) Francisco Bolognesi and the soldiers who lost their lives in an uneven battle," he added.
The top official announced that his administration will seek a supplementary budget allocation so that the Army can acquire various goods and continue carrying out its activities.