Veterans office highlights major programs for clientele
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
When asked who are considered
veterans, PVAO's Assistant Financial Claims Examiner Dulce Vida B. Sta.
Iglesia, shared the two types of veterans saying, “First, a veteran
is any person who rendered military service in the land, sea or air forces of
the Philippines during the revolution against Spain, the Philippine American
War and World War II, including Filipino citizens who served with the allied
forces in Philippine territory.”
“Another type of veterans are retired
military personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) after World
War II,” Sta. Iglesia said, ensuring relevance and longevity of the services of
their office.
"Republic Act No. 65 (October 18, 1946) created the Philippine Veterans Board in the Department of National Defense, providing for the Filipino Veterans Bill of Rights which granted educational benefits, disability, and death pensions, as well as veterans preference in civil service examinations," she added.
Their mandate was established during
the 1987 constitutions of section 7, article XVI "The State shall provide
immediate and adequate care, benefits, and other forms of assistance to war
veterans and veterans of military campaigns, their surviving spouses and
orphans.
She recalled that in Section 13,
Article II says that "It shall inculcate in youth patriotism and
nationalism and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs."
Sta. Iglesia further revealed that as
of June 2024, they have 147,448 total number of pensioners. With this, Mindanao
shared a total of 21.92 percent or 32, 318 pensioners.
She also explained that the first
program is the Veterans Welfare and Benefits Administration. This program is
the frontline section of the PVAO Claims Division, which assists new claimants
applying for their pension and non-pension benefits. Program One encompasses
four types of pension benefits: old age, death, disability, and total
administrative disability pensions.
In addition, PVAO provides
non-pension benefits to veterans and their dependents, including
hospitalization and medical care, educational benefits, and burial assistance.
Veterans can access free hospitalization and medical care at the Veterans
Memorial Medical Center and 382 accredited government and private hospitals
nationwide, as PVAO’s advocacy ensures that no veteran pays for their own
medical care.
Next is the Veterans Affairs
Management, wherein PVAO and the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP)
held a joint dialogue with veterans in Cagayan on November 10, 2022, to address
regional concerns. This program includes veterans' empowerment initiatives,
achieved by strengthening veteran organizations and building a unified Filipino
veterans’ community. It also involves corporate governance reform, which
focuses on increasing participation in veterans' corporate affairs and
optimizing assets for veterans’ welfare.
Lastly, the Veterans Memorial and
Historical Preservation Program includes the development of national military
shrines, the recognition and memorialization of veterans through activities
such as awarding the US Congressional Gold Medal on October 19, 2022, and the
commemoration of historical military events. It also involves partnerships with
academic institutions for books and publications on Filipino heroism, as well
as engaging private sector organizations and foundations to recognize veterans'
self-sacrifice and valor.
Sta. Iglesia further highlighted a
major achievement, which include the provision of additional mortuary
assistance for veterans.
"All veterans residing in Butuan
City are now eligible for extra mortuary assistance. This is made possible
through Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Ordinance 6585-2022, which approved the
additional support. Our office also provides burial assistance for soldiers
upon their passing," she explained.
She also mentioned that through their
efforts in collaboration with the local government unit, the veterans will also
receive an annual recognition and an additional P5,000 cash gift during the Day
of Valor celebrations every year.
She noted that PVAO's burial
assistance is valued at P20,000, and veterans residing in Butuan City are
eligible for an additional P10,000.
As of July 2024, the pensioner density at their field office in Butuan is 3,222, which presents a significant challenge for the two personnel assigned there. Despite this, their dedication to their work allows them to demonstrate their capabilities, consistently providing their clients with the best service possible. (KKG/JPG, PIA-Agusan del Sur)
