(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Tuesday, 10 December 2024) Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting the western section of Mindanao and Palawan. Shear Line affecting the eastern sections of Central and Southern Luzon. Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon and the rest of Central Luzon. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Moderate to Strong winds coming from East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Wednesday, 28 August 2024

Veterans office highlights major programs for clientele

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Field Service Office Annex - Butuan City explained its three major programs for the veterans and their dependents during the 13th episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas in Butuan City on August 20.

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)