CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) enhances support for veterans in Central Luzon through comprehensive programs that improve their welfare and access to benefits.
During the 13th episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency, PVAO Field Service Office Pampanga Veterans Assistance Officer Joanna Mariz Manlapaz emphasized the office’s commitment to enhancing the welfare and benefits of veterans through three core areas, including Veterans Welfare and Benefits Administration, Veterans Affairs Management, and Veterans Memorial and Historical Preservation.
Under the Veterans Welfare and Benefits Administration program, the office offers various pension benefits, including old age, death, disability, and total administrative disability pensions.
In addition to pensions, PVAO provides essential non-pension benefits for veterans and their dependents.
“These benefits include veterans’ hospitalizations, medical care programs, educational assistance, and burial support,” Manlapaz shared.
The veterans hospitalizations and medical care program ensures that veterans receive free hospitalization and medical services at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center and 382 accredited government and private hospitals nationwide.
Moreover, this program extends its reach by offering medical assistance to veterans for expenses incurred in non-partner hospitals, reinforcing PVAO’s advocacy that no veteran should bear the costs of their own medical care.
Furthermore, the Veterans Affairs Management programs include the Veterans Empowerment Program, which strengthens veterans’ organizations and fosters a unified Filipino veterans community, and the Reforms and Veterans Corporate Governance Program, which increases veteran participation in corporate affairs and optimizes the management of veterans’ assets for their benefit.
The office’s Veterans Memorial and Historical Preservation program emphasizes recognizing and memorializing sacrifices.
“We have spearheaded awarding ceremonies, including the one in Nueva Ecija and Bataan, for the conferment of the United States Congressional Gold Medals to World War II veterans,” Manlapaz remarked, highlighting the importance of honoring those who served.
Veterans with concerns or questions can visit PVAO field service offices located at Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City, the One Stop Shop Processing Center in Clark Freeport Zone, or the Office of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development in Orani, Bataan.
Additionally, application forms for PVAO’s various programs are available for download on their website at www.pvao.gov.ph.
Through these programs, the office continues to demonstrate its dedication to serving and uplifting the lives of Filipino veterans and their families. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
