volume 9 ,issue no 4. / december 2016 ... -...

SERBISYO SA BETERANO, SERBISYO SA BAYAN.

VOLUME 9, ISSUE NO. 4/ DECEMBER 2016

11 November 2016, Limketkai Center, Cagayan De Oro—More than 2,000 veterans and dependents benefitted from the medical outreach mission during the celebration of the Veterans Day of Northern Mindanao, an annual event spearheaded by the Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corporation (PHIVIDEC) Industrial Authority, a public corporation mandated by Presidential Decree No. 538 to preserve and enhance the well-being of its stakeholders, especially the veterans and retirees of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Department of National Defense (DND)-Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) joined the celebration, which aims to honor veterans and to provide venue for fellowship of the veterans of Northern Mindanao. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

Sec. Lorenzana informed the attendees about the Veterans Hospitalization and Medical Care Program (VHMCP), a program of DND-PVAO with the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) which aims to improve the welfare and well-being of veterans.

“In 2014, DND signed a memorandum with the Department of Health (DOH) to revitalize VHMCP that will benefit about half a million beneficiaries nationwide. The agreement aims to improve your access to quality healthcare, including your qualified dependents, especially the majority of you who reside in the provinces. I hope that you have benefitted and will benefit from this renewed agreement,” Sec. Lorenzana said.

The VHMCP is DND’s initiative to pursue the advocacy that “No veteran shall pay for his own medicine,” he emphasized. Relatedly, the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority has donated some five hectares of land to be the site of a Veterans Hospital in Mindanao.

Duly assisted by Usec. Carolina, the Defense Secretary also led the awarding of five oldest veterans in Northern Mindanao namely: Manuel Cunada, 93; Sulpicio Cabasan, 94; Aligondo Dagondon, 94; Marciano Avila, 99; and Marcelo Polonia, 104.

PVAO also put up a help desk and distributed ambulatory and reading devices to veterans; 24 wheelchairs, 20 walkers, 80 canes, and 400 eyeglasses were given away./N.Labang

SND Joins More Than 2,000 Veterans in Historic Assembly

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VOL. 9, ISSUE NO. 4, 2016

PVAO Conferred GQM Award

10 November 2016, Malate, Manila—The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), represented by Usec. Ernesto Carolina AFP (Ret) and Deputy Administrator Raul Caballes AFP (Ret), received an award at the 4th Government Quality Management Committee (GQMC) Recognition Ceremony at the Land Bank of the Philippines Auditorium, Manila for its established 4-year Quality Management System (QMS) certification with the ISO 9001:2008 Standard for the Adjudication of Pension Claims, and in compliance with Executive Order No. 605, s. 2007.

The GQMC Chairman and Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno personally handed the recognition award to the PVAO Administrator who was joined by the Deputy Administrator during the awarding ceremony. Earlier, the DBM Secretary discussed the brief background of the ISO 9001 Standard and its importance to the government. The ISO 9001 Standard provides a model for setting up a quality management system that is not certainly perfect but has been proven effective, since 1987. Such system is applicable to all types of organizations such as the government. Through this practice, the “government aims to ensure that our services fulfill the needs and expectations of the Filipino people. But beyond satisfying the needs and expectations, we also strive to exceed their expectations as we continually improve the way we do things in government.”

The PVAO-administered hospital, the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), is also one of the 191 awardees,

being recognized for its comprehensive health care service for the veterans and their dependents; it was first certified in 26 August 2013. The award was received by Dr. Dominador Chiong, Jr., M.D., Chief of Medical Professional Staff of the VMMC, and Chairperson of the Veterans Hospitalization and Medical Care Program (VHMCP) Committee of PVAO.

From its foundation up to the present, PVAO has been aiming to give better service to its clients through further improvements in its processes, programs, and policies. In 2013, PVAO enrolled for certification at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as its compliance to the Philippine Defense Reform facilitated by the Office of Defense Reforms (ODR) of the Department of National Defense (DND).

PVAO was first audited in 26 May 2013 by the Anglo-Japanese-American (AJA) Registrars Inc., an independent international certifying body. The Stage 1 audit included the assessment of the documentation of the Quality Management System, evaluation of the office location and other site-specific conditions, verification of personnel’s understanding of the requirements of the ISO 9001:2008 Standard with respect to identification of key performance aspects, processes, objectives and operations of the management system, and auditing of the Top Management responsibility clauses, to name a few.

This audit was succeeded by the Stage 2 or the Main Audit in 25-26 June 2013 which evaluated, to name a few, the

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effectiveness of the PVAO Quality Management System for Adjudication of Pension Claims through the audit of information and objective evidence of conformity to the Standard, assessment of performance monitoring, measuring, reporting and reviewing against key performance objectives and targets, and evaluation of the management system against compliances and policies.

These first two audits were surpassed by PVAO, thus succeeded by a Stage 3 or Surveillance Audit in 28 July 2014. The said audit focused on the support systems of the QMS and verified the Executive Committee and Management Committee’s commitment to maintain the QMS and further improve policies and programs. Audit of customer satisfaction, complaints handling, and client feedback mechanisms were also made. Stage 3 audit results revealed that there were no irregularities and non-conformities against the set standard for certification, securing PVAO an ISO recertification for 2014. The third party audit was made in 15 July 2015 by the AJA Registrars, which embarked PVAO on its third year of certification.

The Government Quality Management Committee is currently composed of the Department of Budget and Management Secretary (DBM) as Chair, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary as Co-Chair, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary, Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) President, and Office of the President-Internal Audit Office Deputy Executive Secretary as members. The Committee was organized pursuant to Executive Order No. 605, s. 2007 to institutionalize the structure, mechanisms and standards

to implement the Government Quality Management Program, which aims to promote and enhance public sector performance, develop an institutional infrastructure, establish the Citizen’s Charter, and recognize citizen-driven government organizations.

This recognition is a testament to PVAO’s Quality Policy of knowing the veterans and their needs, partnering with veterans organizations and other institutions, sustaining a responsive service delivery system, and continually make improvements in its services and procedures for the benefit of its clients. Through the practice of complying with the ISO 9001 Standard, employees now work better which lead to the achievement and maintenance of the QMS through the years./A.Crescini

PVAO Conferred GQM.... Page 2

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75th VFP Supreme Council Meeting Held:SND Calls For Genuine Cooperation From All Veterans

18-20 November 2016, Manila—The Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) held its 75th Supreme Council Meeting at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel, Manila. The invited Guest of Honor and Speaker was Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana who, unfortunately, was not able to attend as he was in Lima, Peru with the President for the APEC meeting. He was represented by Usec. Ernesto Carolina, Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).

“I am aware of all the good and not-so-good things that happened to our veterans in the past and until at present. I am also cognizant of the various administrative problems affecting our veterans, these include our umbrella organization—the VFP—that have been the beneficiary of many reforms initiated by the DND to correct certain deficiencies,” said Secretary Lorenzana in his message read by Usec. Carolina.

“While we continue to institute corrective actions in our Federation, I trust that the purity of our purpose and clarity of our direction shall give solutions to our problems that will accrue to our common benefit as members of our veterans’ family. The VFP and our veterans’ organizations should jointly work shoulder to shoulder in solving the problems affecting our veterans. The key solution is the genuine cooperation among all of us,” the SND added.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Justice Manuel Pamaran said: “May this occasion reverberate not only in the halls of Congress but also in the hearts and minds of our national leaders especially to our legislators so that the veterans who fought for the freedom and democracy of our country, despite uncontrollable hardship and untold danger, will be given the proper rewards that they truly deserve—that the Php 5,000 monthly pension they are receiving be increased so that they can enjoy the love, freedom, and happiness of the country they fought for by living in comfort and ease.”

Among the highlights of the three-day meeting which was presided by the VFP Acting President Col. Bonifacio de Gracia (Ret.) were as follows: 1) the confirmation of the twenty resolutions of the Executive Board; 2) presentation of reports of each veteran leader from charter, affiliate, and regional veterans organizations; 3) presentation of financial status of the VFP; 4) reports on medical missions conducted by VFP; and 5) report of regional and joint assemblies participated in by VFP. President De Gracia also informed the delegates that VFP membership has rose to 56.83%. VFP members who are non-PVAO pensioners but are AFP retirees below 65 years old have increased dramatically from 1,579 as reported six months ago, to 2,571, thus giving the Federation 1,461 more members.

As a support to the occasion, PVAO set up a help desk to update the participants of the services of the agency and to assist them on their concerns with the frontline divisions. Atty. Rolando Villaflor, Chief of Legal Affairs Division, presented a briefing on the legislative initiatives for the welfare of veterans that are filed at the 17th Congress, which includes the bill seeking to increase the monthly old age pension of World War II veterans to Php 20,000. Mr. Ferdinand Palor, Chief of Finance Division, gave updates on the status of payment of Total Administrative Disability (TAD).

About 200 veteran leaders representing different posts, districts, and regions participated as delegates./N.Labang

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1 From the VFP President’s Report

For comments / questions / suggestions / or Contributions, write to: PVAO Public Affairs Office

Office of the Administrator Landline: 02-9124526 / 02- 9124728 Website: http://www.pvao.mil.ph

E-mail: [email protected] & [email protected] si Administrator: PVAO<space>message send to 2920

Facebook: Philippine Veterans Affairs OfficeTune-in to “VETERANS’ HOUR” radio program, 1-2 PM every Tuesday and Thursday at DWDD,

1134 kHz - AM or watch the real time live streaming at http://www.afpradio.ph

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SERBISYO SA BETERANO, SERBISYO SA BAYAN.


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72nd Anniversary of Leyte Landings Commemorated

LtGen. Raul Del Rosario, Commander of the Central Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. “72 years ago, Filipinos, Australians, Americans and Japanese were warring parties. Fast forward to November 2013, these multinationals, with the inclusion of other countries, again land in Leyte but not as enemies but as friends helping the victims of the super typhoon Yolanda. Our once antagonists in the great war, this time united as friends. This ceremony gives us the opportunity to extend goodwill to once our enemies. Let us honor the peace that has reigned in these countries,” he said.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the lighting and passing of the torch from a World War II veteran to the youth, a symbol of the succession of duty in the protection of peace and freedom. The diplomatic corps and other officials of the government also offered wreaths and twenty-one volley shots to the monument of General Douglas MacArthur. The flags of the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the United States were raised to signify friendship and international cooperation.

Mayor Remedios Petilla of the Municipality of Palo welcomed the guests and gave a brief account of the tragedies that Leyte bore witness to. “We are recovering from a great calamity three years ago and we were able to recover beautifully and as fast as we could because we came out winners in a great war that happened 72 years ago,” she said.

Representing PVAO Administrator LtGen. Ernesto Carolina, MGen. Alfredo Cayton, Jr. AFP (Ret), Chief of the Veterans Affairs Management Division, expressed solidarity with the people of Leyte, to the veterans, and to the future defenders. “We also express solidarity to the future veterans—our youth. As they take pride in the great historic past and the bravery of their forefathers, may they become the new breed of our nation’s defenders and steer this country towards peace and prosperity,” he said.

Also present in the event were Justice Manuel Pamaran of the Board of Trustee of Veterans of World War II; Col. Bonifacio de Gracia of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP); Capt. Brad White of the Australian Embassy; Minister Atsushi Ueno of the Japanese Embassy; and Col. Kevin Wolfla of the U.S. Embassy.

PVAO also participated in the regional assembly of the VFP-Region VIII, held at a separate venue in Palo, Leyte. PVAO set up help desk that provided validation services, among others./N.Labang

20 October 2016, Leyte—The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) joined the veterans of Leyte in commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings. The event was themed “The Leyte Gulf Landings: A World-Historic Turn to Peace and Progress” and was attended by foreign diplomats and government officials.


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President Duterte Leads Observance of Rizal Day

30 December 2016, Rizal Park, Manila—President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the observance of the 120th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Monument, Rizal Park, Manila, with the theme “Rizal: Bayaning Global, Aydol ni Juan.”

In the message released by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), President Duterte emphasized that “Rizal is best honored when we regard him as a beacon and moral compass in these challenging and perilous times.” He also reminded and encouraged the Filipino people to “manifest the same fervour and dedication that moved and motivated Jose Rizal to action” and continue to emulate the traits of Rizal – to be “patriotic, faithful, and loyal to our Motherland.”

Highlights of the occasion were the early flag-raising ceremony and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal Monument. Other commemorative programs were also held in Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna, and in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, which were made possible by the efforts of the Rizal Day 2016 Inter-Agency Task Force, government agencies, local government units, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

Local government units and communities, government officials, and descendants of the Rizal clan were present at the ceremonies. Among the attendees were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff LtGen. Eduardo Año, and officials and personnel of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office represented by Administrator Ernesto Carolina. Members of the diplomatic corps, officials of the AFP and the PNP, the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) and other veterans’ organizations, and local community also witnessed the commemoration.

This year’s 120th anniversary commemoration was also celebrated by the conduct of different activities which include medical missions, historical conferences and lectures, choir competitions, to name a few.

Rizal Day was first observed in 1898, by virtue of a Decree issued by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo declaring

December 30th of every year a day of national mourning in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal and other victims of the Philippine Revolution. The first commemorative programs were held in Manila and Daet, Camarines Norte./A.Crescini

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in a huddle with the veterans at the Luneta Park.

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Assumption Students Salute War Heroes

17 November 2016, Taguig City—Students from the Assumption College-San Lorenzo, Makati had their chance of a lifetime for a meet and greet with our living heroes – the World War II veterans and some Philippine Army soldiers at the Philippine-Korea Friendship Center (PKFC). This annual activity, called Concrete Acts for Social Transformation (CAST), was organized by the Assumption College – Center for Social Involvement (CSI), in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).

The event was commenced by a solemn wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (TUKS), Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB), by representatives from the four sections of Grade 8 and the rest of the students offered a stem of white rose each. The ceremony was performed as a way of commemorating and honoring the hundreds of heroes laid in the said memorial park. A short windshield tour around the LNMB ensued. Thereafter, the girls were headed to the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) Memorial Hall for lunch, museum tour, and the program proper.

The activity was participated by 183 students from Assumption College, who were very eager to hear the stories of the living veteran heroes of the World War II. The girls asked various questions from ‘why the veterans and soldiers chose their profession,’ ‘what are the hardships and victories that come with the responsibility of protecting the country,’ to ‘what are their opinions on burying Marcos at the LNMB.’ PEFTOK veterans and World War II veterans present were Emerterio Pacate, Pedro Banaag, Porfirio Laguitan, Jose Quilatan Sr., Ricardo Sarinas, Jaime Cardano, Jovencio Dominguez, Bart Catolos, Victor dela Cruz, and Maximo Young. They also had the chance to hear the stories of soldiers who are currently serving our country. Some of the students went emotional upon hearing their struggles in war and their survival in those dangerous times.

The girls donned the veterans and soldiers with medals as tokens for their valued time and presence, while the veterans returned the

gesture by giving out small Philippine flags to the students as a symbol of passing-on the responsibility of taking care of our country.

“No amount of things could repay you for what you have done for our country,” said Nadine Salita, one of the students, in her thank you message.

The PVAO Administrator, Usec. Ernesto Carolina, was represented by BGen. Restituto Aguilar, Chief of the Veterans Memorial and Historical Division. “Please be good students and grow up to become good citizens. Remember that you are this nation’s future defenders—that means that tomorrow depends greatly on you. Please make sure that the sacrifices of the past defenders will not be put in vain,” BGen. Aguilar reminded the students.

CAST organized by Assumption College CSI aims to raise the students’ awareness on the social realities and issues confronting our society and to empower them to take action, and to strengthen the students’ teachable virtues, which for this year are decisiveness and fidelity to duty./N.Labang & A.Crescini

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VMMC Marks 61st Anniversary

23 November 2016, Quezon City—The Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), the lone medical facility for the veterans that is under the supervision of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), celebrated its 61st anniversary with the theme “VMMC: 61 Years of Changing Lives.”The event was led by VMMC officials namely, Dr. Nona Legaspi, Director; Dr. Dominador Chiong, Jr., Chief of Professional Staff; and Dr. Franklin Gali, Assistant Director. “The Veterans’ Day is one of the highlights of every VMMC celebration. This is the medical center’s way of paying tribute to the veterans. The VMMC is a monument that symbolizes the courage, bravery, and gallantry of the Filipino soldiers especially who fought during the World War II,” said Dr. Gali in his welcome remarks.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was the Guest of Honor and Speaker—he was represented by Usec. Ernesto Carolina, PVAO Administrator. Reading Secretary Lorenzana’s message, Usec. Carolina said: “We should remain steadfast in our commitment of ensuring the wellbeing of our veterans and keep their patriotic legacies ever-burning in the hearts of our countrymen. Let us give meaning to this responsibility, and continue to elevate the quality of services that we have for them here in this medical institution.”

Usec. Carolina also informed the veterans and VMMC staff that the DND budget had been approved, and it includes the budget for the Veterans Hospitalization and Medical Care Program (VHMCP). He likewise lauded the dynamism of VMMC leadership in improving its facilities such as the Medical Intensive Therapy Unit, Medical Intensive Care Unit, and the newly renovated Department of Pathology, which was inaugurated that same day.

The said Department boasts of its latest facilities, such as the fully automated urine particle analyzer, among others. It is also expected to provide VMMC with a laboratory at par with the laboratories of neighboring major hospitals./N.Labang

The inauguration of the newly renovated Department of Pathology.

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11 November 2016, Taguig City—The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), represented by Deputy Administrator MGen. Raul Caballes AFP (Ret), took part in the U.S. Veterans Day held at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. The Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was invited as Guest of Honor and Speaker who was represented by Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Retiree Affairs Eduardo del Rosario.

The U.S. Veterans Day, formally known as Armistice Day, is a U.S. legal holiday to honour those who served and portrayed bravery for the freedom that they now enjoy.

Filipino and American veterans groups, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Retired Veterans Association Inc. (AFPREVA), the Philippine Veterans Legions (PVL), and KAMPILAN Peacekeepers Association, Inc., were among those who participated.

Usec. Del Rosario served as the keynote speaker. In his speech, he said that the U.S. Veterans Day is about honouring the countless men and women who rendered military service under the American flag. He also emphasized that “we bring back to life the gallantry and heroism of the American and Filipino soldiers during World War II, and their indomitable courage and bravery against foreign invaders and enemies of democracy.”

Mr. Michael Klecheski, chargé d’ affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the United States of America gave his remarks. He stated that the U.S. Veterans Day is a day to remember the men and women who have taken-up armed defense to protect their country and dedicated their lives for freedom. He also pinpointed that these men and women share the common sense of patriotism and bravery. He also recognized and expressed his gratitude to the American and Filipino

veterans who fought side-by-side as friends and as allies to attain the freedom that we now enjoy.

Wreaths were offered by Mr. Klecheski and Usec. Del Rosario, followed by a 21-gun salute and retirement of colors, which capped off the ceremony./Y.Millena

Usec. Del Rosario Keynotes U.S. Veterans Day

50th Gen. Atienza Day Celebrated

8 October 2016, Libis, Quezon City—LtGen. Ernesto Carolina, Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), speaking as the Guest of Honor during the 50th Commemoration of General Atienza Day, called on every soldier “to follow the footsteps of Gen. Rigoberto J. Atienza, the 13th Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who focused on the military’s role as a fighting force and as an important partner in the socio-economic development of the country.

“Serve the nation fully and in the fading years of your life, we at PVAO, will look after your welfare and wellbeing and that of your families as well,” LtGen. Carolina said. He also commended the members of the 51st Engineering Brigade who were awarded by the General Atienza Memorial Foundation for exemplifying the following values: Military Professionalism, Spiritual and Moral Leadership, and Effective Parenting. He added that it is an admirable and honorable choice to have pursued military service and likewise expressed his hope that the soldiers may continue to draw inspiration from the good examples set by Gen. Atienza.

Also present were some of the members of the Atienza family. In her testimony, Pauline Atienza-Salvana, Gen. Atienza’s eldest granddaughter, said that in celebrating values through the Gen. Atienza Awards, the Atienza family also hopes to deliver a “healthy and happy family of military personnel.” “As we celebrate Lolo’s 50th anniversary today, please note that you have our family’s commitment to journey with you and your family,” she said.

The 51st Engineering Brigade, led by Col. Felipe Bejar, organized the event at Camp Atienza in Libis, which was named in General Atienza’s honor./N.Labang

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17 November 2016, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo—To show its gratitude for the pride they brought to the bureau, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) gave recognition to Educational Benefit (EB) scholars.This was led by Dr. Orlando Mercado, former Secretary of National Defense, who is currently the Secretary General of the Eastern Regional Organization for Public Administration (EROPA). He is a member of the PVAO Multi-Sectoral Governance Council, and was also an EB beneficiary of his late father Guillermo Mercado, a recognized guerrilla of the World War II.

Dr. Mercado emphasized that poverty should not be a hindrance in achieving one’s goal as he also experienced to have nothing, but his determination when he was still in school led him to success.

The recognition event was themed “Edukasyon Para sa Iskolar ng mga Bayani.” Eight of the awardees recently passed the board examinations this year, while the three of them graduated with honors in well-known universities. The awardees were indeed notable scholars who have given the nation honor and pride.

PVAO also acknowledged the partner educational institutions, such as the University of the Philippines Diliman, Adamson University, University of the East, Centro Escolar University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, and the Technological Institute of the Philippines for their unceasing support to the PVAO EB Scholars.

As a tribute to the patriotism and heroism of veterans and in support to their families, the Educational Benefit Program continuously aims to give financial assistance to children or grandchildren of veterans. The benefits include the payment of school fees not to exceed Php 36,000 per year (Php 18,000 per semester or Php 12,000 per trimester)./D.Moreno

Former SND Leads Recognition of PVAO Scholars

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PVAO SNAPSHOTS

22 December 2016, AFPCOC—During its 9th anniversary and Christmas Party, the Philippine Association of Soldiers, Widows, Parents, and Orphans (PASWPO) gives recognition to PVAO for its invaluable assistance to widows of veterans through the years.

22 December 2016, Veterans Center, Camp Aguinaldo—PVAO, led by Usec. Ernesto G. Carolina, joins the celebration of the Philippine Veterans Legion’s 70th Anniversary.

10 October 2016—Oath-taking of newly appointed employees.

12 October 2016—Meeting with delegates from the Korean Ministry of National Defense.

13 October 2016—PVAO conducts seminar on Six Sigma for managers and supervisors.

9 November 2016—PVAO employees check status of veteran Ceferino Ponciano through spot visit.

16 December 2016, PVAO Covered Court—Pangkat PVAO holds their annual Christmas Party. Different divisions carry out their Yuletide performances in accordance to the “Cowboy” theme of the celebration. The team also shares the joy of the season to the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate (FFI), a group of friars that travelled all the way from Cebu, and the Children’s Joy Foundation, an NGO that aims to reach out the greater masses of destitute children in the country that are neglected, abandoned, dependent, and orphaned.

20 October 2016—Vigil for Veteran Rafael Estrada.

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21 December 2016, DND Conference Room—Courtesy Call of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) Executive Board to the Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana, and Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Retiree Affairs (USCVRA) MGen. Eduardo del Rosario.

15 November 2016—PTV 4 interviews Dr. Dominador Chiong, Jr., Chief of Professional Staff of VMMC, about the Veterans Hospitalization and Medical Care Program of PVAO.

23 November 2016—Usec. Carolina serves as the resource person for the topic “Pagpupugay Sa Makabagong Bayaning Pilipino” in Rotary Hour, a program of the Rotary Club Camp Aguinaldo.

30 November 2016—Members of PMA First Four get updates from PVAO.

1 December 2016—PVAO celebrates the Yuletide Season with the veterans of Bataan and Corregidor.

5 December 2016—Usec. Carolina joins the unveiling of the Tribute Wall in BCDA, Taguig City. The said wall is dedicated to the hardworking men and women of the AFP.

16 December 2016, PVAO Covered Court—Pangkat PVAO holds their annual Christmas Party. Different divisions carry out their Yuletide performances in accordance to the “Cowboy” theme of the celebration. The team also shares the joy of the season to the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate (FFI), a group of friars that travelled all the way from Cebu, and the Children’s Joy Foundation, an NGO that aims to reach out the greater masses of destitute children in the country that are neglected, abandoned, dependent, and orphaned.

20 October 2016—Vigil for Veteran Rafael Estrada.

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PVAO Widens Access to Digitized Files

24 November 2016, Ortigas, Pasig City—The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) partners with the Ortigas Foundation Inc. (OFI) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the Ortigas Foundation Inc. to propagate the Brigadier-General Francisco H. Licuanan Jr. Memorial Collection, the digitized records of Filipino soldiers and guerillas during the World War II.

The MOA signing ceremonies was spearheaded by OFI, represented by Mr. Juan Rowell Recinto, Executive Vice President and Treasurer; and Mr. John Silva, Vice President and Executive Director of the Foundation and the brother of Ms. Marie Silva-Vallejo, the historical researcher who led the digitization of records in Maryland, U.S.A. Representing PVAO were LtGen. Ernesto Carolina AFP (Ret), Administrator, and BGen. Restituto Aguilar AFP (Ret), Chief of the Veterans Memorial and Historical Division (VMHD).

The Ortigas Foundation Inc. (OFI) is the latest addition to the list of propagators of the digitized files consisting of records of Filipino soldiers and guerillas during the World War II and also includes information on the Pacific War, particularly concerning the treatment of prisoners of war (POWs); military operations in the Philippines, 1941-1942; guerilla warfare in the Philippines; and conditions in the Philippines under Japanese occupation.

At present, PVAO continues to widen the public’s access by partnering with different research institutions and museums such as the AFP Museum, Ayala Foundation, Filipinas Heritage Library, Ateneo de Manila, among others, to propagate the heroic deeds of veterans.

Through the said project, PVAO and FILVETS with the support of historian Silva-Vallejo and then head of the Office of the Veterans Affairs in Washington, D. C., now Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana, had put together the bits and pieces of the history of World War II in the Philippines which were in the custody of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration in Maryland, U.S.A. This project paved the way for the recovery of personal histories and diaries of soldiers and guerillas recalling the event of the war and other accounts of the effort to liberate the Philippines from the Japanese control. It was officially launched on April 2016 at the AFP Museum and was collectively presented as the “BGen. Francisco H. Licuanan Jr. Collection,” in honor of the memory of the late BGen. Francisco H. Licuanan Jr., the father of the project sponsor Mr. Francisco H. Licuanan III.

Ortigas Foundation Inc. Executive Vice President Recinto emphasized the significance of such undertaking, not just for the future generations, but for our departed heroes: “As our heroes return to their markers, we cannot rely to their stories anymore, and the only gratitude we can extend our heroes is to preserve the memory of their valor, their heroism and bravery, because not only history is a part of our culture, it is also a part of our race… Hopefully with this Collection, we will be able to thread [them] together…”

The MOA with OFI will allow the installation of a complete set of digitized files of the Collection and its search-aid software, a webpage about the Collection for the computer where it will be installed, and another webpage for the website of Ortigas Foundation. This Collection is to be freely shared with the public./A.Crescini

PVAO signs MOA with Ortigas Foundation Inc.

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PVAO - PSA MOA to Improve Pensioners Validation System7 November 2016, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City—To further facilitate the methods of verifying the living as well as the marital status of pensioners, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement that will certainly aid PVAO in its Validation Program. This collaboration between PVAO and PSA will make the creation of data matching project and installation of Batch Request Query System (BREQs) in PVAO to further facilitate the methods of verifying the marital and living status of PVAO pensioners, thus lessening the burden of PVAO’s clienteles in acquiring civil registry documents.

The MOA particularly states that the PSA shall provide information and data on the death and marriage of persons that PVAO can match and countercheck with its roster of pensioners and beneficiaries.

In his remarks, Usec. Carolina said that the PVAO-PSA partnership will certainly lessen the burden of our pensioners in acquiring civil registry documents. “This partnership will be a big help for our veterans and their loved ones transacting with PVAO,” he emphasized. He also lauded the Veterans Records Management Division (VRMD) and the Management and Information Division (MID) for their efforts to finally put into place the inking of the memorandum.

MGen. Raul Caballes, Deputy Administrator, added that the MOA signing aims to hasten the transaction of the pensioners with PVAO, especially on the aspect of validation.

According to Ms. Estelita De Guzman, Deputy National Statistician of PSA, the MOA is an expanded one “because this will also authorize PVAO to use BREQs to encode applications for issuance of certificates and other documents.” BREQs is an application software for encoding particulars of requests for copy issuances and certifications. It also has the capabilities for querying and batching the records and generation of reports./N.Labang

It has been three months since Ms. Melinda S. Torio became PVAO’s new Resident COA Auditor. Here are snippets of information about her—

She hails from Lingayen, Pangasinan and would later study in educational institutions in other parts of Luzon, where she was able to earn two degrees. Likewise, she consistenly became an outstanding student. She graduated as a National State Scholar from the University of the Philippines - Baguio with a BS Business Administration degree. She finished her second degree, BS Accountancy, from the Luzon Colleges with distinction.

In her 33 years stint in the Commission of Audit, she has served as Auditor of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-General Headquarters (1984-2004), the Philippine National Police-National Headquarters (2004-2012), in the lower courts of the Supreme Court (2012-2013), the Department of Justice - Land Registration Authority (2013-2016), and now the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.

On September 9, 2016, PVAO Administrator Ernesto Carolina welcomed Auditor Torio and was briefed by the Planning and Management Division (PMD) about the PVAO Organization and the Kagitingan Roadmap 2022./A.Crescini

Meet PVAO’s New COA Resident Auditor

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PVAO Sustains Support to Children of KIA Soldiers:Turns Over Check to AFPEBSO

4 October 2016, PVAO Compound—The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Educational Benefit System Office (AFPEBSO), an office that provides responsive educational benefits to enhance the morale and welfare of military personnel and their dependents.

Since its activation, AFPEBSO has been supporting the education of orphans of soldiers who were killed-in-action. In its modest way, PVAO consistently assists the Office in its investment in human capital. Through the said MOA, PVAO granted AFPEBSO Php 2.8 Million worth of funds for the scholarship of soldiers’ orphans.

According to MGen. Raul Caballes, PVAO Deputy Administrator, “the activity signifies PVAO’s continuing commitment to serve the needs of veterans, their families, and the dependents of our comrades in wars who have fallen in the service of our flag and country.”

Likewise, LtGen. Salvador Mison, AFP Deputy of Chief of Staff and Chairman of AFPEBSO, expressed his gratitude to PVAO for its continuous support to AFPEBSO’s advocacies in educating the orphans of soldiers who died in battle. “Education is the equalizer, the wheel balance of social machinery. It opens up opportunity for many of the children of our veterans. Our educational program is a testament of our support to the President’s pronouncement to empower the youth,” said LtGen. Mison.

In his message, Usec. Ernesto Carolina, incumbent PVAO Administrator and former Chairman of AFPEBSO, said that “money spent for educational benefit is an investment. It gives signal to our youth, our future defenders, that we are a nation that does not forget our past defenders.”

Currently, AFPEBSO has 4,010 scholars and 145 of which are also scholars of PVAO. Since 2011, PVAO and AFPEBSO have been partners in providing educational assistance for the dependents of military personnel./N.Labang

WWII Vet Gets Dying Wish20 October 2016, Leyte—The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) granted the explicit dying request of the late U.S. Infantryman Charles Goldberg to have his ashes scattered at the sea of Leyte.

Goldberg was from Yonkers, New York. He was a welder before he joined the U.S. Army during the World War II. He was 20 years old when he landed in Leyte Gulf as a part of the 95th Infantry Division known as the Deadeye. He participated in the famous Leyte Landing by the Allied Forces led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur on October 20, 1944 that paved the way for the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese occupation 72 years ago.

He received a Bronze Medal for his heroic service in the combat zone and a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.

He died on November 2015 at the age 91. His wife Frances, children Michael and Amy, and three grandchildren, survived Goldberg.

Because of the many friends he lost in World War II and specifically because of the impact that Leyte Landings had on his life, Goldberg left instructions to his son, Michael, that upon his death, his body be cremated and his ashes sent to Leyte. According to Michael, his father “never put his wartime experiences behind him” and that “the war touched his life significantly.”

Thus, at the sunset of October 20, Goldberg’s name was written in the sand of Red Beach, his ashes were sprinkled over his name as the tides washed it away. Pastor Paul Vargberg of the Protestant Church led the solemn ceremony. Several PVAO staff headed by MGen. Alfredo Cayton, Jr. AFP (Ret) were also present during the disposition of Goldberg’s ashes./N.Labang

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President Elpidio Quirino Honored at LNMB

16 November 2016, Libingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City–LtGen. Ernesto Carolina AFP (Ret), Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), served as the Guest of Honor for the commemoration of the 126th birth anniversary of President Elpidio Quirino at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

The Administrator remembered the great achievements and legacies which the late president left for the Philippines; one of these is his New Philippine Ideology which outlined his program of action during his term as President. He also taught us three important values – tolerance, goodwill and love.

He also spoke of President Quirino’s vital role in the Korean War, as on “. . . August 7, 1950, the President made an announcement to send Filipino combat troops to the Korean War; this move is the Philippines’ answer to the call of the United Nations . . .” These soldiers, according to President Quirino “carried with them the cause that is not only our country’s but that of all nations and all races who have a common stake in liberty.”

From 1950 to 1955, five Battalion Combat Teams (BCTs) that consisted of 7,420 officers and men of the Philippine Army served in Korea, which are known as the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea or PEFTOK.

In the message of Ms. Cory Quirino, granddaughter of the late president, she remembered her grandfather as “a man dressed in white with a warm, reassuring voice. But it was a firm and strong voice” whose life, for almost 50 years, was dedicated to the public service. As a statesman, she described him as great for his “divinely-guided heart that rose above personal gain for his country’s prosperity and gain.” She also remembered the episode

in the President’s life where he granted Japanese clemency: “When asked why he granted clemency to Japanese criminals of war… he only had one answer and that answer was, ‘it was the right thing to do.’” As a closing statement, she posed a challenge to everyone – to do the Quirino way – that we should not just think about Quirino but do as Quirino did – “do what is always right.”

President Quirino is the sixth President of the Philippines and the second President of the Third Republic. He was born in November 16, 1890 at Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Prior to his presidency, he first served the country as a lawyer and as a teacher. He is the only president who did not deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in front of the Congress. That was in January 23, 1950, which he delivered via radio broadcast when he was confined in the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland, U.S.A. He died on February 29, 1956 in Novaliches, Quezon City. He was first buried at the Manila South Cemetery, and in February 29, 2016, his remains were reinterred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, in time of his 60th death anniversary.

The commemoration ceremonies were attended by the relatives of the late President Quirino, officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine Army (PA), diplomatic corps from the Japanese Embassy, officials from the President Elpidio Quirino Foundation, PEFTOK veterans, and PVAO personnel, represented by BGen. Restituto Aguilar AFP (Ret). Wreaths of flowers were offered to his tomb, together with the firing of volleys, and salutes from military men and civilians./A.Crescini

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VMMC, PVAO Provides Free Medical Services to Pampanga Veterans

10 October 2016, San Fernando, Pampanga—With the support of the Provincial Government of Pampanga headed by Gov. Lilia Pineda and Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a medical outreach program for the veterans of Pampanga was made possible by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC).

About a thousand veterans and their dependents flocked at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center to avail of the following services at no cost: supply of two-month maintenance medicine, ECG, dental, minor surgery, family medicine, OB/GYN, ENT, pediatrics, ophthalmology, and psychiatry. Local health officers, VMMC doctors and staff, and PVAO staff gave full efforts to ensure the success of the event. Among the services provided by PVAO were I.D. application and issuance, updating of proof of life, and accommodation of queries on PVAO’s services and benefits, as well as Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP)-related questions.

“Ang PVAO at ang VMMC ay nag-iikot sa buong bansa upang makapagbigay ng serbisyong medikal sa mga beterano at kanilang pamilya. Sa pamamagitan nito, hindi na nila kailangan pang pumunta sa VMMC sa Quezon City. Nilalayon din ng PVAO-VMMC na makapagtayo ng dagdag na veterans’ hospital sa Northern Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao,” emphasized by Dr. Dominador Chiong, Jr., Chief Professional Staff of VMMC and the head of the Veterans

Hospitalization and Medical Care Program (VHMCP) Committee. Also present in the outreach mission was Dr. Nona Legaspi, VMMC Director. The Provincial Government of Pampanga also gave away bags of goods and five hundred pesos for all veterans.

Simultaneously in the afternoon, a short information drive on VHMCP was held at the Provincial Capitol. This was attended by administrators of various hospitals in Pampanga. About 20 hospitals assured their support to VHMCP, the program that provides hospitalization and medical care benefits to Filipino veterans and their dependents through VMMC and other PVAO-VMMC accredited government and private hospitals nationwide./N.Labang

25 November 2016. Taguig City—The Filipino War Veterans Foundation Inc. (FILVETS), in collaboration with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP), conducted a joint medical mission for the veterans of Taguig City.

It was attended by officials and members of the FILVETS, represented by its Corporate Secretary and Chief of Administrative and Operations Services Col. Enrico Divinagracia, and staff of PVAO headed by MGen. Alfredo Cayton, Jr. AFP (Ret), Chief of the Veterans Affairs Management Division of PVAO.

Some medical services conducted during the medical mission were blood pressure measurement and medical consultations. The beneficiaries also received free medicines for their illnesses. Participating organizations and institutions also offered their services—these were PVAO, Veterans Bank of the Philippines (PVB), Armed Forces and Police Savings & Loan Association Inc. (AFPSLAI), Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Association Inc. (AFPMBAI), AFP General Insurance Corporation (AFPGEN), Aguinaldo Vets and Associates Credit Cooperative (AVACC), and Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC).

PVAO set-up a help desk which provided assistance and information on PVAO’s services and benefits. PVAO likewise accommodated the concerns of some pensioners about the Total Administrative Disability pension (TAD) arrears, and Validation Program. PVAO also distributed ambulatory devices to the veterans./Y.Millena

PVAO Conducts Outreach for Taguig Veterans

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PVAO at VFP Valenzuela District Meeting

PMAAAI Honors Cavaliers Elected in Congress

8 November 2016, Valenzuela City—The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), represented by Mgen. Alfredo Cayton, Jr. AFP (Ret), Chief of the Veterans Affairs Management Division, graced the 3rd District Meeting of Veterans Federation of the Philippines-Valenzuela Chapter.

The meeting aimed to inform veterans and their legal dependents regarding the legislative agenda that PVAO has been pursuing at the 17th Congress. MGen. Cayton mentioned that PVAO is currently pushing for the increase in the monthly pension of veterans.

MGen. Cayton likewise discussed the Total Administrative Disability (TAD) pension that has been approved way back 1994, but the release thereof was delayed. He informed the Valenzuela veterans that the Department of Budget and Management released Php 4.7 billion to cover the TAD arrears of 21,683 surviving spouses and 4,108 living post war veterans who are 80 years old and above.

He also mentioned that PVAO is currently proposing the additional establishment of the Veterans Memorial Medical

26 November 2016, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo—The Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI) had a testimonial dinner at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers Club (AFPCOC) to give honor to the newly elected and re-elected Cavalier senators and congressmen. The dinner was primarily held to commend the exemplary acts of the six honorees namely Cav. Gary Alejano ’95, Cav. Raul Tupas ’94, Cav. Leopoldo Bataoil ’76, Cav. Amado Espino, Jr. ’72, Cav. Panfilo Lacson ’71, and Cav. Romeo Acop. Their fellow soldiers gave testimonies to the honorees—testimony for Acop was given by Usec. Ernesto Carolina, PVAO Administrator.

As introduced by Usec. Carolina, Cav. Romeo Acop attended the Philippine Military Academy in the year 1970 Magiting batch. He later completed his Bachelor of Laws and Literature degree at the Jose Rizal University in 1986 and passed the Philippine Bar Examinations the following year. Attorney

Acop also graduated from the AFP Command General Staff College and subsequently obtained a Master’s Degree in National Security Administration at the National Defense College of the Philippines.

Acop’s vocation in politics started in the year 2010. He competed against seven other candidates, including former Rizal Governor Jestoni Alarcon, and had a close fight in votes with Lorenzo Sumulong III. Acop won the electoral race and is currently serving his term as the Congressman of Antipolo’s Second Legislative District.

As a member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare, Acop is in full support of the legislative agenda promoting the welfare and wellbeing of our veterans and their loved ones.

Usec. Carolina’s testimony about Cavalier Acop included a heart-felt story about the bravery of his father that served as his inspiration to be also one of the remarkable soldiers in our country. In 1963, Acop received a Bronze Cross Medal. As quoted from the citation, “The Outstanding Acts of Sergeant Acop exemplifies his high state of training, discipline and sense of responsibility which the PMA and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are proud of and which others in military uniform should be emulated.”

Acop expressed his appreciation to be named as one of the honorees in the testimonial dinner. “What I may have achieved is not really an extraordinary thing. For anyone of us is capable of achieving the same,” he said./B.Grimaldo

Center (VMMC), and the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Northern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

“We will not achieve the success of these bills if we will not support them. We seek for your cooperation. Let us unite in pushing for the passage of these bills becasuse these are for your benefit,” said Mgen. Cayton, highlighting that these bills are not yet approved and need sufficient support from veterans./D.Moreno

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24 October 2016, PVAO Conference Room—Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag served as PVAO’s Guest Speaker for the Gender and Development Advocacy Talk Series. He is the current Director IV in the Department of Health (DOH) at the Bureau of Local Health Systems Development. For more than 25 years, since graduating from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center, he has focused his career in public health, particularly epidemiology, health systems and universal health care.

Tayag explained the programs of the DOH, especially those that are for women and children, such as the Breast Feeding TSEK, Adolescent and Youth Program, Women and Children Protection Program, among others.

“Tapos na ang mga panahon kung saan ang mga kababaihan ay nananatiling housewife. Sila ay parte na ng pag-unlad ng ating bansa sapagkat sila ay nagdadagdag sa family income ng isang pamilya. Tapos na rin ang mga panahong walang boses ang mga kababaihan. Tapos na ang mga araw na ang mga kababaihan ay tahimik at nakikinig lang sapagkat ngayon na ang panahon na mapakinggan ang inyong mga boses,” Asec. Tayag said in his speech. After his talk, Asec. Tayag surprised Pangkat PVAO with a dance number.

The PVAO Management also gave Asec. Tayag a briefing on its organizational structure and Kagitingan Roadmap 2022. Usec. Ernesto Carolina, Administrator, informed Tayag of PVAO’s healthcare programs for the veterans. “We regularly conduct outreach missions for those who cannot go to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center. PVAO also have a lot in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental where the first VMMC outside Metro Manila will be put up,” Usec. Carolina said./N.Labang

28 November 2016, PVAO Compound—Honorable Geraldine Roman, representative of the First District of Bataan served as Guest Speaker of PVAO’s Gender and Development (GAD) Advocacy Talk Series. Rep. Roman is the daughter of the late Tony Roman, and Rep. Herminia Roman, who both served our veterans through the Veterans Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives. Currently, Rep. Roman is the Vice-Chairperson of the Veterans Affairs Committee.

In her speech, she discussed about violence against women, one of the many issues on gender equality. For her, violence against women is still a prevailing issue even up to this time where women are still seen as objects of prejudice: “Ang karahasan po na patuloy pa rin pong umaapekto sa ating lipunan. Hindi po makatarungan na sa taong ito, 2016 na po, pagkaraan nang mahabang panahon na pinag-uusapan natin ang Equal Rights, ay mayroon pang mga tao, lalo na po sa mga liblib na pook na ang iniisip nila ang mga kababaihan ay second-class citizens lamang… Wala na pong lugar sa ating lipunan para sa pag-iisip na ganoon.”

Also, she advocated that every individual should respect individual differences, whether in sexuality, religious beliefs, among others: “Kaniya-kaniya po tayo ng paniniwalang panrelihiyon, kaniya-kaniya tayo ng paniniwalang personal, pero tayong lahat ay kailangang mabuhay ng sama-sama sa ating lipunan. Kung ano pa man ang ating mga personal and religious beliefs, I respect that… Sa ilalim po ng Saligang Batas, malinaw pong pagsasaad na mayroon tayong lahat pantay-pantay na karapatan. Wala po akong nababasa sa ating Saligang Batas na nagsasabi na ang pantay-pantay na karapatan lamang ay para sa mga lalaki at babae. Mayroon din po pantay-pantay na karapatan para po sa ating mga kapatid na LGBT.”

She ended her message in encouraging public servants in PVAO to also fight for the rights of the LGBT, saying that “sana rin po ay isaalang-alang ninyo ang paglalaban sa karapatan ng lahat ng bawat Pilipino, ano man ang kanyang personal circumstance, ano man ang kanyang personal na kalagayan.” She also emphasized that we will only progress as a nation if we will learn to embrace individual differences and accept each person

as special and unique. Deputy Administrator Raul Caballes, and Dr. Pilar Ibarra, M.D. awarded her with a plaque of appreciation.

The GAD Secretariat gave Rep. Roman a brief background of the agency’s programs, policies, and advocacies that support gender and equality for its personnel and clientele. The Planning and Management Division also briefed the representative of the programs and policies being conducted by PVAO to achieve its institutional goals for the benefit of the veterans and their dependents.

After all the presentations, Rep. Roman inquired about the status of fraud cases processed under the supervision of the Legal Affairs Division. She also reassured PVAO that as Vice Chairperson of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, she will work hand-in-hand with Veterans Affairs Committee Chairperson Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil for the campaigning and lobbying of the legislative agenda and budget at the 17th Congress./A.Crescini


GADvocacy Talk Series

Asec. Tayag Explains DOH Program

Rep. Roman Promotes Gender Equality

volume 9 ,issue no 4. / december 2016 ... -...

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