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PVAO BulletinPVAO BulletinPVAO Bulletin J U N E 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E 5 I S S U E 2

The Quarterly News Magazine of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office

H is Excellency, Pres. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III led the commemoration of the 70 Years of Valor in Corregidor Island on May 6, 2012 and once again

paid tribute to the gallantry and heroism of the country’s defenders—the Filipino veterans. A wreath-laying ceremony was held prior to the program at the Dome Altar, Pacific War Memorial, in remembrance of the Filipino and American soldiers who died in defense of Corregidor. “More than the Fall, we commemorate our soldiers’ acts of bravery and their unconditional sacrifice for country. We remember their solid, principled stand for freedom; the impossible battle they faced; our soldiers fighting together as brothers in arms, many of them making the ultimate sacrifice for their countrymen. We remember our commanders: who bore the heavy burden of leading men into bloodshed, and even death, knowing that the fate of entire peoples rested in their hands,” Pres. Aquino said. The President made reference to the late Commodore Ramon A. Alcaraz (PMA Class ‘40), a Filipino officer who took down three of the nine Japanese “Zero” fighters attacking his boat before it was captured in Corregidor. With profound reverence to the late officer, the President announced the naming of the ex-USCGC Dallas of the Philippine Navy to BRP Ramon Alcaraz and committed to ensure that the strong will of Filipino soldiers will be matched by boats, weapons, and sufficient training. According to the President, the truest tribute to those who have laid down their lives is to build a nation that is capable of protecting itself so that no sacrifice will ever be wasted. Vice President Jejomar C. Binay also joined the event, along with about 25 Cabinet officials, representatives from the US Embassy, American and Filipino World War ll veterans, representatives of the Filipino American Memorials Endowment (FAME), Inc., Corregidor Foundation Inc., and officers and enlisted personnel from the uniformed services. The President also directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Department of Tourism (DOT) to find ways to rehabilitate the said island’s wharf. The Rock, as the island is also known, is home to decades-old structures which are rich in military and historical value. It is also one of the closest tourism sites where foreign guests are brought to for sight-seeing tours. The commemoration in Corregidor on May 6 yearly celebrates not the fall but the fierce defense mounted by the Filipino and American soldiers that lasted for months despite the odds thereby giving the Allied forces time to restore a cordon of defense around the Pacific. In military parlance, the surrender of Corregidor was a tactical defeat but a strategic victory. Now, 70 years hence, the island of Corregidor serves as solid reminder of our veterans’ unparalleled gallantry and valor, showing the world that Filipinos could fight against all odds, and die if need be, in the defense of their motherland.▪

Serbisyo sa Beterano. Serbisyo sa Bayan.

PVAO Bulletin P A G E 2

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2 ▪ June 2012

“ There is no greater tribute to our heroes than showing them the fruits of what they have fought for,” said Pres. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III during the anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings on October 20, 2011.

Thus, during the 70th Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan this year, he personally announced before thousands of veterans and their families who trooped to Mt. Samat, Pilar, Bataan the good news on the improved hospitalization benefits under the Veterans Hospitalization Program (VHP) - an expansion of the hospitalization and medical services to veterans and their dependents crafted by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) pursuant to the President’s directives. “This state honors its veterans, and I believe that they must be given proper care and compensation in return for their sacrifice. Allow me to

deliver some good news to you: If you have not heard yet, as of the 31st of March of this year, our veterans will be able to receive their health benefits in a more convenient manner: 599 hospitals in our country have been accredited by the Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center as regional or provincial extensions. We have also expanded the services that can be subsidized by the VMMC to include cataract operations, coronary angiograms, and cardiac bypasses,” the President said. With the President’s repeated pronouncements, the availment of the VHP steadily increased starting January up to May 2012. A total of PhP4,622,379.06 had already been disbursed to patients who have either reimbursed their personal expenses for hospitalization or to the accredited extension hospitals who have given in-patient services to veterans and their qualified dependents. A huge portion of the total amount reimbursed came from Regions 6 and 1, indicating that the program is slowly gaining success even in areas outside Metro Manila. Below is a recapitulation of VHP availment in various regions:

Source: PVAO Claims Division, July 2012

VHP Availment Per Region (January to May 2012)

REGION NO. OF

HOSPITALS

NO.OF

VETERAN

NO. OF

DEPENDENT TOTAL AMOUNT

NCR 33 - 2 28,000.00

CAR 37 2 1 8,450.00

REGION 1 40 15 6 153,300.00

REGION 2 33 1 7 32,507.00

REGION 3 55 9 5 38,066.50

REGION 4-A 51 - - -

REGION 4-B 48 - - -

REGION 5 39 1 1 39,894.00

REGION 6 62 29 28 426,752.87

REGION 7 52 - - -

REGION 8 44 - - -

REGION 9 20 - - -

REGION 10 35 1 - 4,952.38

REGION 11 18 1 - 12,822.00

REGION 12 22 - - -

ARMM 10 - - -

REIMBURSEMENT 167 150 3,807,134.31

DIRECTLY REIMBURSED 6 3 70,500.00

BY PATIENT

TOTAL: 599 232 203 Php4,622,379.06

PNOY Assures Veterans of Better Health Benefits PNOY Assures Veterans of Better Health Benefits PNOY Assures Veterans of Better Health Benefits

Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III announces some good news for veterans & their families at the 2012 “Araw ng Kagitingan” rites



VETERANS HOSPITALIZATION PROGRAM (VHP)VETERANS HOSPITALIZATION PROGRAM (VHP)VETERANS HOSPITALIZATION PROGRAM (VHP)

M aliban sa mga libreng serbisyong pangkalusugan mula sa VETERANS MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER (VMMC) para sa ating mga beterano at kanilang mga kaanak, mayroon ding Veterans Hospitalization Program (VHP) ang PVAO-VMMC para mabigyan ng serbisyo ang mga beterano at kanilang mga qualified dependents na malayo sa VMMC.

Sa kasalukuyan, ang VHP ay ipinatutupad na sa 599 na ospital ng gobyerno sa buong bansa. Kung dati ay hanggang P800 kada araw ng pagkaka-ospital ang maaring ipagkaloob ng PVAO bilang subsidiya sa sinumang beterano o kanyang qualified dependents, ngayon ay pinalawig na ang sakop na serbisyong medical ng programang ito. Kabilang sa mga serbisyong idinagdag sa VHP ang mga sumusunod:

Kamakailan ay idinagdag na rin ang mga sumusunod na produktong medikal sa sakop ng VHP, base sa masusing pananaliksik at pag-aaral ng VMMC sa pangunahing mga pangagailangan ng mga pasyente:

Ang VHP ay hindi lamang para sa mga beterano kundi para rin sa kanilang asawa, menor de edad na anak, at magulang. Kabilang din dito ang mga anak ng beterano na may kapansanan sa katawan o pag-iisip, ano pa man ang edad, kung ang kapansanan / sakit ay natamo ng pasyente nang siya ay menor de edad pa lamang.

Maaari na ring mag-reimburse ang mga naospital o naoperahan noong nakaraang taon (Enero-Disyembre 2011) sa mga PVAO accredited hospitals. Ipadala lamang sa Office of the Director, Medical Administrative Services Division, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City ang mga sumusunod:

1. Letter of request for reimbursement o VHP Claim form (na nasa VMMC website);

2. PVAO Pensioner’s ID o katibayan ng pagka-beterano; kopya ng ID, kung kayo naman ay kaanak ng Beterano;

3. Summary of Patient’s Bill na nagmula sa accountant o direktor ng ospital kung saan kayo na-confine o na-operahan.

4. Certification of Attending Physician na magpapatunay ng operasyong isinagawa ng doktor.

5. Orihinal na resibo para sa serbisyong binayaran.

Para sa impormasyon ukol sa mga accredited hospitals sa inyong lugar o sa iba pang mga katanungan, maaring tawagan ang VMMC sa telepono bilang (02)9271873; ang Office of the Administrator-PVAO sa telepono bilang (02) 912-4526 o sa alinmang field service extension office ng PVAO na malapit sa inyo.

Maaarin ring bisitahin ang VMMC website sa http://www.vmmc.gov.ph o ang PVAO website sa http://pvao.mil.ph.▪

Uri ng Serbisyong Medikal Halaga ng Subsidiya mula PVAO-VMMC

1.Operasyon sa katarata para sa isa o dalawang mata (para sa profes-sional fee ng doktor, intra-ocular lens at iba pang gastusin kaugnay ng operasyon)

P16,000.00

2. Partial reimbursement ng coronary angiogram P30,000.00

3. Endoaneurysmectomy (para sa thoracic o abdominal aortic aneurysm) P40,000.00

4. Angioplasty P100,000 para sa single stent o P150,000 para sa multiple-vessel stent

5. Cardiac Bypass P200,000.00

6. Pacemaker Placement P20,000 para sa temporary pacemaker o P180,000 para sa permanenteng pacemaker

7. Chemotherapeutic agents (hanggang anim na cycle) P10,000.00 kada cycle

Karagdagang Benepisyo Subsidiya

(kada piraso)

1.Orthopedic implants at mga prosthesis P30,000.00

2.Hearing aid P30,000.00

3.Orthopedic braces P6,000.00

4.Pustiso P5,000.00

5.Hernia mesh para sa may sakit na luslos P2,000.00



C hosen members of the Professional and Administrative Staff of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) completed the Seminar-Workshop on Public Relations and Service with a Smile last April 17, 2012 at

the Lakambini Room, AFP Commissioned Officers Club, Camp Gen. Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Usec. Eduardo G. Batac, Defense Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans & Reserve Affairs, awarded the certificates of completion to the participants and stressed in his speech the importance of maintaining a good relationship with patients and their families, especially by the members of the Professional Staff, since it is crucial to the patient’s morale and will to recover. The participants are required not only to apply but also to echo what they have learned in the seminar workshop facilitated by Ms. Thelma P. Japzon, former Director of the Civil Service Commission (CSC). The seminar-workshop was funded by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and was facilitated by its Administrative Division. Administrator Carolina enjoined the participants to always hold their patients in high esteem, adding, “Sama-sama nating paglingkuran ng buong pagmamahal ang mga taong pinagkakautangan natin ng ating kasarinlan at ng ating hanapbuhay bilang mga lingkod-bayan.”▪

VMMC Ward 4 Opens to PatientsVMMC Ward 4 Opens to PatientsVMMC Ward 4 Opens to Patients

A fter a few months of repair, renovation and refurbishing, the Ward No. 4 at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) is now ready for occupancy by patients.

A simple blessing and re-dedication ceremony of the Ward 4 was held last April 26, 2012, with Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) as the special guest. With him was MGen. Delfin N. Lorenzana, AFP (Ret.), Presidential Assistant and Head, Office of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C., USA who was then in the country for official mission. Chiefs of various PVAO divisions comprising the PVAO Executive Committee (EXECOM) witnessed the event. They also witnessed the

blessing of the VMMC Conference Room on the same day, together with the members of the VMMC Professional Staff. Dr. Nona dela Fuente Legaspi, the VMMC Director, invited Administrator Carolina to be the first to use the Conference Room by addressing the members of the VMMC Professional Staff. The Administrator willingly obliged and presided a brief conference, seizing the opportunity wherein PVAO, OVA and VMMC top officials are present. The repair, renovation and refurbishing of Ward 4 was funded by PVAO to provide veterans and their dependents with hospital rooms conducive to fast healing and complete recovery. It is the first of the two wards repaired by PVAO utilizing its own funds for the comfort and convenience of VMMC patients. The other ward being repaired and refurbished is the Ward 10.▪

VMMC Staff Completes Public Relations & Service With a Smile SeminarVMMC Staff Completes Public Relations & Service With a Smile SeminarVMMC Staff Completes Public Relations & Service With a Smile Seminar

Adm. Carolina, VMMC Dir. Nona Legaspi, Dr. Frank Gali and Dr. Jun Chiong jointly inspect the rooms at Ward 4.



T he PVAO Information Systems Strategic Plan (PVAO-ISSP) for the period 2012-2014 was finally APPROVED by the National Computer Center (NCC), an agency under the Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science

and Technology tasked to develop a Master Plan for Electronic Data Processing (EDP) in the government. According to Mr. Denis Villorente, Officer in Charge, Office of the Director General of the said agency, the PVAO-ISSP has sufficiently identified the critical information systems that will support and address the agency’s strategic thrusts and programs. PVAO’s ISSP was prepared by Mr. Mamerto B. Monses, Jr., Assistant Chief of the PVAO Management Information Division (MID) assisted by Ms. Katherine Tuballa-Arrojo and the MID Team . It was reviewed by Commo. Salvador Q. Esguerra, AFP (Ret.), MID Chief, while Mr. Nostradamus A. Villanueva , Director III, recommended for its approval by the Administrator. The approved ISSP, upon submission to the NCC, underwent a thorough evaluation by Ms. Fely Hidalgo and review by Ms. Nora H. Arreco, Officer-In-C, ISSP Review Group. It was subsequently approved by Ms. Lorna M. Sales, Director of the Plans & Monitoring Office. The NCC approval/authentication is crucial for its funding by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). As per Memorandum Order No. 237, all government agencies and other entities with projected Information Technology resource requirements are required to submit their ISSPs to the Department of Budget and Management for approval, upon the recommendation of the National Computer Center, to serve as basis for rationalizing the allocation of government funds for this purpose. The PVAO ISSP provides a strategic IT framework for providing better services to PVAO’s veterans and their beneficiaries. In addition, it maps out solutions to the perennial problems, loopholes, and shortcomings of the current systems. In pursuing these efforts, the ISSP supports the agency’s goals and objectives through leadership and innovation in the management and use of information and communication technology (ICT). With objectives that are defined, realistic and achievable, its initiative focuses on improving the delivery of public service not only for the agency’s clientele but for all operating divisions and units of PVAO. It also seeks to optimize modern information and communication applications in all strategic areas, processes, and systems of the organization.▪

PVAO ISSP Gets NCC Approval PVAO ISSP Gets NCC Approval PVAO ISSP Gets NCC Approval

P hilippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina honored the heroes of the Filipino-Spanish War during the commemoration of the 114th Independence Day on June 12, 2012

at the Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion, Manila North Cemetery as part of the simultaneous nationwide flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony. Despite the inclement weather, Manileños and other freedom-loving Filipinos flocked to witness the commemoration at the nearly-forgotten mausoleum, Stressing that the venue of the commemoration is the final resting place

of the heroic Filipinos who fought the Spaniards and Americans during the Philippine Revolution of 1896-1901, the PVAO Administrator urged the city government of Manila to improve the mausoleum. “We need a better and bigger space so we can hold special commemorative events such as today and better appreciate and value the significance of the heroic Filipinos who fought for our freedom during the Philippine Revolution,” he said in his speech. Speaking on this year’s theme, “Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan,” Administrator Carolina reminded the participants that more than a right, freedom is a responsibility that everyone should take care of and fight for. Joining the celebration were Ms. Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Vice Chairman of the Manila Historical and Heritage Commission; and Mr. Niño M. dela Cruz, Councilor of the 1st District of Manila who represented the Office of the Mayor. Elements from the Philippine Air Force and Philippine National Police were also present to provide security and ceremonial support. More significantly, the yearly commemoration was attended by students from Jose Abad Santos National High School, Ramon Magsaysay National High School, and Manuel L. Quezon High School who were challenged by the Administrator to follow our heroes’ worthy examples. ▪

Independence Day Look PVAO proudly wears the flag colors as it joins the nation in celebration its most-cherished independence.

Heroes of Revolution HonoredHeroes of Revolution HonoredHeroes of Revolution Honored



Top SLAI leaders sign MOA on DRPSS with the PVAO Administrator

PensionPensionPension---Servicing SLAIs Ink MOA with PVAOServicing SLAIs Ink MOA with PVAOServicing SLAIs Ink MOA with PVAO

The principals of the MOA - signing together with some executives and staff of AFPSLAI, CWSLAI, AMWSLAI and PVAO

A ir Materiel Wing Savings & Loan Association, Inc. (AMWSLAI), Armed Forces and Police Savings & Loan As-sociation, Inc. (AFPSLAI) and Composite Wing Savings & Loan Association, Inc. (CWSLAI), —three of the most trusted and established savings and loan associations of uniformed personnel in the country had once

again affirmed their partnership with PVAO.

This was after the three “tiger” SLAIs signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last June 20, 2012 at the Ricarte Room, AFP Commissioned Officers Club, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City for the implementation of PVAO’s Direct Remittance Pension Servicing System (DRPSS). Representing the SLAIS in the signing ceremony were no less than their top officials, namely: LtGen. Cardozo M. Luna, AFP (Ret.), President and CEO of AFPSLAI; Col. Roseadel A. Ocbina, PAF, GSC (Ret.), President and Chairman of the Board of CWSLAI; and Col. Ricardo L. Nolasco, Jr. PAF, (Ret.), Chairman and President of AMSWLAI. PVAO, on the other hand, was represented by its Administrator, LtGen. Ernesto G. Carolina, AFP (Ret.), together with Atty. Romeo S. Lazo, Deputy Administrator; and Mr. Ferdinand C. Palor, Chief of Finance Division, as witnesses. In their respective remarks, both Gen. Luna and Col. Ocbina, whose mothers are PVAO pensioners, lauded PVAO for its continuing improvement in the delivery of its services to the veterans and their dependents which include the shift to DRPSS as pension delivery mode and the aggressive monitoring of its pensioners through annual revalidation. “I still remember how difficult it was for my mother to travel to Camp Aguinaldo just to show ‘proof of life.’ My mother is already very old. This is why we are thankful when we learned that she can revalidate her pensioner status through mail. It was also a big relief on our part knowing that she can readily and regularly receive her pension through her pension account,” Gen. Luna, a former Ambassador, noted. DRPSS facilitates fast, efficient, and secure delivery pension for veterans and their beneficiaries using the modern electronic fund transfer and convenient delivery facilities of PVAO accredited pension servicing banks and financial institutions. With the full implementation of the DRPSS, PVAO has improved the monitoring of funds through bank reconciliation. Pursuant to the MOA, the three SLAIs shall credit the corresponding amount of pension to the respective accounts of pensioners not later than the 25th of the applicable pension month. They shall extend the best service and treatment to veterans and other pensioners and provide a convenient place/venue for the withdrawal of their pensions. Among the salient provisions of PVAO’s new MOA with the SLAIs is the mutual undertaking of both parties to regularly monitor the living status of pensioners through the regular updating of their Passbook/ATM accounts every six (6) months. A pension account, unless renewed, is automatically tagged six months after the date of its activation thereby disallowing any further withdrawal thereafter. The pensioner is given an additional time of two (2) months upon expiration of the six-month period to appear personally or cause the submission of a valid proof of life at the financial institution where he/she maintains his/her account for reactivation. Also present during the MOA signing were Ms. Ludivina V. Daulat, State Auditor IV and COA Resident Auditor at PVAO; members of the PVAO Executive Committee; and some executives and staff of the three savings and loans associations. ▪

Top SLAI officials and the PVAO Administrator sign their respective MOAs in a simple signing ceremony

SND to PVAO: “SND to PVAO: “SND to PVAO: “Sustain AntiSustain AntiSustain Anti---Fixers InitiativesFixers InitiativesFixers Initiatives”””

D EFENSE SECRETARY VOLTAIRE T. GAZMIN ordered the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) to sustain its anti-fixers initiatives through the conduct of more anti-fixers seminars and workshops to PVAO officials and employees, intensified

entrapment operations against fixers, and aggressive prosecution of fixing-related cases. Sec. Gazmin issued this directive through Usec. Eduardo G. Batac, Undersecretary for Civil,

Veterans and Reserve Affairs (USCVRA), in the report made by Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina about the successful conduct of a seminar initiated by the PVAO ANTI-FIXERS TASK GROUP (PATG) on April 30, 2012 at the PVAO Conference Room.

Prior to this, the Defense Chief affirmed with finality the dismissal of two PVAO employees found administratively liable for fixing related cases.

The “Seminar-Workshop on Combating Anti-Fixing Activities” facilitated by Ms. Thelma P. Japzon, is part of the information & education component of the PVAO Anti-Fixer Campaign Plan whereby 35 employees from various divisions participated. These employees were pre-selected by the Administrative Division from among the entire employee population of the agency based on their level of potential to inform and influence fellow employees.

In his speech during the seminar’s closing ceremonies, the Administrator shared among the participants the victories of the sustained and intensified drive against fraud and fixing, most recent of which was the conviction of a surviving spouse who fraudulently availed of pension despite her remarriage. The decision was promulgated by the Regional Trial Court—Branch 66 in San Fernando City, La Union.

Addressing the participants who are recognized as Integrity Champions, the Administrator said, “Kayo ang mga haligi na siyang tunay na makapagtataguyod nitong ating Anti-Fixers Campaign Plan.” He exhorted them to assist their respective divisions to strengthen their “Integrity Circles” that will monitor employee’s compliance with the agency’s policies and programs under the Integrity Development Action Plan (IDAP) and Moral Renewal Action Plan (MRAP), which are the general frameworks of the intensified campaign against fixers.

With Division Chiefs as group leaders, members of the Integrity Circles are also tasked to monitor those who belong to the Integrity Watchlist or those who have committed and persist in doing overt and covert acts that are unethical, if not outright unlawful, such as accepting or soliciting monetary or other material considerations in exchange of facilitating claims and connivance with fixing syndicates. Those in the watch list may either reform and be part of the circle or face the corresponding sanctions for their acts or omissions.

The Administrator also assured the PATG and the seminar participants not only of his continued support but also of DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin’s support in the all-out-war against fixers.

Quoting an excerpt from a speech of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III, the PVAO Administrator said, “Fraudulent pensioners are the ultimate show of disrespect to those who have served their countries valiantly; and we are ensuring that a few greedy individuals do not pocket funds set aside for our heroes.” This, he said, is not a mere rhetoric but a marching order from the Chief Executive, which is directed at PVAO. “Nananawagan ako na tayo ay sama-samang magkaroon ng determinasyon na sugpuin ang isang bagay na ang nabibiktima ay ang mga taong pinagkakautangan natin ng loob—hindi lamang ng ating kalayaan kundi maging ng ating hanapbuhay,” the Administrator said. ▪ The participants, with PVAO officials and Ms. Thelma P. Japzon, former Director of

the Civil Service Commission who facilitated the seminar / workshop



Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin



VFP Holds 67th Supreme Council AssemblyVFP Holds 67th Supreme Council AssemblyVFP Holds 67th Supreme Council Assembly

VETERANS’ AFFAIRS UPDATE Towards Promoting a United Filipino Veterans Community

T he Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP), an umbrella organization of veterans organizations in the

country, held its 67th Annual Supreme Council Assembly at the Veterans Center, Taguig City, with almost all Regional Vice Presidents (RVPs) and District Commanders from all over the country in attendance. The VFP Supreme Council is the highest governing body of the federation, consisting of elected officials representing their members from the smallest and remotest towns. The assembly is a venue for promulgation of national policies and enactment of resolutions advancing the welfare of veterans and their families. It also allows leader-veterans to socialize and interact with one another to strengthen their camaraderie, exchange stories based from shared experiences and brainstorm ideas. Pangkat PVAO, headed by Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina and Deputy Administrator Romeo S. Lazo, graced the event upon the invitation of the VFP, to present updates on veterans affairs and benefits management. Ms. Maria Juanita S. Fajardo-Rivera, Chief, Strategic Communications Section, presented an audio visual presentation on the highlights of the 2012 Philippine Veterans Week, followed by Mr. Ferdinand C. Palor, Chief, Finance Division, who briefed the audience on Total Administrative Disability (TAD) pension payment to World War II veterans. Meanwhile, Ms. Raquel A. Cajuguiran, Chief of Claims Division, presented the revitalized Veterans Hospitalization Program (VHP) with Dr. Pilar D. Ibarra, Chief Medical Officer, who supplemented the report with the latest on PVAO’s tie-up with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for the health insurance coverage of World War II veterans and surviving spouses. Dr. Dominador Chiong, Jr., Chief of Professional Staff of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) also made a briefing on VMMC’s healthcare services for veterans and their qualified dependents. Gen. Raul S. Urgello, AFP (Ret.), Executive Director of the Filipino War Veterans Foundation, Inc. (FILVETS), likewise gave an up-date on its operations. Representatives from the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) and Board of Trustees of Veterans of World War II (BTVWWII) also made their respective presentations before the members of the Supreme Council. Col. Emmanuel V. de Ocampo, VFP President, thanked the PVAO Administrator and the rest of Pangkat PVAO for their usual support to the VFP after which he awarded them certificates of appreciation.▪

Finance Div. Chief Ferdie Palor presents updates on veterans affairs & benefits management

Col. Gregorio R. Hufano, VFP RVP for Ilocos Region, receives his Certificate of Recognition for his distinguished service as a World War 2 veteran from Adm. Carolina. The 94 year-old “Bannuar Ti La Union” (Hero of La Union) was not able to personally receive his award during the 2012 Philippine Veterans Week due to health reasons.

ATTENTION: ALL VETERANS! Join the VFP now and strengthen the voice of the Filipino Veterans Community. Log-on to the VFP’s Official Website at www.vfp.ph for the membership form & other information. Forms are also available at the VETERANS AFFAIRS MANAGEMENT DIVISION (VAMD), PVAO.



Makati City Observes Veterans DayMakati City Observes Veterans DayMakati City Observes Veterans Day

T he Makati City Veterans Post and local government executives of Makati City observed their own “Veterans Day” on April 16, 2012 during a flag-raising ceremony at the Makati City Hall Quadrangle to give

due recognition to the men and women of Makati City who rendered services to the country as defenders, both in times of war and peace. LtGen. Ernesto G. Carolina, AFP (Ret.), Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), a member of the VFP Makati City Veterans Post, served as the guest of honor and led the presentation of plaques to the honorees. Col. Marcial V. Dalope, Post Commander, expressed his gratitude to all the members of his post for their active participation in all their activities. He likewise thanked Adm. Carolina who manages to fulfill his duties as a member despite his hectic schedule at PVAO. The PVAO Administrator, in his speech, thanked the local government executives of Makati City headed by Mayor Jejomar “Jun-Jun” Binay, Jr., for setting a worthy example to all local government units in providing a wide array of benefits to the city’s senior citizens, most especially the veterans.▪

City officials join the Makati City Veterans Post in the observance of Veterans Day program in front of the Makati City Hall.

O fficers of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) - 16th Parañaque Veterans District met with the members of the PVAO Executive Committee last April 20, 2012 at the PVAO Conference Room, Veterans

Compound, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City during which they agreed to partner in making the services of the agency more accessible to clientele from southern parts of the National Capital Region (NCR). VFP Parañaque officers volunteered their office, located at the San Dionisio Gymnasium in Parañaque City, as a PVAO satellite office where pensioners and claimants may transact official business and gain instant access to official information and services from the agency without travelling to Camp Aguinaldo. Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina welcomed the idea and expressed the possibility of accrediting liaison officers who shall have authority from PVAO to officially transact with the public regarding their claims or any PVAO-related concern. The accredited liaison officers (ALOs) shall have the responsibility of monitoring the status of pensioners within their areas of responsibility. Also discussed during the meeting was the possibility of allow-ing the VFP Parañaque office to a remote viewing access to the PVAO Integrated Veterans Database Management System (IVDMS) database for instant verification of claim status. This will eliminate the need to call or visit PVAO for the purpose. PVAO EXECOM members also extended assistance to the veterans by providing feedback to filed claims and responding to other related issues such as payment of arrearages and Total Administrative Disability (TAD) pensions. The officers of the 16th Parañaque Veterans District are Orestes Lopez (District Commander); Marcial de la Isla (Vice-Dist. Cmdr.); Paulino Villareal (Secretary / Adjutant); Ismael Allanigue (Auditor); Florence Nellie Noriel (PRO); Pablo Santos (Asst. PRO); Anacorita de Leon (Business Manager); Lydia Peñafuerte (Chaplain); Emilio Lopez (Bus. Mgr.); Julia Santos (Sgt.-at-Arms); Post Commanders Paulino Villareal; Feliciano Frijas; Marcial de la Isla; Lauro Chavez; Primo Paulino; Ricardo de la Cruz; Pio Berenguel; and Cezar Toledanes; Advisory Council Members Dr. Arsenio Santiago and Florence Nellie Noriel. ▪

VFP Parañaque Partners with PVAOVFP Parañaque Partners with PVAOVFP Parañaque Partners with PVAO

PVAO Bulletin P A G E 1 0


T he House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare held a public hearing in aid of legislation, on May 22, 2012 at Rooms 1 & 2 of the Ramon V. Mitra Hall, House of Representatives, to oversee

the strict implementation of Republic Act No. 2640, “An Act to Create a Public Corporation to be known as the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, Defining Its Powers, and for Other Purposes.”

Rep. Herminia B. Roman, the Chairwoman, presided the hearing that was attended by committee members, namely: Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez, Rep. Hermilando I. Mandanas, Rep. Philip A. Pichay, Rep. Ma. Theresa David-Bonoan, and Rep. Ma. Victoria R. Alvarado-Sy.

Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) officials headed by Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina were also present along with some leaders of veterans organizations, namely: the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP), Philippine Veterans Legion (PVL), USAFIP-NL Inc., Confederation of Veterans (CONVETS), Hunters ROTC Guerrillas Association, In. and AFP Retirees Veterans Association (AFPREVA).

Upon the request of Rep. Roman, the Administrator gave an update on the “TO DO LIST” of the VFP. He reported that PVAO has already crafted a Constitution and By-Laws of the VFP and it was already submitted to the Legal Division of the Depart-ment of National Defense. The proposed Constitution and By-Laws reflects the DND’s mandate and vision on the VFP vis-à-vis the consolidated best positions and proposals of various veterans organizations and the current VFP leadership. It is also in accordance with the purposes and mandate of RA 2640, adopting the framework of a public corporation under the supervision and control of Secretary of National Defense.

Meanwhile, an update on the utilization of the Board of Trustees of Veterans of World War II (BTVWWII) funds as prescribed in Republic Act No. 3518 was referred to the VFP officials present. Justice Manuel Pamaran, VFP Legal Counsel, argued that the BTVWWII is a private entity created under the original charter of the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) and the source of its funds, which is PVB, is a private commercial bank. Hence, it should not be required to submit any report to the Committee since it is not a government entity and is not subject to audit.

However, representatives from other veterans organizations strongly maintained that PVB was created by government thru its charter (RA 3518) and was capitalized with government funds, and is in fact owned by WWII veterans. Adm. Carolina likewise stressed Section 23 of RA 3518 which provides that 20% of the net profits of the PVB, which goes to the BTVWWII, “shall be available for ‘grants-in-aid’ to veterans, their widows, orphans, or compulsory heirs, for educational, social, charitable, and rehabilitation purposes, to organization doing service for the cause of the veteran, and for such other purposes beneficial to the veterans.” As such, the transactions of the BTVWWII are deeply imbued and impressed with public interest and the veterans should be informed on how these funds were used for their benefit and welfare.

Committee members, therefore, resolved to compel the BTVWWII by way of a Committee Resolution in aid of legislation to submit a five (5) year report of disbursements and utilization of BTVWWII Funds.

The Committee also inquired on the delisting of rural banks among the banks accredited by the PVAO. Following the com-plaints of the Rural Banks Association of the Philippines (RBAP), Rep. Rufus Rodriguez noted that in provinces such as Sulu and Tawi-Tawi where the six (6) PVAO accredited banks have no branches and the nearest commercial bank would entail three to four hours of travel, PVAO should have a mechanism whereby pensioners whose existing accounts are with the rural banks can be accommodated for their comfort and convenience.

The Administrator explained that the delisting of rural banks was a consequence of PVAO’s total shift from mailing of pension checks to the Direct Remittance Pension Servicing System (DRPSS) which allows the office to monitor efficiently the status of pensioners and prevent losses on the part of the government. With DRPSS, PVAO generated savings that was used to pay unpaid pension arrearages. However, the rural banks do not have the requisite full banking services needed to efficiently service pensions such as on-line services, automated teller machines (ATMs) and electronic fund transfer capability. RBs continue to rely on mailing as a means of receiving pension checks from PVAO which are subsequently credited to pensioners’ accounts. It was also explained that less than two percent (2%) of PVAO pensioners had accounts with the rural banks, yet, there were 94 rural banks which PVAO had to transact with. Moreover, in the last technical budget hearing at the Department of Budget & Management (DBM), it was prescribed that PVAO should limit the servicing of pension to the current six (6) commercial banks and three (3) financial institutions in order to simplify monitoring of pensioners and bank reconciliation.

To look deeper into this, the Committee made a motion for the PVAO Administrator to submit to the Committee a mapping of pensioners banking with rural banks for further evaluation and consideration. ▪

Veterans Affairs Committee Conducts Hearing on VFP and BTVWWIIVeterans Affairs Committee Conducts Hearing on VFP and BTVWWIIVeterans Affairs Committee Conducts Hearing on VFP and BTVWWII

The House Committee on Veterans Affairs & Welfare (file photo)



VAMD Chief Edgar Castro answers questions from the media during the outreach.

Tanza Mayor Marcus Ashley Arayata listens to a constituent veteran.

PVAOPVAOPVAO---FILVETSFILVETSFILVETS---VFP in Joint Medical MissionsVFP in Joint Medical MissionsVFP in Joint Medical Missions

M ore than 300 veterans and dependents benefitted from the joint medical mission of PVAO, FILVETS, and VFP on April 25, 2012 at the Basa Airbase, Floridablanca, Pampanga.

This event was well-supported by the Basa Airbase officials, namely: Col. Raul L. del Rosario, Commander, Air Defense Wing; Col. Art Orticio, Deputy Air Defense Wing Commander; LtCol. Elmer Sagadraca, 1Lt. Crestito Tolentino, & Tsg Alexander Ensañado. A team of doctors, nurses and medical staff from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) also assisted in the mission during which VMMC green card application forms were distributed. Aside from the usual medical & laboratory services, the Pangkat PVAO gave wheelchairs, walking canes & medicines to deserving beneficiaries.

M eanwhile, the local government of Tanza, Cavite headed by Mayor Marcus Ashley C. Arayata, showed

overwhelming support for the PVAO-FILVETS-VFP Medical Mission held last May 30, 2012 at the Tanza Municipal Gym. Over 300 veterans and retirees and around 100 sons and daughters benefitted from the said event. Dr. Christian Bleza, Assistant Head of Tanza Rural Health Center and his team helped facilitate one of the most organized PVAO-FILVETS-VFP medical missions.

Atty. Romeo S. Lazo, Deputy Administrator & Pangkat PVAO Team Leader, with

Gen. Raul Ugello, a cane recipient, and Col. Orticio.

A veteran cried tears of joy when he was given his own wheelchair by the PVAO-FILVETS Medical Mission team.

PVAO FSEO #3 (Pampanga) officers & Basa Airbase Officials assist a veteran patient to his new wheelchair. Gen. Raul S. Urgello, the “prime mover” in FILVETS

activities, is present in all medical & dental missions.

Rural health unit officials and staff augment the medical teams.

The deserving recipients of wheelchairs from Pangkat PVAO & FILVETS at Tanza, Cavite.



O n May 19, 2012, the veterans of the WHA CHI or the Philippine Chinese Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Forces celebrated their 70th Founding Anniversary with a celebration at the Golden

Bay Seafood Restaurant, Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City.

Adding more significance to the event was the 13th founding Anniversary of their descendants’ organization, the Wha Chi 48th Squadron Veterans Descendants Association, Ltd. and the induction of their respective officers.

PVAO Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina, the guest of honor, led the oath-taking ceremonies. In his speech, he recognized the longstanding and deep friendship of the Filipinos and the Chinese, particularly during the most difficult times of World War II. He quoted the late Major Maximo Nocete, Infantry Commander of the 3rd

Replacement Battalion and former Military Police Chief of Nueva Ecija, who said that, “...the Wha Chi unit are citizens of a foreign country and were under no direct obligation to fight our enemy. They merely acted on an impulse natural to man to help those who are in need in the hands of an oppressor. We needed the courage of men who sought no glory nor reward for their deeds but merely the pleasant consciousness that they did so for democracy and individual rights of true lovers for freedom.”

The Wha Chi 48th Squadron was a group of Chinese volunteer fighters formed in Mandili, Candaba, Pampanga on May 19, 1942. It quickly grew to a 1,000-strong unit of young guerrillas who bravely fought side by side with their Filipino comrades. Founded at a very crucial time when Bataan and Corregidor fell into the hands of the enemy, the Wha Chi guerrillas were of Chinese working-class origin, many of them are members of a labor union with close ties to Filipino socialists and communists who fanned out to Central Luzon, mainly Nueva Ecija and Pampanga, to fight the Japanese.

It was said that the Japanese Army deliberately targeted the Chinese guerrillas in the underground resistance. Like their Filipino comrades, “the Chinese guerrillas conducted sabotage, gathered military intelligence, carried out propaganda work, helped in the escape of prisoners, and engaged in actual fighting.” From 1942 to 1945, the Wha Chi guerrillas, imbued with exemplary personal discipline, fought many battles against the Japanese. These include the liberation of the entire town of Santa Cruz in Laguna, where their fiercest battle was fought. They also joined Filipino and American forces during the final days of the war to free more than 2,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war in Los Baños, Laguna. In February and March 1945, the Wha Chi guerrillas again helped fight the final battle to regain Manila.

As a consequence of fighting the Imperial Japanese Army, many of the local Chinese had been victims of Japanese atrocities. Among them were the many prisoners in Fort Santiago who were tortured and killed. Likewise, many Chinese were victims of massacre in San Pablo, Laguna where 650 Chinese were bayoneted and beheaded on February 24, 1945. These notwithstanding, the Wha Chi guerrillas held on and continued the fight, with more zeal and vigor. Seventy-two of these fighters gave the supreme sacrifice of their lives in the battle for Philippine freedom.

The Administrator was joined by Ms. Teresita C. Cuevas, Chief, Veterans Memorial and Historical Division; Ms. Raquel A. Cajuguiran, Chief, Claims Division; Ms. Melinda I. Luna, Chief, Veterans Records Management Division (VRMD); and Mr. Edgardo D. Castro, Chief, Veterans Affairs Management Division. ▪ With notes from the following sources: Antonio Tan’s “The Chinese in the Philippines During the Japanese Occupation, 1942-1945” Dr. Mike L. Tan’s “Beyond Bataan 1 & 2” (for his column, “Pinoy Kasi”) published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on April 2012. Dr. Tan is a medical anthropologist and Dean of the UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy.

Wha Chi Guerilla Forces Celebrate 70th AnniversaryWha Chi Guerilla Forces Celebrate 70th AnniversaryWha Chi Guerilla Forces Celebrate 70th Anniversary

The PVAO Administrator administers the oath of office of the newly-inducted officers of the Wha Chi 48th Squadron Veterans Descendants Association Ltd.

The PVAO Bulletin is published by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.

For comments, questions, reactions, or literary contributions, you may write to: PVAO Strategic Communications Section . Office of the Administrator

Landline: 02-9124526 Email: [email protected], [email protected] & [email protected] Text: PVAO<space>message send to 2920 Facebook Page: Philippine Veterans Affairs Office



“70 Years of VALOR” Commemorative Stamps Issued“70 Years of VALOR” Commemorative Stamps Issued“70 Years of VALOR” Commemorative Stamps Issued

I nspired by the valor, courage, and heroism of our Filipino World War II veterans, the

Philippine Postal Corporation, in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, issued on May 6, 2012, the “70 Years of Valor of Filipino Word War II Veterans” special commemorative stamps to memorialize our veterans’ heroic deeds and selfless sacrifices, promote veteranism and inspire patriotism in commemoration of the 70th

Anniversary of the thee major historical events - the “Heroism in Bataan,” the “Death March” and the “Valor in Corregidor.”

Stamps and Official First Day Covers are available (only until stocks last) at the Postage and Philatelic Department, Manila Central Post Office, Door 203, Liwasang Bonifacio, 1000 Manila and at all Regional Offices of the Philippine Postal Corporation.

T he Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), represented by its Administrator, LtGen. Ernesto G. Carolina, AFP (Ret.) and the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) represented by its Postmaster

General, Ms. Ma. Josefina Mendoza dela Cruz, signed a Memorandum of Agreement on April 3, 2012 for the issuance of special commemorative stamps and other philatelic products in grateful recognition of the 70 Years of Valor of Filipino Word War II Veterans. The issuance of the “70 Years of Valor” commemorative stamps collection for the first time since 1942, is also a first for PVAO. This is a unique and special way of giving tribute to our country’s heroes, apart from the yearly traditional activities being observed during the Philippine Veterans Week (April 5-11) and commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan, pursuant to laws, proclamations and issuances.▪

Postmaster Gen. Josie dela Cruz and Adm. Nesty Carolina sign the MOA,

with PPC’s Corporate Communications Head, Marc Laurente, and PVAO’s

Deputy Administrator, Atty. Romy S. Lazo, as witnesses.



D irector Jonathan Skelly spent his ten years of dedicated service here in the Philippines, first, as the Assistant Director of the Veterans Affairs

Regional Office and Outpatient Clinic from 2001-2004, and eventually as the Director of Manila, Philippines Regional Office, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). A US Army veteran himself, Director Skelly started out as a Veterans Claims Examiner in the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Regional Office, USA. This has allowed him to directly interact and empathize with the veterans and their families. As he rose from the ranks, he has well taken with him the richness of his firsthand experiences in the admini-stration of veterans benefits. Director Skelly is at the heart of many medical and non-

medical benefits administered by the US Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans and their survivors residing in the Philip-pines. These benefits include the disability compensation, pension, education, vocational rehabilitation, and most especially, the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) program.

Aside from the Outpatient Clinic here in Manila which provides a full range of outpatient medical services to thousands of patients a year, the USDVA has also provided assistance to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) through its equipment grant program.

All these are sustained and continuously provided for through the effective management of Director Skelly. This why it does not come as a surprise when he eventually became one of the well-known and well-loved personalities by our veterans and veterans organizations. He would often seen in gatherings and special commemorations for veterans, making sure that his presence is felt by the very people he serves.▪

Upon learning that Director Jonathan “Jon” Skelly’s tour of duty as Director of the Manila Regional Office - US Department of Veterans Affairs had ended, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) management invited him to join the regular flag ceremony of the agency last June 4, 2012 for a surprise simple tribute program.

The unsuspecting outgoing Director graciously accepted the invitation and was happily overwhelmed with the warm send-off program organized by the agency officials and staff. LtGen. Ernesto G. Carolina, AFP (Ret.), PVAO Administrator, presented to Dir. Skelly a Plaque of Recognition and a souvenir collage of photos of his engagements with Filipino World War II veterans and PVAO personnel.

Last March 29, 2012, Dir. Skelly and Asst. Dir. Nicholas “Nick” Pamperin met with the PVAO Administrator and the members of the PVAO Anti-Fixers Task Group (PATG) at the MSB Board Room, per Dir. Skelly’s request, purposely to discuss how PVAO operationalizes its Anti-Fixers Campaign plan that is now yielding positive results. Impressed with the successful entrapment operations and quick filing of cases against claims fixers victimizing veterans, Dir. Skelly requested PVAO’s assistance to USDVA in instituting the same campaign against fixers to protect its beneficiaries. He also requested the list of fixers who have been identified by PVAO since those individuals are probably the same ones victimizing their clients at the USDVA. The meeting became a venue for an exchange of best practices between the two agencies on how to further enhance the quality of the services they provide to the World War II veterans and their legal beneficiaries.

Dir. Skelly also lauded the information campaign of PVAO, particularly the publication of the PVAO Bulletin, a quarterly news magazine and monthly updates where the agency’s clientele get updated, significant and relevant information.

He discussed the possibility of extending forensics training to PVAO personnel to enhance their technical skills in determining the identity of pension recipients using breakthroughs in science and modern technology.

Dir. Skelly expressed his heart-warming appreciation to the officials and staff of the agency and thanked them for their support and cooperation throughout his stint as VA Director. He also expressed his fondness and appreciation to World War II veterans who are the foundations of the freedom and democracy of the United States of America and the Philippines.

Outgoing USDVA Director HonoredOutgoing USDVA Director HonoredOutgoing USDVA Director Honored

RP & US Veterans Affairs leaders shake hands.

GETTING TO KNOW

Director Jonathan F. Skelly

Dir. Skelly with the Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor Inc. veterans & kins (file).



T he Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) management and staff cordially welcomes Ms. Ludivina “Ludy” Viaña Daulat, State Auditor IV, the new Commission on Audit (COA) Resident Auditor at PVAO vice Ms. Josefina “Baby” M.

Gonzales effective June 4, 2012. During her assumption of post held at the PVAO Conference Room, Ms. Daulat likened the role of state auditors to “guardian angels” whose primary duty is to give sound advice and be the voice of wisdom to those they guide, contrary to popular belief that auditors are “villains.” Ms. Daulat started her career at the Commission on Audit-National Capital Region as the Unit Head of various government agencies from 1985-2005, to wit: Probation Administration (Department of Justice); Tondo Medical Center (Department of Health); South Manila Engineering District (DPWH); Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-NCR (DOLE); and National Wages and Productivity Commission (DOLE). Prior to being assigned in PVAO, she was the Audit Team Leader at the Bureau of Rural Workers (Sugar Amelioration Program) and National Labor Relations Commission under DOLE from 2000-2010. She is concurrently the Audit Team Leader of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (DOH). The jolly Ma’am Ludy is a native of Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro—the site where the last Japanese soldier, 2Lt. Hiroo Onoda, surrendered after 30 long years of hiding in the jungle, not knowing that his troops had surrendered three decades earlier. Ms. Daulat graduated magna cum laude with a degree in BSBA Accounting at the Central Colleges of the Philippines. She also obtained a Master in Government Management degree at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. A product of Stella Maris School in Manila, the former Miss Viaña was a consistent honor student from grade school to high school. PVAO likewise welcomes Ms. Luzviminda Gana, State Auditor V, the new resident auditor at the Department of National Defense and the Audit Team Leader. Ms. Gana replaced Ms. Maribeth F. de Jesus who was reassigned by COA to another agency.▪

PVAO’s New “Guardian Angel”

Ms. LUDVINA “LUDY” V. DAULAT COA Resident Auditor at PVAO

F or her significant contributions and efforts that paved the way for various reforms in the agency, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO)

expresses its sincerest gratitude to Ms. Josefina “Baby” M. Gonzales, State Auditor IV and former Resident Auditor at PVAO . Ms. Gonzales, a certified Public Accountant, started her career as Auditing Aide II at the Department of Education, Culture and Sports in 1977. She rose from the ranks and earned the position as Resident Auditor of the Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education from 1984 to 1988. Her outstanding and efficient performance propelled her to the following audit assignments as Resident Auditor: Insurance Commission, Department of Finance (1990-1997); Philippine Council for Industry & Energy Research & Development (1997-2000); Philippine Textile Research Institute, DOST (2000-2003); Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research &

Development (PCASTRD) and Technology Application & Promotion Institute (TAPI) both under DOST (2003-2005). She was also assigned at the Department of Health and simultaneously held two units —the Rizal Medical Center and National Mental Health (2005-2009). Her expertise in Risk Base Financial Audit Approach makes her one of the most sought-after resource persons of COA. Ms. Gonzales’ passion for service, down-to-earth attitude and compassion to veterans will always be missed by PVAO ▪

PVAO Thanks Former Auditor

T he Battle of Bessang was the most successful military operation mounted by Filipino and American soldiers and guerrillas against the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. The victory of the United States Army Forces in the Philippines – Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL), after nine months of relentless military operations, opened the

gateway to Kiangan, Ifugao and paved the way for the capture of Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita, the overall Commander of the Japanese forces in the Pacific, and what remained of the Japanese troops on September 2, 1945. This led to Gen. Yamashita’s formal surrender and formally concluded the Japanese occupation in the Philippines.

The 67th anniversary of the Victory at Bessang Pass was commemorated at Baluarte, Vigan, Ilocos Sur last June 14, 2012, in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur. It was led by Hon. Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano, Vice Governor of Ilocos Sur, who represented Gov. Luis “Chavit” C. Singson who was then out of the country. Joining him were members of the Philippine National Police - Ilocos Norte headed by its Provincial Director, P/SSupt. Noel B. Amoyen, and the 7th Infantry Division, Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) of the Philippine Army, Armed Forces of the Philippines, which provided the ceremonial element of the affair. The event was made more auspicious by the attendance of many USAFIP-NL veterans representing the five Infantry Regiments of the unit: the 11th, 14th, 15th, 66th and the 121st. Local government officials and members of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) from the Ilocos Sur and adjoining provinces were also present.

In his welcome remarks, Vice Gov. Savellano said that in the previous years, he had taken part in the annual celebrations of the Victory at Bessang Pass in Bessang Pass National Monument and Shrine, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, knowing the historic and military significance of the capture of Bessang Pass from the claws of the Japanese. He added that the commemoration was brought to Vigan City this year as it is an event that Vigueños should always celebrate. Vice Gov. Savellano found the occasion an opportune time to announce the effort of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur to assist the veterans in the province by enrolling them to Philhealth Insurance. “We cannot deny that our veterans are not getting any younger so we thought that enrolling them to Philhealth is the best gift that we can give them.”

Adm. Carolina, in his inspirational speech, stressed that the victory at Bessang Pass is not only the victory of northern Luzon guerrillas but of all Filipino defenders across the land who courageously mounted a protracted and fierce guerrilla warfare for almost four years against the once invincible Imperial Japanese Army. He likewise underscored that Bessang Pass is a source of national pride. Thus, PVAO honors the USAFIP-NL heroes by writing their story, building reminders of their heroic deeds, and commemorating with passion their victory. PVAO also initiated the drafting of a Presidential Proclamation declaring the 14th of June every year as a National Holiday so that the event will be commemorated and celebrated not only in northern Luzon but throughout the country as well. He also announced the forthcoming publication of another book, “Victory at Bessang Pass,” by Mr. Ben Cal, a veteran defense journalist and author, as a complement to the two books earlier published by PVAO. These books are “The Freedom Fighters of Northern Luzon: An Untold Story” And “Victory in Northern Luzon” which were authored by Col. Cesar P. Pobre, PhD., MNSA, a leader veteran himself and a distinguished military historian.

Veteran Emilio Lanzuela Leal of Cabaroan, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur was given a Certificate of Recognition and a Medal for his wartime service and honorable performance of duties during World War II. “Apo Miong” as he is fondly called in his community served as a machine gunner of the 66th Infantry Regiment, USAFIP-NL. At present, he is considered Ilocandia’s oldest living war veteran at the age of 101.

Post Commander Ruben Magsi of Banayoyo, Ilocos Sur was also given a Plaque of Appreciation for his invaluable assistance for the success of the event. The staff of PVAO Field Service Extension Office No. 1 were also awarded with certificates of commendation for their dedication to duty, diligence and hard work that helped ensure the success of the event.

BGen Arnulfo D. Bañez, AFP (Ret.), President of USAFIP-NL, Inc., related the significance of Vigan in the Philippine history during World War II, saying it was in Vigan where the Japanese had made a beachhead landing on December 8, 1941. He also said that the regional headquarters of the Philippine Constabulary, though manned by only a handful of soldiers, put up a brave resistance but where easily overrun by the Japanese; thus, the small contingent of the Provincial Command and some enlisted men were captured and brought to Formosa (now Taiwan), making them the first Filipinos to become prisoners of war (POWs) in World War II. He further added that it was in Ilocos Sur where World War II began and it was there, at the town of Cervantes where the same war ended, leaving a heroic legacy that Vigueños could be proud of.

A surprise tribute to the USAFIP-NL followed. Winnie Jade Acedo, a high school student, first read an open letter titled, “Para sa Mahal Kong Lolo at Lolang Beterano,” followed by the offering of roses to the veterans by students and youth participants as a symbol of appreciation and gratitude for the sacrifices they have done so that the present and future breed of Filipinos may live in peace, freedom and democracy. The veterans, in return, gave the youth miniature Philippine flags as a symbolic gesture of turning over the responsibility of protecting and upholding our independence.▪



The 67th Commemoration of the Victory at Bessang Pass

Veteran Emilio Leal, 100 years old, was recognized

“Buhay ng Kasaysayan” reenacts the battle at Bessang Pass

The USAFIP-NL veterans who emerged victorious in the battle



Vice Gov. Savellano dons the USAFIP-NL vest. The 67th Commemoration of the Victory at Bessang Pass

Veteran Emilio Leal, 100 years old, was recognized

“Buhay ng Kasaysayan” reenacts the battle at Bessang Pass

The USAFIP-NL veterans who emerged victorious in the battle Students representing the youth sector pay tribute to the veterans who fought in WW2

A, PVAO commends FSEO#1 staff

Surviving spouses of deceased WW2 veterans

PVAO Ilocos Sur personnel assists a veteran

PVAO personnel & guests from the Cordilleras

A, PVAO disseminates information on veterans benefits



12 May 2012 ▪ Splash Mountain Resort, Los Baños, Laguna



P VAO extends its warmest greetings to veteran ESTIFANIA DUMAGAN

UNGAB of Albuquerque, Bohol on her 100th birthday on August 2, 2012! Known as “NC Naning” in her community, this lady veteran served as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Service (WAS), Bohol Area Command during World War II, with the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Married to the late Manuel Ungab, NC had three sons: Dionisio(+), Julito, and Bernard to whom she waived her Educational Benefit.

“The hero is not merely a creation of his time. Quite the contrary, he is the forceful projection of his nation’s destiny and will. To recall the valor and heroism of our forefathers is not to waste ourselves in idle homage. It is to renew in ourselves the resolve to improve and rebuild what has characterized our people.”

- former Pres. FIDEL V. RAMOS

Capas National Shrine, 09 October1997

C ebu-based COL. MANUEL FILOMENO SEGURA was among the awardees during the Review in Honor of the Veterans last April 4, 2012 at the Hunters-ROTC

Parade Ground, Taguig City. Col. Segura began his military career as a 3rd Lieutenant of the Philippine Army on January 26, 1940. He was called to active duty by the ASG, 82nd Infantry Regiment on August 28, 1941 and was later inducted into the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) on September 01, 1941. He continued rendering meritorious service in the Philippine Constabulary, Armed Forces of the Philippines and retired from the active service with the rank of a Colonel on December 31, 1971. Colonel Segura was born on January 1, 1919 at San Roque, Mambaling, Cebu.

E MILIO LANZUELA LEAL of Cabaraon, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur showed how active and

snappy he still is during the 67th Commemoration of the Victory at Bessang Pass in Baluarte, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur last June 14, 2012. Born on September 12, 1911, he’ll be 101 years old this year. Apo Miong served as a machine gunner of the 66th Infantry Battalion, United States Army Forces in the Philippines (USAFIP-NL) - one of the five infantry regiments that saw extensive action in the Battle of Bessang Pass. When asked by PVAO Adm. Carolina and Ilocos Vice Gov. DV Savellano about his secret for long life & good health, his only response was “SALUYOT.”

A source of pride for his municipality, veteran BLAS COLLAOIT DIEGO of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija arrived at the awarding ceremony at the Capas Na-

tional Shrine on April 10, 2012 in a cozy air-conditioned coaster complete with a tarpaulin banner, courtesy of the local government. Sergeant Blas Diego received an award for rendering honorable military service as a World War II veteran. He served with the Luzon Guerrilla Army Forces (LGAF) as a Private, with Army Serial No. 164722. He continued serving the country in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and retired as Sergeant on August 3, 1962. Sgt. Diego was born on May 18, 1917 in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija.



L abor Day 2012. Our otherwise lazy holiday became packed with action and adventure as our 96-year old host, retired Army Colonel Vicente Fabian Alhambra, warmly received us and shared his rich experiences

and exploits as a veteran of three wars – World War II, Korean War, and the War against Insurgency.

Smartly walking without a cane, he first gave us a tour around the vicinity of his huge compound at the stretch of Alhambra Street (formerly Fabian St. , after the family of his late mother, but was renamed in his honor), Barangay Niyog 2, Bacoor, Cavite. His place is surrounded with sturdy trees, including a mango tree that is over a hundred years old, and shrubs which are mostly fruit-bearing. He also showed us his backyard where he raises poultry for their steady source of meat before pausing for a break to let us in on the secret of his longevity and surprisingly robust health despite his many close encounters with death. He is, after all, a survivor of the infamous “Bataan Death March,” a prisoner at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac (which was transformed into a Japanese concentration camp after the fall of Bataan and Corregidor), an intelligence officer in the Korean war, and a key figure in the Anti-Insurgency campaigns in his many years with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Here are simple but sure TIPS that he shared with us— the secrets that have kept him up and about at his age:

Tip No. 1: Have a Healthy Body and Maintain It A member of the Philippine Military Academy—Class ‘42, Col. Alhambra said he was at the prime of his youth when they were deployed in the firing line in Mariveles, Bataan under the 2nd Regular Division of the Philippine Army, attached to the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). His healthy and agile body enabled him to survive the hardships of the Death March. Upon reaching Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac, a lady friend with whom he had a romantic understanding, gave him a mosquito net through his doctor cousin who met the marching soldiers along the way. The lucky mosquito net spared him from malaria. “Having extra strength made me withstand days of walking without food, rest or sleep. I used my strength to collect food and water thrown by sympathizing civilians which I shared with fellow guerrillas, especially the sick and starving. At the prison camp, I frequently escapes to buy ‘tinapa’ (smoked fish) from nearby stores for our food. I rarely get caught,” he reminisced. He eventually mustered enough courage to escape from prison. Upon returning to Cavite, he joined his fellow Caviteños who organized the Cavite Guerrilla Unit (CGU) and the Filipino-American Cavite Guerrilla Forces (FACGF) led by Colonel Mariano Castañeda. These units liberated the town of Bacoor and eventually, the entire Cavite province.

Tip No. 2: Develop A Brilliant Mind and Sustain It—After World War II, Col. Alhambra continued his military service and

joined the 20th Battalion Combat Team (BCT), Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) during the Korean War. As an intelligence officer in an unfamiliar terrain of a foreign land where he mingled with fellow officers & soldiers of various nationalities and with intelligence sources from different cultures, his sharp mind made him very effective in the performance of his duty. “Truth be told, we have thousands of casualties in the Korean War. There were even soldiers who went missing in action. It didn’t help that it was snowing most of the time. Another thing is that our friends and foes looked the same,” he recalled. Col. Alhambra talks continuously without stammering during our visit. His eyes are very bright and still clear, using only his reading glasses sparingly. His memory is very vivid, recalling even with the most minute details his unit assignments and exploits. Continued on page 26

Take it from COL. VIC F. ALHAMBRA, A Veteran of Three Wars

The young Alhambra did well in Korea as an Intelligence Officer of PEFTOK.

Members of the PMA Class „42 in a summer activity at Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union (May 1939)

PVAO Adm. Ernesto Carolina & Col. Vic Alhambra

Sang-ayon sa ating Saligang Batas, katungkulan ng estado na tulungang paunlarin ang kalagayan, kapakanan at kabuhayan ng ating mga Beterano bilang pagkilala sa kanilang mahalagang bahaging ginampanan at patuloy na ginagampanan upang ipag-tanggol ang kalayaan, demokrasya at soberanya ng ating bansa.

Sa kabila ng masigasig na kampanya upang maipabatid sa kinauukulan ang mga serbisyo at benepisyo mula as PVAO, marami pa rin sa ating mga beterano, lalo na ang mga retiradong sundalo at kanilang mga pamilya ang hindi pa rin lubusang nakakaalam ng mga ito. Kaya naman muli naming inilalathala ang mga sumusunod na benepisyo at serbisyong ipinagkakaloob ng sambayanan sa mga tagapagtanggol ng bayan at kanilang mga kaanak.

Ang Beterano at

kaniyang mga benepisyo

Sinu-sino ang kinikilala bilang mga Beterano?

Sang-ayon sa Section 10 ng RA 6948, na naamyendahan ng Section 3 ng RA 7696, ikaw ay BETERANO kung ikaw ay:

Isang retiradong sundalo ng Armed Forced of the Philippines (AFP) na nakapaglingkod nang may kabuuang anim (6) na taon at marangal na nawalay sa serbisyo. Kasama dito ang dating sundalo na nakapagserbisyo sa loob ng anim (6) na taon o higit pa sa ilalim ng Philippine Constabulary (PC) na kalaunay napaanib sa Philippine National Police (PNP) noong 1991, sa kondisyon na siya ay honorably discharged/separated mula sa serbisyo. Gayundin ang dating sundalo na nakapaglingkod sa loob ng anim (6) na taon o higit pa sa ilalim ng dating Coast Guard Unit ng Philippine Navy na ngayon ay Philippine Coastguard na at sakop ng Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC);

Isang beterano/AFP retiree/AFP personnel na hindi bababa sa dalawampung (20) taon ang kabuuang haba ng pagseserbisyo kung siya ay umanib sa AFP matapos ang Abril 2007 (ito ay ayon sa pag-amyenda ng Republic Act No. 9396 na naaprubahan noong Marso 18, 2007), sa kondisyong ang beterano ay honorably discharged sa aktibong serbisyo;

Isang sundalo na nawalay sa serbisyo dahil sa karamdaman, sakit o kapansanang natamo habang ginagampanan ang kaniyang tungkulin, ano pa man ang kanyang edad o haba ng kanyang serbisyo;

Isang sundalo na nagretiro sa serbisyo, kahit ang pagretiro ay mandatory o optional, maging ano pa man ang kanyang edad.

Sino ang pwedeng magSino ang pwedeng magSino ang pwedeng mag---apply ng OLD AGE PENSION?apply ng OLD AGE PENSION?apply ng OLD AGE PENSION?

Ang mga nabanggit na beterano ay maaaring tumanggap ng Old Age Pension na P5,000 kada buwan simula sa kanilang ika-65 na kaarawan o simula Agosto 1990 (kung kailan nagka-bisa ang batas para dito), alinman ang pinakahuli. Hinihikayat ng PVAO ang lahat ng mga kwalipikadong beterano na mag-file na ng kanilang claim sa PVAO habang sila ay 64 na taong gulang pa lamang upang mabigyan ng sapat na panahon ang ahensya na maproseso ang kanilang aplikasyon at mapabilang sila sa budget ng ahensiya para sa susunod na taon. Sa ganitong paraan ay mabayaran sila sa takdang panahon at maiiwasan ang pagkakaroon ng backpay arrearages.

Ang mga BETERANO, sang-ayon sa mga kategoryang nabanggit, at ang kanilang mga “qualified dependents” ay

maari nang kumunsulta at magpagamot ng libre sa Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC). Maari na rin

silang ng pagkalooban ng mga benepisyong nakapaloob sa PVAO-VMMC Veterans Hospitalization Program

(basahin sa Pahina 3). Kailangan lamang na ipakita ang AFP retiree’s ID para mapatunayan ng kanilang pagiging

beterano, lalo na sa mga hindi pa PVAO pensioner.



Post-World War II & “would-be” veterans of Zamboanga

Para sa Nabalong Asawa ng Beterano

Ang nabalong asawa ng namatay na beterano ay maaari ring makatanggap ng Old Age Pension sa halagang P5,000 kada buwan simula sa pagkamatay ng kanyang asawang beterano.

Maari ring makatanggap ng pensyon ang mga biyudang asawa ng sundalong:

retirado/honorably discharged na namatay bago mag-65 taong gulang;

namatay sa labanan (killed-in-action o died in line of duty);

nawalay sa serbisyo dahil sa karamdaman, kapansanan o pinsalang natamo habang ginagagampanan ang kanyang tungkulin at kalaunan ay namatay sanhi nito.

Ang benepisyong ito ay habambuhay na ipagkakaloob sa nabalong asawa ng namatay na beterano, maliban na lamang kung siya ay nag-asawang muli o namatay. Ito ay kailangang aplayan ng lehitimong asawa sa PVAO upang maproseso sang-ayon sa batas.

Sa mga May Kapansanan

Ang batas ay naggagawad din ng pro-rated na buwanang Disability Pension sa World War II at Post-War veterans na nagkaroon ng matinding karamdaman o kapansanan dahil sa pagtupad sa kanilang tungkulin.

Kabilang rin dito ang mga AFP officers/enlisted personnel na may disability discharge rating matapos sumailalim sa pagsusuring medikal sa AFP Medical Center, kahit ano pa man ang kanilang edad.

Maliban dito, ang lehitimong asawa at mga anak* ng beterano na may 100% disability rating ay makatatanggap din ng buwanang benepisyo na P500 bawat isa.

Ang beteranong tumatanggap ng disability pension ay makatatanggap din ng Old Age Pension pagdating ng kanyang ika-65 kaarawan. Kung ang beterano ay namatay bago umabot ng 65 na taong gulang, ang kanyang asawa at anak* ay tatanggap ng Death Pension na P1,000 kada buwan kung ang pagkamatay ng beterano ay sanhi ng karamdaman o kapansanan na natamo sa pagtupad sa tungkulin. Ito ay sinusuri ng PVAO Disability Rating Board (DRB).

*Ayon sa batas, ang anak ng beterano na kwalipikado sa benepisyo ay mga anak na menor de edad at hindi pa nag-aasawa.

Ano ang Death Pension?

Ang mga opisyal o enlisted personnel ng AFP na namatay sa pagtupad ng tungkulin [killed-in-action (KIA) o died in line-of-duty (LOD)] ay kinikilala bilang beterano.

Dahil dito, ang PVAO ay nagbibigay ng Death Pension na P1,000 kada buwan sa alinman sa mga karapat-dapat na benepisyaryo:

Ang asawa ng beterano na nakatala sa Declaration of Beneficiaries ng beterano mula sa AFP.

Mga anak* ng beterano, sila man ay lehitimo o hindi, at nakatala sa Declaration of Beneficiaries (ang pension ay hanggang sila ay umabot sa 18 years old lamang).

Mga magulang ng namatay na beteranong walang asawa (P1,000 kada bawat buhay na magulang ; P2,000 naman kung iisa na lang ang buhay na magulang)

*Ayon sa batas, ang anak ng beterano na kwalipikado sa benepisyo ay mga anak na menor de edad at hindi pa nag-aasawa.



Courtesy of newsinfo.inquirer.net



MATTERS THAT MATTER TO VETERANS Concerns on Suspension and Resumption of Pension

Consistent with the government’s reform agenda to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in public service, the cleansing of pension list is now on its full swing at the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).

The cleansing of the pension list is a continuing process and involves three components: (1) the Revalidation Program, (2) the issuance of PVAO Pensioner’s ID, and (3) the Direct Remittance Pension Servicing System (DRPSS). Although it has been implemented since 2008, some of our pensioners are still unaware of the program and are therefore unable to comply with it on time. As a consequence, their pensions are suspended due to the following reasons:

1. Change of Address without Due Notice to PVAO

PVAO’s primary means of communicating with our pensioners is through mail. This is how we send the Pensioner’s Update Form (PUF) to facilitate the revalidation of our pensioners. However, if the pensioner has changed address and thus unable to receive the form, this causes the delay (if not, failure) of submission on the part of the pensioner. Make sure to update PVAO by simply writing a letter informing us of any change in address.

2. Non-Compliance to Direct Remittance Pension Servicing System (DRPSS)

The DRPSS replaced the antiquated check-mailing system as the mode of pension delivery to pensioners. It facilitates the timely and secure delivery of pensions through direct remittance to pensioners’ accounts with PVAO’s pension servicing banks, making full use of the online and automated facility of these banks. The servicing banks include the Philippine Veterans Bank, Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, United Coconut Planters Bank, Asia United Bank, Maybank, AFPSLAI, AMWSLAI, and CWSLAI. The DRPSS has been fully implemented since 2008.

3. Returned-to-Sender (RTS) Pensioner Update Form (PUF) or Non-Compliance with PVAO’s Revalidation

The revalidation program is the agency’s way to monitor the living status, ascertain the identity and update the records of its pension recipients. It is done through accomplishing a Pensioner’s Update Form (PUF) yearly during the pensioners’ birth month. PVAO usually sends the PUF via registered mail to the pensioner’s address. Pensioners are given 30 days upon receipt of the PUF to accomplish the form and return the same to PVAO along with the pertinent requirements. If the PUF is returned to sender (RTS) by the post office, PVAO shall cause the temporary stoppage of pension payment to the pensioner concerned. Likewise, if the pensioner received the PUF (as evidenced by the registry receipt) but failed to comply accordingly, his/her pension will be suspended pending compliance to the program. Revalidation is done on the birth month of the pensioner. If you have not received a PUF on your birth month, please call the Veterans Records and Management Division at 986-1983 or download a PUF at www.pvao.mil.ph and have your status revalidated.

4. Report of Re-marriage

The lifetime pension/s granted to the surviving spouse of a veteran is valid until he/she remarries or dies. PVAO will immediately suspend the pension/s of the surviving spouse upon receipt of any report or lead on the pensioner’s remarriage. Upon confirmation of the said report, PVAO will terminate the pension/s with finality.



Why is it important to have your thumbprints by officers Why is it important to have your thumbprints by officers Why is it important to have your thumbprints by officers

of PVAO / PNP / AFP / NBI?of PVAO / PNP / AFP / NBI?of PVAO / PNP / AFP / NBI? PVAO employs dactyloscopy to verify the identity of its pensioners and consequently cleanse its masterlist. These officers have the technical skills and expertise in properly getting the necessary fingerprint impressions which will be analyzed by our examiners who perform dactyl analysis.

If the pensioner cannot come personally to PVAO, an authorized representative may get the Resumption Form from PVAO and have the pensioner accomplish the form at his/her current location. However, the thumbprints impression must be taken by competent officers of this agency or the Philippine National Police/Armed Forces of the Philippines or the National Bureau of Investigation.

Dactyloscopy /Dactyloscopy /Dactyloscopy /dak′tidak′tidak′ti---los′kŏlos′kŏlos′kŏ---pē/pē/pē/

An examination of the markings in prints made from the fingertips; employed as a scientific method of personal identification; considered conclusive due to its infallibility.



Reasons for Suspension Requirements for Resumption

Change of Address without Due Notice to PVAO Returned to Sender (RTS) of the Pensioner’s Update Form (PUF) or Non-Revalidation

1. Barangay Certification attesting to subject’s Identity & Residency 2. Identity Form 3. Thumbprints & Signature Specimen Form / Chart

Non-Compliance to the Direct Remittance Pension Servicing System (DRPSS)

1. Pensioner’s Account at any PVAO servicing banks 2. Letter of Introduction (can be secured from the Claims Division) 3. Bank Remittance Form (can be secured from the Finance Division) 4. Barangay Certification attesting to subject’s Identity & Residency 5. Photocopy of ATM card where pension is remitted 6. Letter of explanation for late compliance

Report of Re-marriage 1. Personal appearance of the pensioner 2. Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from NSO. However, if the spouse indeed contracted subsequent marriage, her pension will be terminated with finality without prejudice to possible prosecution due to misrepresentation or fraud

Report of Death 1. Personal appearance of the pensioner (If the pensioner cannot appear personally due to poor physical or health conditions, a spot investigation by PVAO will be conducted) 2. Identity Form 3. Thumbprints & Signature Specimen Form / Chart

Non-Moving Accounts / Suspicion of Fraud or Irregularity

1. Personal appearance of the pensioner 2. Pensioner Update Form 3. Proofs of Identity & Legitimacy (as appropriate)

5. Report of Death— All the pensions granted by PVAO is valid until the pensioner’s death. PVAO will immediately suspend any pension upon receipt of any information / lead on a pensioner’s death. Once the report is confirmed, the pension of the deceased will be terminated with finality.

6. Non-Moving Accounts—PVAO monitors the movement of pension funds through its pension servicing banks. An account that has no movement for three consecutive months shall cause temporary stoppage of payment pending confirmation of the living status of the pensioner.

7. Suspicion of Fraud / Irregularity —PVAO suspends pensions whenever there are perceived irregularities in the pensioner’s identity, legal status, and other information that may question the pensioner’s rightful claim. A pension may also be suspended due to connivance / collusion with claims fixers.

If a pension has been suspended due to any of these reasons, the pensioner just simply have to apply for pension resumption by submitting a duly accomplished Resumption Form (available at the Resumption Section, Claims Division or any PVAO Field Service Extension Office) along with the following requirements:



T he Veterans Cup Golf Tournament – “Swing for a Cause” organized by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) last April 14, 2012 at the Veterans Golf Course, North Avenue,

Quezon City turned out a huge success. As anticipated, the said tournament drew the support and participation of noted veterans and golf aficionados such as former President Fidel V. Ramos, Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, former Ambassador Roy Cimatu, Undersecretary for Veterans and Civil Affairs Eduardo G. Batac, and other distinguished veterans and retired officers. Col. Frisco F. San Juan (Ret.) , Supremo of the Hunters ROTC Association, Inc., led the tee-off ceremony. Since the event was also a part of the 2012 Observance of the Philippine Veterans Week, banners of historic battles were strategically placed at selected holes of the Veterans Golf Course. The golf tournament generated a modest amount of revenue which was immediately turned over to the Filipino War Veterans Foundation (FILVETS), Inc. in support of its medical missions and outreach clinics to our veterans and their families, especially those in far-flung areas. For many years, FILVETS has steadfastly worked on providing avenues for veterans and their dependents to access medical and healthcare services. The tournament also joined together those in the military service – whether in active duty or already retired – in extending full support to noble undertakings that uplift the welfare and wellbeing of our country’s defenders.▪

Col. Frisco San Juan (Ret.), Hunters ROTC Assn. Inc. Supremo, tees off the tournament.

Continued from Page 21

Tip No. 3: Strengthen Your Faith and Nourish It– After returning from Korea, Col. Alhambra held several command positions in Camp Murphy and in various areas. With his many encounters, especially during their anti-insurgency mission, Col. Alhambra said his deep faith in God gave him protection from the numerous dangers that went on with his job. He said his being a God-fearing officer must have been the reason why he had charisma, both with his men and his enemies. Rebel leaders, both from the communist left and the rightist, believe his sincerity when he negotiates. “Be prayerful. My routine will not be complete without saying my usual prayers. I wake up at 5 AM everyday or even earlier and immediately, I say my thanksgiving prayer. I also pray as I tend my garden and do my chores, ” he said.

Tip No. 4: Raise a Happy Family and Be the Center of It. Col. Alhambra said he could have easily gotten a one-star general promotion had he accepted his reassignment to Cebu. But his wife requested him to retire instead to give time to their family, especially to their children who were then already in their teens and needed his presence for constant guidance. The late Mrs. Alhambra was a teacher and was also busy with her extended children in the classroom. “I did not know she was very serious until she showed up in our headquarters and dis-cussed the matter with my superior,” Col. Vic recalled, with a smile on his face. That was the point when he realized that promotion was not the end all and be all of his service as a soldier. What’s important was the deep sense of satisfaction that he had given his best to the

nation and its people for whom he had consecrated himself to serve. “I love my family more than anything else, I do not regret my decision,” he proudly told us. Tip No. 5: Value Friendship and Enjoy It. The many pictures neatly mounted in photo albums are proofs that Col. Vic treasures the brotherhood he has with his former officers, contemporaries and even his subordinates. For each picture, he has many rich memories to re-live and share, especially about his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; his brother, Antonio who was also a guerrilla and his other siblings; and the many friends dear to him who help him stay very active and cheerful. Col. Vic has truly mastered the art of living life to the fullest. And that day, seeing him as the living testimony of what he preaches, all of us were his willing disciples. - jfr

Col. Alhambra‟s visitors: Journalist Ben Cal, Administrator Carolina and his staff



T he veterans of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) and PVAO jointly hosted the 61st commemoration of the Battle of Yuldong on April 23, 2012 at the Korean

Memorial Pylon, Libingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The Battle of Yuldong was the greatest Filipino victory in Korean War. It was fought by a mere 900 Filipino fighting men of the 10th Bat-talion Combat Team (10th BCT), who withstood the night attack against an entire communist Chinese army that numbered 40,000 men at peak strength. ▪

Mr. Romeo Gonzales, Chief of the PVAO General Services Section and son of a PEFTOK veteran, offers flowers at the Korean Pylon.

His Excellency, Hye Min Lee of the Republic of Korea shakes hands with PEFTOK Veterans Association, Inc. (PVAI) President, Col. Paterno V. Viloria (Ret.).

A Filipino boy & an American girl offered flowers at the Manila American Cemetery & Memorial and declared, “We shall never forget.”

PVAO Administrator Carolina reminds the audience that „war is never a solution.‟

Major Maximo Young (Ret.) of the 10th BCT welcomes and thanks those who remembered the veterans of the Battle of Yuldong during the war in Korea .

The nation joined the United States of America in their Memorial Day celebration last May 27, 2012 at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City.

Top RP government officials headed by Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr., Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, and MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino joined the commemoration.

The US Memorial Day is annually observed on the last Monday of May. Originally known as Decoration Day, it honors the service and sacrifices of all the men and women in uniform, and their families who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. ▪

USDVA & PVAO officials discuss with leaders of Filipino & American veterans organizations.



The twin books on Northern Luzon guerrillas—The Freedom Fighters of Northern Luzon: An Untold Story and Victory in Northern Luzon—both authored by Dr. Cesar P. Pobre, MNSA, a retired colonel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are now on a beautifully-designed hard case. Considered as collectors’ items, these books tell the full story on how our freedom-fighters in northern Luzon evolved from sporadic resistance groups into a formidable force against the advancing enemy during World War II. They also feature notes on the operational and organizational dimension of the United States Army Forces in the Philippines—Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL).

D epicting the difficult times of the Philippines during World War II, Dr.

Senén L. R. Asúan relived his gruesome experiences as a teenager who fought the Japanese occupational forces as the leader of a guerrilla fighting unit dubbed The Suicide Squad. Ably assisted by Michigan author John A Levi, Dr. Asuan wrote For Love of Freedom: Memoirs of a World War II Philippine Resistance Fighter in the 90’s while he was in the US. The book paints a chilling description of life in the Philippines during the Japanese occupation from 1941-1945. As a young guerrilla fighter who sought refuge in the jungles of the Camarines Sur, Asúan disclosed how he initially fought to exact his own personal vengeance against the ruthless Japanese soldiers who executed his father and brutalized his relatives but later on continued the fight for a cause bigger than revenge— the liberation of his homeland and its people. After the war, the former guerrilla became a doctor, served as president & CEO in hospitals throughout the Philippines and later became a consultant for the World Health Organization in Southeast Asia. He is currently the Associate Director of the Department of Standards for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations in Illinois.

Dr. Senen L. Asuan, author of the book, “For Love of Freedom” relates the story of the “suicide squad,” his guerrilla unit

composed of Ateneo de Naga students during world War II

A n exhaustive biography of the late Dr. Godofredo

Sebastian Reyes (08 November 1918-05 July 2009) was launched by Dr. Paul Blanco Zafaralla and Dr. Dedicacion Mario Agatep-Reyes, Dr. Reyes’ widow, in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur at the BTVWWII Museum and Library, Veterans Center, Taguig City. The book narrates the significant accomplishments of the late World War II veteran leader as a surgeon, poet-laureate, educator, humanist, entrepreneur, educator, statesman with photos in full color. It also seeks to introduce the personal side of Dr. Reyes as a family man.

Dr. Dedicacion M. Aagetep - Reyes, the spouse of the late veteran-leader Dr. Godofredo Reyes, during the book launching



Abi nimo’g sayon Sundalo ni Quezon Karsones pungkol Batones bagol Tag singko ra’y suhol

Dili baya sayon Mais ra’ng kina-on Sula-ag bulad Utana’g tangkong Gutom lang gihapon

English translation:

You think it’s easy, Being a soldier of Pres. Quezon Wearing shorts with buttons made Of coconut shell And salaries at 5 centavos It’s not easy, Eating only corn with dried fish and “kangkong” And ending up still hungry

* Contributed by Director Nostradamus “Nonie” A. Villanueva, PVAO Director III and concurrent Chief of the Veterans Affairs and Management Division (VAMD). A certified Ilonggo, Dir. Nonie is from Dumaguete City and a son of a USAFFE veteran.

I was in your facility yester-

day, 21 June 2012, to check on

the status of my application for

Old Age Pension, which I filed

last year. In less than an hour,

I was able to confirm that my

pension will start this July, my

birth month, and got something

which I did not go there for—

my PVAO ID.

Very snappy service indeed,

and very efficient and courte-

ous personnel. More power to

you and keep up the good

work!

-Mr. Vic Erfe

Thank you very much for the very kind and cordial reception and accommodation you gave me when I visited your of-fice….. During my whole life, Sir, you are the only official of the Philippine government from whom I experienced such cordial and pleasant treatment. May your tribe increase.

- Rafael de Peralta, WW2 Veteran

We, at PVAO, believe that the best measure of how our services to our veterans and their families have improved is

by way of testimonials from our clients themselves. This is why we appreciate messages through letters, e-mails,

text messages, online posts (on Facebook), Resolutions and even thoughtful greeting cards from the very people we

serve. Here are some of these messages:

I am very grateful that there are still people like you who are compassionate and willing to help seniors like me to get their claims in a timely manner. I hope you will continue to inform all retirees of changes happening in your office both thru the Internet and by mail. Thank you & keep up the good work!

- Julpha Maniquis, surviving spouse

This song was sang by the guerrillas of the 75th Infantry Regiment of Resistance Movement in Dumaguete during World War II, not to criticize the administration of then President Manuel L. Quezon but to lighten their burdens in life. It shows the Filipinos’ peculiar way of dealing with problems by laughing at themselves and their conditions to avoid feeling miserable. Sung in a marching mode, it can still be heard during every veterans assemblies in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental. It was composed by former Supreme Court Justice Venancio “Dodong” Duran Aldecoa, Jr., a former Intelligence Officer in the guerrilla movement and now a District Commander of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, Negros Oriental Chapter.



“I’m really very picky when it comes to accepting invitations to speak, especially during the Women’s Month because we were so busy. But the letter of you sent was so sincere that I was compelled to come. Besides, I have seen in your website the various PVAO activities and campaigns, which shows that you are serious in promoting this agenda.” - MS. EMMELINE L. VERSOZA, RND MS Nutr, MSc Executive Director, Philippine Commission on Women

A s part of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office’s commitment to promote and

mainstream Gender and Development (GAD) in the organization, distinguished GADvocates were invited to share their individual and professional experiences, expertise and insights in their respective GAD crusades.

MS. SYLVIA ESTRADA CLAUDIO, MD, Ph.D. Director, UP Center for Women’s Studies & Development June 11, 2012

Dr. Estrada-Claudio is very familiar with PVAO, being a niece of one of Philippines’ distinguished veteran-leaders, Col. Rafael R. Estrada, National Commander Emeritus of Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor (DBC).

Culling from her rich experience as women’s rights advocate, Dr. Claudio provided practical tips on how to further the GAD activities of PVAO, such as providing a nursery room for female employees who still have infants and young children to take care of. Refuting public belief that having children’s nurseries at workplaces disrupt efficient work performance, Dr. Claudio cited how the nursery room in the UP CWSD provided respite for those who took turns in taking care of the babies, thereby reinvigorating the employees for more productive work.

PCSupt. LINA C. SARMIENTO Director, Police Security & Protection Group Acting Director, Directorate for Police Community Relations

May 21 , 2012

In a male-dominated organization like the Philippine National Police (PNP), PCSupt. Lina C. Sarmiento, the country’s first two-star female general, has effectively proven that women are also capable of handling command positions in the police force, given the proper motivation and opportunity.

Gen. Sarmiento highlighted the importance of healthy working relationships and partnership, not competition, between men and women in promoting and protecting women’s and children’s rights.

Ms Versoza was presented with the PVAO Anti-VAW Pledge Cloth signed by PVAO

employees during the nationwide blowing of whistle to culminate the 18-Day Campaign to

End Violence Against Women (VAW) last December 8, 2011.

Contributed by: Dr. Pilar D. Ibarra, GAD Coordinator

(adapted from Men’s Health Magazine)

1. Don't skip meals. When you get too hungry, you're less likely to make healthy choices. 2. Never go on a diet when you're under a lot of stress. 3. Eating too little can backfire. Never have less than 1,200 calories a day—or you may slow down your metabolism. 4. Don't grocery-shop when you're hungry. You're likely to make high-fat, low-nutrient impulse purchases. 5. For a fit and toned figure, dieting alone isn't enough. You also need to exercise. 6. Cut down, not out: Trim portions of food instead of removing entire categories (carbs, fats, etc.). 7. Have breakfast. People who do so tend to eat fewer calories throughout the day. 8. Eat slowly and savor each bite. You'll be satisfied with less food. 9. If you have trouble controlling how much you eat of a favorite food, such as ice cream, do not bring it into your home. Eat it only in restaurants. 10. Make lunch at home and bring it to work. It will probably be more nutritious and have fewer calories—not to mention, it costs less. 11. Get enough sleep. You're more likely to give in to cravings when you're tired. 12. Only eat when you're seated at the table. You'll do less unplanned nibbling. 13. Keep your portions in control by never eating straight from the box or bag. 14. Save some calories for snacks between meals. 15. Hate to waste food? Instead of eating your children's leftovers, save that uneaten half-sandwich for the bird feeder. 16. Drink a big glass of water at the start of every meal to help you feel full. 17. End every meal with a large, filling glass of water, too. 18. Keep a food journal. It holds you accountable. 19. Use small plates. Research shows that you'll eat less because you'll think you ate more. 20. Don't have a big lunch and a big dinner on the same day. If you overeat at one meal, cut back at the next.



MA. JOSEFINA MENDOZA-DELA CRUZ Postmaster General and CEO Philippine Postal Corporation June 25, 2012

A multi-awarded career executive, PMG Josie, as she prefers to be called, is the first lady Postmaster General in more than 200 years, and the only Lady Governor of the province of Bulacan. Her active political career, which spans for almost 30 years, was acknowledged for its culture of excellence, major reforms in public service, and vision for a global reputation.

She congratulated PVAO for its GAD advocacies and shared her own experiences in advancing GAD projects at the PhilPost. She also related her experiences in steering the corporation to embrace modern innovations in order to stay in business in the midst of the internet technology that render postal services antiquated.

She ended her speech by emphatically quoting some lines from the Awit ng PVAO, which, according to her, best reflects the best service pledge of the agency to its special clientele— the country’s revered heroes.

In the operational briefing that followed, the PMG discussed the new services of PhilPost and its bank, the Philippine Postal Savings Bank (PPSB) during which the PVAO management saw several possibilities for partnership . These include the use of bulkmail for large volume correspondences that make use of return cards; next-day delivery services to Field Service Extension Offices and door-to-door pension delivery to pensioners under guardianship as well as those who are based in far-flung municipalities beyond the reach of PVAO-servicing banks. PMG Josie dela Cruz joins the PVAO flag ceremony

Ang Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) ay isang maka-mamamayan at bukas na ahensya ng pamahalaan na may katungkulang pangasiwaan ang pagbibigay ng pensyon at benepisyo sa mga beterano. Samakatuwid, hindi kailangang lumapit sa

mga “claims fixers” para sa pagtupad ng tungkuling ito. Sa kabila ng mga babala at paalala, nakalulungkot na patuloy pa ring nakatatanggap ang PVAO ng mga

claims mula sa mga beterano o sa kanilang mga naulila na gumagamit ng serbisyo ng mga "claims fixers." Kadalasan, ang mga ito ay nagsusumite ng mga peke o huwad na ebidensya na amin namang masusing

iniimbestigahan. Kadalasan, ito ang nakakaantala pagpoproseso ng inyong mga claims. Kapag napatunayan na may pandaraya kaugnay sa mga dokumentong inyong isinumite, maaaring ma-disapruba o mapa-walangbisa ang anumang benepisyong maaring matanggap o kasalukuyan nang natatanggap mula sa PVAO. Ang pagpapa-walangbisa na ito ay permanente at panghabambuhay. Ang mga naulila ng beteranong napawalangbisa ang benepisyo ay mawawalan rin ng karapatan na tumanggap ng anumang benepisyo mula sa PVAO , ayon sa Section 24 ng RA 6948.

Maaring Maputol ang Inyong mga Benepisyo

mula sa PVAO dahil sa mga "Claims Fixers”

Walang Koneksyon ang mga

"Claims Fixers" sa PVAO

Walang koneksyon ang mga "claims fixers" sa PVAO. Kung kayo ay lalapitan ng sinumang nagpapakilalang may koneksyon sa PVAO, ipagbigay-alam kaagad sa aming tanggapan. Ang mga "claims fixers" ay walang maitutulong tulong sa inyo, bagkus ay ipapahamak lamang kayo.

Mga Dapat Gawin Laban sa

"Claims Fixers" Gawin ang mga sumusunod upang

maprotektahan ang inyong mga sarili laban sa mga "claims fixers":

Huwag lumapit sa mga "claims fixers." Huwag pumirma ng anumang form o blangkong papel hangga’t hindi naisusulat ang lahat ng impormasyon na dapat nakasaad dito. Siguraduhing tama ang lahat ng impormasyong isusulat. Hangga’t maari, kayo mismo ang magsulat ng mga impormasyon sa form o blangkong papel.

Huwag pipirmahan ang anumang "affidavit" o salaysay kung walang katotohanan ang nakasulat dito.

Huwag pipirma sa anumang salaysay na pabor sa claims ninuman hangga’t hindi kayo nakakatiyak na tama ang lahat ng nakasulat dito.

Huwag kayong magususumite ng anumang salaysay o ebidensya kung ang mga ito ay hindi totoo.

Huwag magbayad kahit kanino ng perang katumbas ng serbisyo ng mga taong nagtanggol sa ating bayan. Wala silang karapatan sa mga benepisyong ito.

Ang Facebook page na “Consultancy for PVAO and AFP Claims” ay wala pong kaugnayan sa PVAO. Hindi po namin hinihikayat ang pag-“konsulta” sa Facebook page na ito. Ang opisyal na Facebook page ng PVAO ay Philippine Veterans Affairs Office .

Tumawag o makipag-ugnayan kina: Atty. Rolando D. Villaflor—Chief, Legal Affairs Division

Atty. Brian James C. Cuevas—Asst. Chief, LAD Telephone : (02) 9124869 / 9121895 ; Mobile Phone : 09283187371

E-mail : [email protected]; Text : PVAO<space><message><send to 2920>

the quarterly news magazine of the philippine veterans ...server.pvao.mil.ph/pdf/bulletin/2012/pvao...

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