TACLOBAN CITY –The Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) in Eastern Visayas scores it a “big win” for the veterans in the region, the opening of a veterans’ ward at the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City early this year.
Veteran Jose T. Jacla, Regional Representative of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines Region 8 lauded the present administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. making good his promise to expand and enhance veterans’ access to quality medical care and hospitalization through collaborations and partnerships with hospitals nationwide.
The facility called “Captain Nievas Fernandez Veterans Ward” named after a resident of this city who was a teacher-turned-guerilla and one of the lesser-known World War II heroes.
As the country celebrates the Philippines Veterans Week and the Araw ng Kagitingan, the VFP-8 made a low-key observance while in the midst continues their earnest call for increase in old age pensions and other benefits, which still hang in the balance with lawmakers.
“We continue to fight and lobby for what they deserve as we honor their sacrifices and patriotism,” Jacla said.
He hopes to see a fruition to this cause to benefit hundreds of their members in Eastern Visayas, sooner rather than later as time is ticking for the veterans.
In Region 8, the federation has at least 5,000 members from the islands of Leyte, Samar and Biliran.
In celebration of the Philippine Veterans Week, Jacla added that the VFP remains committed to honoring and supporting the veterans in the country, ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered and respected by present future generations.
Issued through Proclamation No. 727, Philippine Veterans Week runs from April 5 to 11. The celebration is led by the Department of National Defense and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), in partnership with other agencies such as the VFP
(AHLETTE C. REYES, PIA-8)
