MANILA -- In line with efforts to take care of veterans and their families, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) disbursed PHP9.06 billion worth of pensions in 2017.
This benefitted an average of 208,159 pension accounts, Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.
He added that PVAO subsidized various medical and health care services availed by Filipino veterans and their qualified dependents under the Veterans Hospitalization and Medical Care Program (VHMCP) worth PHP85.05 million as part of efforts to recognize the services rendered by Filipino veterans.
"This accomplishment leads PVAO to realizing its objective that no veteran should pay for his own medicine," Andolong stressed.
PVAO provided educational benefits to 2,185 “Iskolar ng mga Bayani” as of the end of November for a total amount of PHP38.11 million.
These beneficiaries are direct descendants of the country's valiant defenders who fought in World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War.
Andolong said PVAO’s Educational Benefits Program has produced close to 7,300 graduates since 2002.
The educational assistance for the “Iskolar ng mga Bayani” is given to qualified and deserving students for a maximum of PHP36,000 per year per beneficiary.
In addition, PVAO gave burial assistance to 3,945 beneficiaries for a total amount of PHP80.93 million. (PNA)
