‘Band of brothers’ troop Capitol for Uncle Sam’s aid
At least a hundred came in wheelchairs, one with an oxygen tank in tow. Hundreds more with canes or walkers followed and just about everybody, aided by a family member.
The scene was no Filipino movie. It was actually yesterday’s scenario as early as 6 a.m. when Ilonggo war veterans slowly filled the ground floor of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol. By 8 a.m. at the official start of the interview, the halls leading to the Conference Room of the second floor was likewise filled. By 1 p.m., the number of applicants reached 1,415.
And it was only to be the first day of the 3-day application for the World War II Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund. At stake for eligible veterans is a one-time payment of US $9,000 (roughly P420,000) for non-United States (US) citizens. Filipino war veterans turned US citizens on the other hand will receive a one-time payment of US $15,000 (roughly P700,000).
Now in their 80s to 90s, it was apparently an ordeal – literally and figuratively speaking – yet for the former guerilla fighters, it is all worth the trouble.
89 year-old Private Jeremias Fufugal Faeldonea patiently waited for his turn. He was applicant number 32, one of the luckier ones having asked for the priority number weeks back. Now unable to walk on his own thus the need for a walker, “Private Jerry” as his buddies called him then is now based in Dumalag, Capiz.
He was among the brave men of 6th Infantry Regiment who survived the war and trying to survive now his ailing years. He lost his wife in November last year to a lingering illness and now in the care of one of his six children. Unable to file for US citizenship, “Private Jerry” has since spent his veteran pension to help 14 grandchildren. He is a proud grandfather of a seaman and a teacher who were among the several professionals in the family. Yesterday, he somehow stood out from the rest of fellow veterans with his US flag-designed cap. Asked how he intends to spend his P420,000, “Private Jerry” said with a toothless smile, “hatag ko tanan sa mga kabataan ko. (I will give all of it to my children).”
Close by was 85 year-old Private Nicasio Fuentes of Anilao, Iloilo. He somehow sat prouder and for a good reason too. “Private Nick” was a Bronze Star Medal awardee, a citation from the US Government through then US Secretary of the Army Wilbur M. Bricker. It was for his “meritorious achievement in ground operations against the enemy during the Leyte campaign.” Age though has clouded his war recollections. When asked for details on his Bronze Star Medal citation, “Private Nick” got lost in his explanation saying he thinks it must have been because of his efforts to talk to the rebels in Mindanao. He was certain though, that it was his bravery and determination to help win the war.
And there too, among the throngs of war veterans present was 90 year-old Major Winsin Varca. Father of Ilongga fashion icon Mel Varca, “Major Winsin” came in his military uniform with all the military trimmings and accessories. One aptly pinned stated, “I am a war veteran. I gave my best for my country.” Now a US citizen, he remains proud to have been among those who did the “death march” in Bataan. Major Varca hails from Escalante, Negros Occidental.
A three-woman team from the US Department of Veteran Affairs accommodated at least 250 applicants yesterday. The process continues today until tomorrow.
The News Today (TNT) learned that requests for hospital visits will also be accommodated with priorities to city-based hospitals for now.
To note, US President Barrack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 or “stimulus fund” which authorized the release of said one-time lump-sum payment to eligible World War II Filipino veterans.
US$198 million was appropriated expected to be availed by some 18,000 of said war veterans.