PVAO to conduct free medical and dental outreach to vets
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Iloilo will conduct a medical and dental check – up for veterans, their surviving spouses and families, March 17, 2009 at the Jaro Plaza Covered Gym.
PVAO Iloilo Director Janet Faderan said aside from the medical and dental check-up, an open forum will be conducted in the afternoon.
The activities will be led by Undersecretary Ariston de los Reyes and other officers from the PVAO Manila Office in line with the 64th anniversary of the Liberation of Panay and Romblon on March 18.
Faderan said another open forum will be held after the sunrise ceremony on March 18 at the Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine, in Balantang, Jaro, Iloilo City.
Expected to participate in the activity will be the veterans and their families from nearby provinces who will attend the ceremony.
“The forum will provide an opportunity for our veterans and their families to ask questions as well as discuss issues affecting them,” said Faderan.
It will be recalled that earlier this year, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered the deployment of PVAO staffers to conduct outreach programs in the provinces to help them develop a keener understanding of the problems faced by the war veterans.
The President said that “In their old age and in the winter of their lives, the veterans need more than ever, the tender and caring hands of government.”
President Arroyo, likewise, assured the Filipino veterans that her administration will continue working with the US government in ensuring that benefits and recognition are given to them.
By virtue of Proclamation No. 430 issued by former President Corazon Aquino, March 18 is declared holiday in the islands of Panay and Romblon, including the cities of Iloilo and Roxas every year. (PIA)