World War II (WWII) Pinoy Veterans were assured of improved benefits during the 71st anniversary of “Araw ng Kagitingan.”
“Araw ng Kagitingan” is observed yearly on April 9 as a holiday remembering the Fall of Bataan during World War II, where Filipino and American soldiers surrendered to Japanese troops.
President Benigno Aquino III led the celebration held at the historic Dambana ng Kagitingan in Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan.
The President in his speech said that the government would look out for the welfare of the war veterans and their families.
According to him, he would push for the additional P1,700 per month to be given to each veteran who reached the age of 70, through the Total Administrative Disability (TAD) pensions.
Currently, veterans receive a monthly pension amounting to P6,700.
In addition, Aquino announced that hospitalization subsidy for every veteran and their surviving spouse was increased from P800 to P1,200 daily in 599 hospitals all over the country accredited by the Philippine Veterans Memorial Medical Center.
Likewise, the president mentioned that the United States has distributed nearly USD 224 million to 18,700 approved veteran applicants under the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Law (FVEC).
He also promised that his administration would closely monitor the full implementation of the said law.
Meanwhile, the 71st anniversary of “Araw ng Kagitingan” also saw the mutual relations and cooperation of former war enemies United States, Philippines and Japan.
Ambassador Toshinao Urabe of Japan paid tribute to the sufferings and pain endured by the Filipino under the Japanese during the war and expressed his personal apology.
He also guaranteed that his country would never repeat the tragedy that happened in Bataan during WWII and vowed to strengthen the alliance of the three countries to create a free, democratic environment in Asia-Pacific.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. for his part, honored the heroism of Filipino and American soldiers who lost their lives during the war and gave his word for the proper assistance the veterans deserve.
