No extension of filing for FVEC claims
after February 16, 2010

            The US Embassy thru the Department of Veterans Affairs, Manila Regional Office is reminding again all Filipino WW II veterans who have not applied yet for the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) claim that they have until February 16 to claim their benefits.

            Accordingly, the USDVA will conduct nationwide information drive to ensure that every eligible Filipino world war veteran would receive the benefit. The US Ambassador said that USDVA personnel will be deployed to far-flung areas especially in places that are densely populated by veterans. “Every veteran is encouraged to apply for the benefit even those who think are remotely eligible so that everyone will have a fair chance”, Ambassador Kenny said.

            The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) for its part, mobilized its Field Service Extension Offices (FSEO) nationwide to assist all WW II veterans applying for the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC). PVAO personnel in the different field offices augmented the work force from the USDVA in catering to all applicants for the FVEC benefit. This year, applicants who have yet to file their claim may go to the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) in Cebu City on January 14 while those in Mindanao can proceed to PVAO in Davao City on February 11.

            The USDVA representative will accept claim applications from 8:00a.m. to 2:00 p.m. US Ambassador Kristie Kenny has reiterated that there will be no extension after the February 16 deadline.

            “The cut-off date is clear; it’s in the law. Every application for the new benefit should be in by February 16, 2010. There is absolutely no extension…Our Congress is absolutely clear, so we want to make sure that we have reached everyone”, the Ambassador stresses.