PVAO-USDVA FAST-TRACK CENTERS SERVE 19,501 VETERANS

By : Jet S. Fajardo-Rivera, FSEO#1

In a span of just eight days, the PVAO-USDVA Fast-Track Centers served a total of 19,501 World War II veterans applying for the one-time Lump-Sum Compensation from the US Department of Veterans Affairs - 10,038 of whom were interviewed already.

As a result of the directive of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to PVAO, twelve Fast-Track Centers (FTCs) were activated nationwide effective February 24, 2009 to make the filing of applications easier for the ageing veterans, most of whom, are based in the provinces.

These FTCs simultaneously operated in La Union, Baguio , Pampanga, Tuguegarao, Batangas, Legaspi, Iloilo , Leyte , Cebu , Davao del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur, and Misamis Oriental, areas densely populated with veterans who fought and survived World War II.

These regional FTCs were in addition to those at PVAO Camp Aguinaldo and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) that began accepting applications from veterans as early as February 19, 2009 , two days after the historic signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 by US Pres. Barack Obama. Said legislation authorizes the release of a one-time, lump-sum payment to eligible World War II (WWII) Philippine veterans - $9,000 for Filipino citizens and $15,000 for American citizens.

The PVAO Head Office sent forty (40) personnel to man the FTCs and to assist the USDVA teams that were sent to the FTC sites. Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, the SND, personally oversaw the implementation of the President’s directive.

Aside from the USDVA-PVAO partnership, the Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD) was also instructed by the President to extend necessary assistance to the veterans. In compliance, Sec. Esperanza Cabral immediately mobilized the regional offices that provided volunteers, tents, and wheelchairs used by the disabled / sick veterans.

As the veterans trooped to the Fast-Track Centers, the spirit of “Bayanihan” that is unique among Filipinos once again surfaced. Local government units provided spacious and well-ventilated venues as well as other logistical support. The Philippine National Police regional & provincial commands took charge of the security of the fast-track centers and assisted in crowd-control given the influx of claimants and their relatives. The AFP also made available some of their military camps as FTC venue such as in Cebu City and Zambaonga, and offered their transient quarters to veterans who had to stay overnight.

The Philippine National Red Cross from various chapters also fielded volunteers and city / municipal health offices provided medical assistance, with an ambulance or two on standby in case of emergency.

Food and drinks had also been served by PVAO to the veteran-applicants. Packed lunch, sandwiches, cup-cakes, biscuits and instant noodles were distributed to make sure that the veterans won’t experience hunger while they waited for their interview. Bottled water, juices and hot beverages were also offered to keep the veterans hydrated.

As of March 13, 2009 , more than 19,000 applications from veterans have been received by the USDVA, according to the statement of US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, as cited in their website.

The veterans have until February 16, 2010 to file their applications. Ambassador Kenney stressed that there is no need for veterans to appear personally at the USDVA just to file their claim. In stead, they may obtain forms from the fast-track centers, accomplish the forms and send them to the USDVA Manila Regional Office with the supporting documents after which an acknowledgment form will be sent to them by USDVA to confirm receipt of the veterans’ applications.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, only veterans officially recognized by the government of the United States may avail of the lump sum benefit. These veterans include the following: those who served in the Commonwealth of the Philippine Army or the USAFFE veterans; members of the organized guerrilla forces whose names were carried in the Approved Revised Reconstructed Guerilla Roster (ARRGR) of 1948; and those who belonged to the New Philippine Scouts.

New developments: Application form for the lump-sum benefits now posted at USDVA website and maybe downloaded.

Veterans may request assistance from the USDVA by calling (02) 528-2500 within Metro Manila or 1 800 1888 5252 toll free (PLDT only), or via e-mail at http://iris.va.gov. ###