ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) is working to establish “Veterans’ Corners” or educational spaces at universities throughout the Zamboanga Peninsula to preserve the legacy of Filipino war heroes.
PVAO-9 Officer-in-Charge Louie Jay Losaria shares key updates of the office, including plans to further improve their services for Filipino veterans.
PVAO Zamboanga officer-in-charge Louie Jay Losaria shared that the initiative aims to bring together historical records, books, and documents about World War II and Philippine veterans. The proposed corners will serve as permanent resource hubs for students, researchers, and scholars.
“We’ve already published books on World War II events, and now we’re eyeing partnerships with schools like Ateneo and Western Mindanao State University (WMSU),” Losaria said during the recent PIA Kapihan na Zamboanga. “Many schools are looking for interview materials and references—and this is one way to give them access while honoring our veterans.”
The program also targets PVAO scholars, who are descendants of veterans. Losaria emphasized the importance of connecting their educational journey with the heroic history of their grandparents and great-grandparents.
“These students are not just beneficiaries. They are living legacies of valor. Through these corners, we hope to deepen their appreciation of our history and inspire them to carry on the values of courage and patriotism,” he added.
Meanwhile, Losaria shared key updates, including the successful operation of a field office in Pagadian. The satellite office has already served nearly 9,000 veterans and beneficiaries across Zamboanga Peninsula, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Occidental, saving many from long travels just to process claims.
Beyond pensions, PVAO is also boosting healthcare support through its Veterans Memorial Healthcare Program (VHMCP), with free ambulatory devices, accredited hospitals, and planned veterans wards. The agency also continues to advocate for an increase in the current P5,000 monthly pension for post-WWII veterans. (JFT/PIA9-ZAMSULTA)
