LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) — The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) – Field Service Office in Batac City is pushing to transform the lives of Ilokano veterans through programs that go beyond commemoration in offering livelihood, medical, and financial support tailored to their needs.
This year, the agency launched its first mushroom production training in Barangay San Pedro, where at least 20 veterans participated in learning how to cultivate mushrooms as a sustainable source of income.
According to Yvonne Paz Arizabal, acting head of the PVAO-FSO in Batac City, the training reflects PVAO’s evolving mission to empower veterans not only through recognition but also through practical tools for financial independence.
“The program empowers PVAO members or participants to gain skills in mushroom production or explore it as an investment for additional livelihood income,” Arizabal stated.
Services for veterans
In line with its dedication to veteran welfare, PVAO continues to offer comprehensive services and benefits.
Post-World War II (WWII) veterans receive P5,000 monthly, while WWII veterans get P20,000.
Those aged 70 and above may receive a P1,700 Total Administrative Disability (TAD) pension.
Families may also claim death pensions as legal beneficiaries of military personnel who died in service.
Veterans will also receive P20,000 in burial assistance, and unpaid pensions can be claimed by legal heirs.
Medical aid includes a P1,500 hospital subsidy for post-war veterans and full coverage for WWII veterans.
Educational support is offered to descendants, and WWII veterans get a 10 percent civil service exam score bonus.
In the first quarter of this year alone, 1,524 beneficiaries in Ilocos Norte have already received assistance through these programs.
Beneficiary testament
Raymundo Arucan, an Ilokano veteran from Bacarra town, is one of the beneficiaries of these services in the province.
He is using the financial assistance to cover his maintenance medication, which has significantly eased his family’s financial burden.
“Although I wasn’t able to take advantage of the scholarship services because my children have already completed their studies, I am now able to use my financial benefits to purchase my medication. This has made managing our finances easier, as I no longer have to worry about it, thanks to PVAO,” he shared.
“We are deeply grateful to PVAO for their unwavering support and recognition of our service. As former members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we truly value their ongoing efforts to honor and assist us, ensuring that our sacrifices and contributions to the nation are never forgotten,” he added.
Veterans and their families are encouraged to reach out to PVAO-FSO in Batac City for assistance or inquiries.
The office is located at the National Shrine, 2nd Building, Ground Floor, in Batac City, Ilocos Norte.
They can also be contacted via landline at (077) 792-2093, mobile at 0915-456-7921, or through their official Facebook page: PVAO FSO Batac.
By consistently providing financial, medical, and livelihood support, PVAO strengthens its commitment to honoring veterans’ sacrifices and empowering them and ensures that they receive the recognition and support they rightfully deserve, allowing them to thrive even after their service to the nation. (AMB/EJFG/LMA, PIA Ilocos Norte)
