TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) — The Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) in Eastern Visayas scored the formal opening of a veterans’ ward at the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City a “big win” for the veterans.
Jose T. Jacla, regional representative of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines Region 8, lauded the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for making good of his promise to expand and enhance veterans’ access to quality medical care and hospitalization through collaborations and partnerships with hospitals nationwide.
The facility, named Captain Nievas Fernandez Veterans Ward, honors a resident of this city who was a teacher-turned-guerrilla and one of the lesser-known heroes of World War II.
As the country celebrates Veterans Week and Araw ng Kagitingan, VFP-8 marked the occasion with a low-key observance while continuing their earnest call for an increase in old age pensions and other benefits, which remain unresolved with lawmakers.
“We continue to fight and lobby for what they deserve as we honor their sacrifices and patriotism,” Jacla said.
He hopes to see a fruition to this cause to benefit hundreds of their members in Eastern Visayas, sooner rather than later as time is ticking for the veterans.
In Eastern Visayas, the federation has at least 5,000 members from the islands of Leyte, Samar and Biliran.
In celebration of the Philippine Veterans Week, Jacla added that the VFP remains committed to honoring and supporting the veterans in the country, ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered and respected by present and future generations.
Issued through Proclamation No. 727, Philippine Veterans Week runs from April 5 to 11. The celebration is led by the Department of National Defense and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), in partnership with other agencies such as the VFP. (ACR/PIA Leyte)
