Pinoy war vets fete STAR

MANILA, Philippines - The Filipino War Veterans Foundation (FILVETS) Inc. yesterday feted The STAR for helping uplift the welfare of retired soldiers and their dependents.

STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte was given a plaque of appreciation from FILVETS during its annual membership meeting in Taguig City.

The paper was awarded for publishing articles about the group’s programs, including the conduct of medical and dental missions and skills trainings.

“Your assistance and cooperation greatly contributed to the accomplishment of FILVETS’s goals and advocacies and significantly boosted the morale of veterans,” the award citation read.

Last year, The STAR published a total of 11 write-ups about the group’s activities aimed at honoring veterans who sacrificed for the country’s peace and independence.

Yesterday’s awarding ceremony was attended by FILVETS chairman and former defense secretary Renato de Villa, president and CEO Umberto Rodriguez, executive director Raul Urgello and other trustees and officials of the group.

Also present were Philippine Veterans Affairs Office administrator Ernesto Carolina, Armed Forces vice chief Lt. Gen. Alan Luga and senator-elect Cynthia Villar, a long-time campaign volunteer of FILVETS.

The group also awarded Carolina and Triunfo Agustin, chairman of the Phividec Industrial Authority, for providing services to veterans and their families; UNTV CEO Daniel Razon, and PTV 4 general manager Cleo Dongga-As for raising public awareness about FILVETS activities.

De Villa acknowledged the role of media entities in informing the veterans of their rights and benefits.

In its 2012 report, FILVETS said it has launched medical and dental services that benefited 6,213 veterans and their dependents. The group has 11 clinics nationwide.

A total of 18 veterans underwent eye cataract operations for a minimal amount last year. The group also distributed 86 wheelchairs, 132 walking canes and 673 reading glasses in 2012.

The foundation’s skills training center has produced 202 graduates, composed of military personnel who are about to retire.

There are about 65,000 veterans in the country.