 | Mabuhay! | Oct 21, 2008 |
Welcome to the official site of the PHILIPPINE VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE - Field Service Extension Office No. 1! Based in San Fernando City, La Union, our office has two satellite extensions - one in Ricarte National Park & Shrine, Batac, Ilocos Norte and the other one at the Provincial Capitol Building, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. Established primarily for the pensioners of PVAO from the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union, PVAO FSEO #1 also serves those who come from Abra, some parts of Pangasinan and Baguio City. At present, there are about 9,000 pensioners under our area of jurisdiction. Our presence in the world-wide web is but another innovation in the way we do public service, in addition to our alert phone accommodation and personalized assistance to walk-in clients. Get to know us more as we also gear to know about YOU - your concerns, suggestions and feedback of our service. --- PVAO FSEO#1 : Naglilingkod nang Mahusay, Mabilis at Marangal! 
|  | PVAO Bulletin Vol. 4 Issue 1 is now out! Read the online version at www.pvao.mil.ph.
Simply click the thumbnail image of the PVAO Bulletin on our website and you'll automatically be re-directed to its online portable data format (pdf ) version. |
Link: http://pvao.mil.ph/Uploaded is the improved cyber-office of PVAO to provide ready services to our veterans and their dependents that transcends time, space and distance. Feel free to navigate your new domain and let us know what you think. Any suggestion / feedback on how we can improve our virtual abode - will sincerely be appreciated. To our dear clientele & valued stake-holders, welcome to http://pvao,mil.ph... WELCOME HOME! Today, as we commemorate the 66th Anniversary of the victorious Battle of Bessang Pass, we give tribute to our heroes who survived one of the grimmest battle ever recorded in world history.
We also remember those who offered their lives in the name of freedom and democracy.
We want the entire world to know that their sacrifices did not go in vain... The Filipino nation, led by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, fondly, proudly and joyously remember.
This is also an expression of gratitude to the numerous people and institutions who always have an open arms to our veterans and their heirs...
And to our friends who have made our six-year stay in Region 1 worthwhile, our lives more meaningful, our experiences more wonderful, and our character humbled, we say our heartfelt gratitude.
DIOS TI AGNGINA, APO!
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| | Officers from the Bureau of Internal Revenue - Revenue District No. 39 shared their knowledge & expertise in a seminar with employees of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).
It was held last May 12, 2011 at the PVAO Conference Room, Bonifacio Hall, Veterans Compound, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. |
We commemorate...
So that the youth may know...
That the blood that runs in their veins is the self-same blood that ran through the veins of our heroes - the likes of Lapulapu, Rizal, Mabini, Bonifacio, Aguinaldo among others...
That the legacy of our heroes did not end during the revolt against Spain or in World War 1 as they may erroneously interpret from the broken or missing pages of our glorious history in their books...
That in World War II, thousands of Filipinos - men & women, educated and illiterate, young & old, rich and poor, heeded the call to defend our motherland and our very existence, not only as a solid nation but a dignified race...
That it is their inherent duty and moral obligation to give faces to our nameless heroes, not just by researching about the latter's contributions and exploit during World War II and perpetuating their memory but more importantly, to continue our proud heritage as Filipinos - in thoughts, words, deeds and spirit....
That the freedom, peace and democratic way of life which they often take for granted were dearly paid by those heroes - both the sung and unsung, at the cost of their own lives...
That theirs is the daunting task of nation-building and the challenge of leading this nation out of the quagmire of poverty and modern-day evils, to reclaim its long-lost glory and long deserved progress....
That they would never ever run out of role models to emulate - our veterans who stood the test of time, pain and death, but still unselfishly do their share in making this country a better place to live, even in their twilight moments.
Mabuhay ang Kagitingan! Ipagbunyi ang Kasarinlan! Ibangon ang karangalan ng Inang Bayan! Tahakin ang landas ng kaunlaran... Mabuhay ka, PILIPINAS naming mahal!
Download this and other original video files with Multiply Premium. Eighty-four-year-old veteran BENJAMIN T. FLORES of Pagudpud, San Fernando City, La Union always leaves us a handful of candies whenever he drops by our office in the corner of diversion road and national highway in Pagdaraoan.
Since the gives more than enough for the three of us in the office, we usually put the excess candies in a glass jar to share it with other claimants/clients.
Last Saturday, he attended the 2011 Araw ng Kagitingan ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Sevilla, San Fernando City, La Union. As usual, he was clad in his signature checkered polo, slacks, cap and dark sunglasses, with his warm smile and amiable aura.
One of my staff jokingly asked him, "Lolo, you have seemed to ran out of candies this time" to which he replied, "Oh yes, I was not able to buy from the store midtown because this affair was too early."
Instead of pulling out a bag of candies from his body bag, he gently took his handy Bible and explained to us that he is constantly guided by the words in the scriptures, particularly, Acts 20:35. Said passage reads, "In all things I have set you an example, showing you that, by working as I do, you ought to help the weak, and to bear in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, "'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Truly, there is more joy in giving than receiving, especially if it's a part of yourself that you have so selflessly given. Just like what our gallant heroes did for us and for our nation.
What better example can you look for ? =)
Happy Kagitingan Week, Pilipinas! 
| | In a simple and solemn ceremony, a replication of the 2011 Araw ng Kagitingan was held today at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Sevilla, San Fernando City, La Union.
With the theme, "BETERANO: Huwaran ng Lahing Pilipino," the Office of the Governor of La Union spearheaded the event, in coordination with the Office of the City Mayor, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Philippine National Police and the members of the veterans' community.
The occasion was made more meaningful by the participation of World War II veterans from various municipalities of La Union, headed by no less than Col. Gregorio Rafanan Hufano, Vice President for Region 1 of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines.
During the program, Dr. Geoffrey M. Tilan, La Union's Provincial Administrator, announced that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan sponsored a Resolution recognizing Col. Hufano (fondly known in the locality as "Apo Bunog") as a Hero (Bannuar) of La Union province.
Along with the intrepid officers and soldiers of the USAFIP-NL, Col. Hufano figured in the victorious Battle at Bacsil Ridge which freed the strategic port of San Fernando on March 19, 1945. This enabled the 121st Infantry to move up and engage in one of the fiercest battle ever recorded in war history, the Battle of Bessang Pass where our force stood triumphant. Since Bessang is the last stronghold of the triangular defense of the Japanese Imperial Army, the enemy's defeat in Bessang cornered Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita and made him surrender.
Also recognized in the ceremony were the other gallant men of the USAFIP-NL who bravely stood at the forefront of battle in World War II in the name of our country's freedom.
Local governments here cited that the people need not look far to name a local hero as the exploits of our local guerrillas are clearly written in the annals of history. They urged the youth to also courageously fight in the daily battle against poverty and corruption, the faced of our nation's present-day enemies that impede the nation's progress.
The veterans expressed their gratitude to the provincial and city government officials and staff for the remembrance held in their honor.
PVAO FSEO#1 Chief Maria Juanita S. Fajardo-Rivera led the prayer followed by the laying of wreaths.
The Opening Remarks of City Mayor Pablo Ortega was read by Councilor Joseph de Guzman followed by a message from Provincial Board Member, Atty. Reynaldo Mosuela.
Dr. Tilan culminated the program with a closing remarks after which refreshment was served to the participants.
Said event was covered in live broadcast by leading radio stations in Region 1. Correspondents of print media were also present to report on the event.#
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| | The Araw ng Kagitingan ceremony at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat, Pilar, Bataan will be replicated at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Sevilla, San Fernando City, La Union on April 9, 2011 at 7:00 AM.
Said event will be headed by the Governor of La Union and the Mayor of San Fernando City, in coordination with PVAO FSEO#1, Philippine National Police, Veterans Federation of the Philippines, civic groups, youth sector and the members of the Ilocandia veterans community.
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| | Headed by the Secretary of National Defense, the Multi-Agency Task Force in the Observance of the 2011 Philippine Veterans Week and Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan, has scheduled the following line-up of activities as a tribute to our heroes:
Source: Military Shrines Service, Phil. Veterans Affairs Office |
| | by Jet S. Fajardo-Rivera
Veterans and surviving spouses from San Gabriel, La Union held their year-end assembly & Christmas Party on December 15, 2010, together with the staff of PVAO FSEO#1.
Upon the invitation of Post Commander Virgilio Costales, the Head, FSEO#1 addressed the members and presented an update on veterans benefit administration. She presented a copy of the powerpoint slides discussed by PVAO Administrator Ernesto Carolina during the VFP Supreme Council Meeting in Taguig City some time last year.
A Veterans' Forum with PVAO followed wherein the queries and concerns of our San Gabriel pensioners where sufficiently addressed.
The event was attended by Col. Gregorio R. Hufano, Regional Vice President (Region 1) of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines. The meeting & luncheon had been hosted by Post Adjutant Rizalino D. Ballasiw who advanced his birthday celebration to coincide with their events.# |
| | by : Jet S. Fajardo-Rivera
How do you get these serious people to flash their lovely smiles on cam? Well, simply by telling them that only those who smile from the heart will be promoted by the PVAO Administrator thru the PVAO Selection Board.
These photos were taken to relax the candidates for promotion while awaiting their turn for the panel interview during the deliberations held on December 3, 2010 at the PVAO Conference Room, A. Bonifacio Hall, Veterans Compound, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
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| | by: Jet S. Fajardo-Rivera
Claims examiners, processors & supervisors from the Claims & Legal Affairs Division of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office and heads of field service extension offices were trained by experts in a two-day seminar.
Col Emmanuel A. Sinogba PA, GSC, Chief of the Non-Current Records Division - Office of the Adjutant General, AFP and Mr. Ramon Matabang, Head, Quezon City Civil Registrar's Office shared their expertise to the participants of the Document Authenticity & Appreciation Seminar held on December 1-2 at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club, Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
PVAO Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina graced the graduation ceremony to personally extend his congratulations to the participating employees as well as his challenge for the application of the knowledge / skills learned in the seminar to the processing of claims and administration of benefits to our veterans and their dependents.# |
| | By Jet S. Fajardo-Rivera
When it rains, it pours indeed!
PVAO FSEO#1’s Batac unit, finally, has received not just one or two but THREE citations during PVAO’s 38th Anniversary including Best Field Service Extension unit, Best PVAO Field Service Employee for Ms. Yvonne Paz D. Arizabal as well as Best PVAO Employee!
Ms. Arizabal, or Manang Yvonne to her teammates in FSEO#1, has consistently been the Model Employee of PVAO Region 1 since year 2005, sharing the acclaim with PVAO La Union’s Orly Mallare. Despite being the lone service officer for the entire Ilocos Norte and adjacent provinces with nearly 3,000 pensioners, she manages to conduct on-site investigations, regular pensioners’ revalidation, claims processing among others. Under her cap, PVAO Batac also holds annual Veterans Hour, a dialogue between PVAO Management and the pensioners, and Oplan: Pagkalinga Medical & Dental Outreach.
She will be receiving another citation as PVAO’s Best Employee this November from the Department of National Defense on its upcoming anniversary, along with the best employees of the other DND bureaus.
“Before I was informed about the Best Field Employee award, I already conditioned myself not to expect any more. Honestly, I already gave up hoping. Upon reaching the office to receive the award last Thursday, I was overwhelmed with joy when co-employees congratulated me for having three awards. That was the only time I found out about the other equally important recognition. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. God really gives us only the best, in His own time,” she said over the phone.
Ms. Yvonne is wife to Rev. Pastor Ed Arizabal and mom to Jasper, Iris & Emerald.
Congratulations, Manang Yvonne, for the well-deserved awards, from your FSEO#1 Team – Vicky, Jet, Romuel & Orly. Thank you for bagging those awards once again (for the 3rd time) for FSEO#1!
To God be the greatest glory!!!
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| | By Jet S. Fajardo-Rivera
Rep. Herminia T. Roman of Bataan’s 2nd District graced PVAO’s 38th Anniversary celebration as keynote speaker last September 23, 2010 at the PVAO Covered Court.
Rep. Roman was chosen as the guest of honor for strongly supporting PVAO’s legislative agenda and initiating measures promoting veterans’ benefit and welfare in Congress, most notable of which was the creation of the Third Military Service Board (MSB), a body that will confirm military services to deserving guerrillas during World War II for proper compensation.
Rep. Roman, spouse of three-time Congressman, Atty. Antonio Roman, made history as the first woman representative in Bataan for the last 40 years. A first termer in Congress, her pieces of legislation reflect her sense of gratitude, esteem and love for our country’s heroes, particularly, the ageing veterans who fought in World War II. Aside from the TMSB bill that was already enacted into law, one of the first bills she authored in Congress is HB02851 - An Act Increasing The Pension Of Filipino World War Ii Veterans Or Their Surviving Spouses Including Those Who Are Otherwise Disqualified On Account Of The Pension They Are Receiving From Other Government Funds Or The United States Government, Amending For The Purpose Republic Act No. 6948, As Amended."
In her speech, she vowed to continuously advance the welfare of our veterans and their dependents by not only filing bills to effect such agenda but also in supporting the Philippine Veterans Agency in lobbying for much needed appropriations to implement laws for the benefit of the country’s veterans.
After addressing the crowd, Administrator Ernesto Carolina presented a token of appreciation to her and personally expressed the agency’s gratitude for the significant contributions to veterans’ welfare adjudication.
Among the other guests were Hon. Samuel B. Bagasin, Underscretary for Civil, Veterans & Reserve affairs representing Hon. Voltaire T. Gazmin, Secretary, Department of National Defense along with past PVAO Administrators – Fortunato Abat, Renato De Villa, Artemio R. Arugay, Rogelio A. Dayan.
PVAO’s partners in benefits administration such as its accredited banks, veterans organizations, government records repository agencies, among others.
The event was made more meaningful by the presence of its pensioners – veterans and surviving spouses, for whom PVAO’s reforms as embodied in its “Serbisyo sa Beterano, Serbisyo sa Bayan” service philosophy, are dedicated.#
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| | Delegates of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), including the Head of PVAO Field Service Extension Office No. 1 (Ilocos Region) attended the Cash Management & Control System (CMCS) Seminar administered by the Commission on Audit on Agust 9-11, 2010. |
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