On 70th Araw ng Kagitingan, Aquino cites new benefits for war vets

On the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan on Monday, President Benigno Aquino III cited the new benefits for war veterans.   “Ipinagpupugay po ng estado ang ating mga beterano, at naniniwala akong kailangang suklian ng pag-aaruga ang kanilang mga naging sakripisyo,” Aquino said in his speech before the veterans at Mount Samat in Pilar, Bataan. Since March 31, veterans became eligible for health services in 599 hospitals all over the country that have been accredited as a regional or provincial extension of Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC).   “Limandaan siyamnapu't siyam na ospital po sa buong bansa ang na-accredit ng Veteran's Memorial Medical Center bilang regional o provincial extension,” Aquino said.   He said the health services subsidized by the VMMC now also includes cataract operations, coronary angiogram, and cardiac bypass.   Aquino also said the Direct Remittance Pension Servicing System will help veterans  receive the correct amount of their pension on time.   “Nilinis na rin po ang mga talaan ng mga pensyonado nating kababayan, upang masigurong ang pera ay nakakarating sa dapat nitong hantungan,” Aquino said. Aquino said the new benefits are a way of recognizing the heroism of the war veterans.   “Utang na loob natin sa mga beterano na siguruhing hindi masayang ang kanilang sakripisyo. Dahil tayo ang tumatamasa ng kalayaan, utang na loob natin sa kanila ang pag-abot sa pinangarap na kaunlaran; ang pagsiguro na walang Pilipinong maiiwan; ang pagpapatupad ng tunay na katarungan,” Aquino said. Better services for soldiers   Meanwhile, Aquino said the Philippine government is also doing its best to provide for the needs of Filipino soldiers by "modernizing" the Armed Forces.   He said in May another Hamilton Class Cutter will arrive in the country to strengthen the country’s coastline and territorial defense. The country’s first Hamilton Class Cutter was commissioned last year as BRP Gregorio del Pilar.   Last month, four of the eight combat utility helicopter have been turned over to the Armed Forces and the four others will arrive in November, Aquino said.   He further said that 138 projects are lined up for the Defense Acquisition System that will be implemented in the next five years.   “Alam ko pong mataas ang morale ng ating kasundaluhan sa ngayon, hindi lamang dahil sa pabahay o combat allowance na kanilang natatanggap, kundi dahil alam nilang natatanggal na ang kultura ng katiwalian sa kanilang pamunuan. Karangalan po ang magsilbi sa bayan bilang sundalo; at mas malalim na karangalan ang dumaan sa pasakit para ipagtanggol ang kalayaan,” he said.   Among those present during the event were former President Fidel Ramos, Japan Ambassador Toshinao Urabe, US deputy chief of mission Leslie Bassett, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. - VVP, GMA News