This document provides a summary of activities held to remember Korean War veterans in the Philippines. It discusses: 1) A symposium titled "Korean War: PEFTOK's Greatest Battles" where Korean War veterans shared their experiences and historians gave lectures on key battles. Students in attendance found it inspirational and planned to share what they learned. 2) The 37th annual convention of the PEFTOK Veterans Association where the Korean ambassador and Philippine Red Cross governor spoke, underscoring the countries' gratitude and debt to PEFTOK veterans. 3) Efforts by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office and PEFTOK Veterans Association to locate surviving PEFTOK veterans and involve them in

1. V O L U M E 4 I S S U E
PVAO Bulletin
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office
2 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1
PVAO:
Beyond Anniversaries
Long before the Philippine Veterans
Affairs Office was formally constituted as
the main agency in charge of veterans’
affairs in the country on September 24,
1972, it has already been doing its mission
way back in the early 1900s.
Its roots date back to February 23,
1918 when Philippine Legislature Act No.
2756, considered the very first legislation
on veterans benefit administration, was
passed granting power to the Secretary of
the Department of Interior to certify the
records of disabled soldiers of the
Philippine Revolution. The said act
likewise authorized the Secretary of
PVAO celebrates its 39th anniversary with a firm resolve to Interior to gather, care for, and assist such
continue and enhance its meaningful service to disabled soldiers of past revolutions and
our country’s defenders—the Filipino veterans.
for that purpose, may establish, equip,
THE VETERAN-CENTENARIAN. and manage homes for disabled soldiers
at suitable places.
Veteran Alfonso Caplis Fabros was born on February On March 24, 1920, Philippine
13, 1901 at Balaoan, La Union. He served as a member of
Legislature Act No. 2922 was approved,
the 1st Regular Division PA under the United States
Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). Mr. Fabros has this time, granting a life pension to
12 children and is presently residing at Calaanan, General Emilio Aguinaldo in recognition of
Bongabon, Nueva Ecija. At the age of 110, he can still his services to the cause of the Philippine
stand on his own and walk within the house. He chews Revolution.
nganga and rolled tobacco leaves during his pastime. (Continued on page 9)
(Photo courtesy of Ms. Mercy Facun, PVAO FSEO#3-Tarlac)
IN THIS ISSUE:
 PVAO— “An Exemplary IDR Agency,” says Ombudsman
 PEFTOK Veterans Share their Korean War Experience
 Rep. Lani Mercado Assures Support to Veterans Agenda
 What Veterans Need to Know: Total Administrative Disability (TAD) Pension
President Corazon C. Aquino signs Republic Act
Serbisyo sa Beterano. Serbisyo sa Bayan. 6948 on April 9, 1990 at Fort Santiago, Manila.

2. PVAO Bulletin
PAGE 2
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 * September 2011
PVAO— “An Exemplary IDR Agency,” says Ombudsman
PVAO—
“PVAO has always been a source of pride – an exemplary
agency that puts at its best the IDR discipline,” said Atty. Rafael
G. Hipolito, the newly-assigned Resident Ombudsman for the
Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines
- Philippine Navy, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office during a
special Executive Committee (Execom) Meeting at the PVAO
Conference Room on August 03, 2011.
Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina welcomed Atty. Hipolito with
an agency briefing to update him on the progress of the Integrity
Development Action Plan (IDAP) implementation and the initiated
reforms, particularly in organizational structure & distribution of
tasks pursuant to the approved function-based plantilla of PVAO.
Prior to the briefing, Atty. Romeo S. Lazo, Deputy Administrator, Administrator Charter conspicuously posted in the
PVAO Citizen’s
Carolina shows to Atty. Hipolito the
introduced the division and section chiefs who are also members PVAO Frontline Section.
of the ExeCom.
Atty. Hipolito is not really a newcomer in PVAO, having been a member of the Integrity Development Review (IDR)
team that helped the agency formulate its IDAP.
Addressing the PVAO officials, Atty. Hipolito also said that he comes with marching orders from Ombudsman
Conchita Carpio-Morales whose idea of eradicating corruption is “nipping it on the bud.” A retired Justice of the
Philippine Supreme Court, Ombudsman Carpio-Morales whose appointment to lead the constitutional body was
announced during the July 2011 State of the Nation Address of Pres. Benigno C. Aquino III, identified as priority the
drafting of terms of references for big ticket contracts involving public agencies to ensure that those projects will
benefit the people.
Atty. Hipolito thanked the PVAO Management for the warm reception and for walking him around PVAO’s various
office buildings after the briefing to familiarize him with the re-clustering of offices that has taken place.
Admitted to the Philippine Bar in 1999, Atty. Hipolito continued his pursuit of higher learning in prestigious academic
institutions such as the Asian Institute of Management and the University of Hongkong. The young and energetic
Ombudsman finished his International Postgraduate Certificate Course in Corruption Studies in 2004 with Distinction.
He first joined government service as a Legal Officer in the Department of Agriculture in 1997 before transferring to
the Office of the Ombudsman in the year 2000. He was a member of the Drafting Committee on the Implementing
Rules and Regulations of the Anti- Red Tape Law. He was also part of the Philippine Delegation which drafted the
Terms of Reference for the Implementation Review Mechanism of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption
(UNCAC), Vienna Austria after which he served as an assessor in the Pilot Implementation Review of UNCAC, Bogota,
Republic of Columbia.
Atty. Hipolito succeeded Atty. Katherine C. Jambaro-Altubar who was
also instrumental to the crafting of PVAO’s IDAP. Atty. Kath has been
reassigned to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) where she
would definitely share her wealth of experiences as an effective resident
ombudsman. ■
Atty. Katherine C. Jambaro-Altubar, former resident Ombudsman of PVAO,
receives a Certificate of Appreciation from A, PVAO for her numerous contri-
butions to the agency’s efforts to raise its level of integrity and improve
frontline services delivery. Also on photo is Ms. Lea Rosemary V. Liban,
Chief of Planning & Management Division who was also a part of the
Integrity Development Review Team that previously assessed PVAO.

3. PVAO Bulletin
PAGE 3
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 * September 2011
Rep. Lani Mercado Assures Support to Veterans’ Agenda
Lady legislator Lani Mercado-Revilla assured her support
for legislative measures advancing veterans’ welfare in the
15th Congress during a flag-ceremony program last July 11,
2011 at the PVAO Covered Court in consonance with the
Gender and Development (GAD) plan being implemented by
the agency.
Rep. Mercado-Revilla was chosen by the PVAO-GAD
Committee as its fourth GAD-vocate for her versatility as a
legislator, a devoted spouse to Sen. Ramon Bong” Revilla Jr.
and a hands-on mother to her children and grand-children.
She was preceded by Dr. Pilar H. de Ocampo,
Rep. Mercado-Revilla received a memento of pictures of her
Atty. Anthonette V. Allones and former Rep. Riza Hontiveros- participation during the Araw ng Kagitingan 2011 celebration.
Baraquel, who were previously invited to inspire agency
employees to nurture a gender-sensitive environment that protects and promotes the rights of both employees and
clientele.
The representative of Cavite’s second district brought warmth to a gloomy Monday weather as she apprised the
officers and employees of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office on her accomplishments as a law-maker. Her being a
neophyte in a male-dominated Congress has not deterred her from actively joining 16 congressional committees in
varying capacity as chairperson, vice-chairperson or member.
To date, she has authored 35 bills and co-authored 75 bills of local and national significance, majority of which
grants state protection and/pr benefits to the marginalized sectors of the society – the women, children and the
elderly. Among the bills she co-authored was House Bill No. 4359, An Act Providing For The Payment Of The Total
Administrative Disability Pension to Senior Veterans of Wars and Military Campaigns approved by the Lower House
on May 31, 2011 and transmitted to the Senate on June 02, 2011.
Jesusa Victoria Hernandez in real life, Rep. Lani is a daughter of
the late Maj. Vicente Lagrosa Hernandez and Old Age Pensioner
Justa Garcia Hernandez. Her father was a USAFFE veteran who
continued serving in the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a
member of the Philippine Constabulary. During the Sunset
Ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on April 11, 2011 this
year, she accepted the Posthumous Award for Gallantry in Action
conferred on her father by PVAO.
After the program, Rep. Mercado-Revilla graciously stayed for
photo-ops with agency employees and joined the members of the
PVAO Executive Committee for an agency briefing at the PVAO
Conference Room. ■
SNAP(py)SHOTS
GOING BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY
Our snappy salute to veteran Reggie A. Nacua (utmost right, second row). Not only did he
submit his picture for PVAO’s Revalidation Program, he even mobilized his fellow veterans
to dress-up and gather for a souvenir photo for PVAO. Mr. Nacua is a World War II veteran
and now lives in San Diego, California, USA.
The Revalidation Program is part of the three-pronged program of PVAO in cleansing its
pension list. It requires the annual submission of Pensioner Update Form (PUF), latest photo
of the pensioner, photocopy of government-issued IDs, and other related documents.

4. PVAO Bulletin
PAGE 4
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 * September 2011
PEFTOK Veterans Share Korean War Experience
Korean War Symposium Succeeds in Planting ‘Seeds of Heroism’
Veterans Ernesto A. Venturina, Jovencio P. Dominguez, Faustino
Tumamak and Francisco S. Tamondong of the 19th and 10th Battalion
Combat Teams, Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK)
shared real-life battle experience in a symposium titled “Korean War:
PEFTOK’s Greatest Battles” on August 31, 2011 at the National Defense
College of the Philippines auditorium.
Organized to remember the valuable participation of the PEFTOK
veterans during the Korean War from 1950-1953, three distinguished
Living Heroes—(L-R) Veterans Francisco Tamondong, historians also each gave a lecture on selected highlights of the Korean
Faustino Tumamak, Jovencio Dominguez, and Ernesto Ven- War. Mr. Art Villasanta, son of the Korean War correspondent Johnny F.
turina at the Korean War symposium.
Villasanta, discussed “The Origins of the Korean War” followed by
Professor Rico Jose of the University of the Philippines-Diliman on the
“Battle of Yuldong,” and Professor Janet Atutubo of the University of Santo Tomas who lectured on the “Battle of Hill
Eerie.”
A well-mix of high school students, members of the
academe, representatives from the Philippine National Police and
Armed Forces of the Philippines, descendants of Korean War
veterans, and the Korean War veterans themselves attended the
symposium. An open forum facilitated by Dr. Evelyn A. Songco,
President of the Philippine Historical Association ensued
thereafter.
Julito Velasco, Jr., a sophomore student of Quirino High Looking Up—(L-R) PVAI President Col. Paterno V. Viloria, Mr. Art Villasanta,
School, shared his discovery during the symposium, “Hindi lang Mrs. Isabelita Aganon, Prof. Janet Atutubo, Prof. Rico Jose, and PVAO Adminis-
pala sa bansa lumalaban ang ating mga sundalo. Ngayon ko lang trator Ernesto Carolina. At the back of Administrator Carolina is PHA President
Dr. Evelyn Songco.
nalaman na tumutulong din pala tayo sa ibang bansa…
Napatunayan ko ngayon na matapang talaga ang Pilipino, inspirasyon ko ang mga beterano.”
Ms Disuanco, a social studies teacher of Jose P. Laurel National High School, said that the symposium was a “very
meaningful activity,” where participants had an “in-depth view of the Korean War. Pinapagtibay nito na buhay – mga
totoong tao – ang ibinubuwis sa giyera.”
Her student, Francis Jerimiah Manaog, a sophomore student of Jose P. Laurel National High School, already had
plans on what he learned from the symposium: “Ang pinaka-importante kong natutunan dito sa symposium ay love of
country dahil ito ang kulang sa bayan natin ngayon eh. Mahal nila ang country nila kaya hindi nila hahayaang bumag-
sak. Kailangang ipamahagi ito (aking mga natutunan) sa iba kong friends. We were given a wonderful opportunity to
attend [the symposium], so dapat lang na i-share din
namin ito sa iba.”
The symposium was organized by the Philippine
Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the PEFTOK
Veterans Association, Inc. (PVAI) in cooperation with
the Philippine Historical Association as part of a series
of activities on the occasion of the 2011 Korean War
My Veteran, My Idol—Students gathered around the PEFTOK veterans after the symposium. Veterans of the Philippines Memorial Day. ■
Every PEFTOK Veteran Counts!
As part of the joint efforts to locate and account all surviving PEFTOK veterans, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office and the PEFTOK Veterans
Association, Inc. (PVAI) are inviting all PEFTOK veterans and their dependents to get in touch with PVAO and PVAI. If you or your relative is part of
this defining moment in our country’s history, please contact the PVAO office at (02) 911-4296 or Col. Paterno V. Viloria, Ph. D, PVAI President, at
(02)911-2579 or email him at patviloria@yahoo.com. We’d be happy to hear from you.

5. PVAO Bulletin
PAGE 5
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 * September 2011
Korean War Veterans in the Philippines Remembered
Series of Meaningful Activities Held
His Excellency Hye Min Lee, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the
Republic of Korea to the Philippines, underscored the debt of gratitude the Korean
people owes the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) during the
Korean War which serves as the strong cornerstone in the bilateral relations between
the two countries.
In his speech during the 37th Annual PVAI Convention held last September 7, 2011 at
the Philippine Army Officers Club, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City, the Korean
Ambassador assured not only the PEFTOK Veterans Association Incorporated (PVAI)
but the Filipino people in general of Korea’s full support now and in the years to come. Citing that Korea is currently the
largest trading partner of the Philippines and the third largest source of foreign investment, Ambassador Lee also mentioned
the gains both countries have sustained through economic and cultural partnership over the years.
Meanwhile, Ms. Rosa Rosal, Governor of the Philippine National Red Cross who was the Guest of
Honor during the convention, encouraged every PEFTOKER to continue the noble service they have
offered to the country when they were still at the prime of their youth. With the theme,
“Commitment to a Culture of Integrity,” Ms. Rosal’s presence made the PEFTOKERs re-live their days
when they were sent to defend the South Koreans from the insurgencies of North Korea. “Even if we
are old, we can still make a difference. And if before, I did not think twice of serving the country dur-
ing the Korean War, I would not think twice of doing the same today if there is a need for me to serve
the country again ,” said the PNRC Governor.
After the message, the Korean ambassador with Hon. Cho Yungkil, Adviser of
Korean War Memorial Foundation and Former Korean Minister of National Defense,
led the awarding of scholarship grants to elementary, high school, and college
students. Incentives were also given to scholars that garnered high grades.
Before the convention, a wreathlaying ceremony was also held at the Korean War
Memorial Pylon at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. It was led by Hon. Eduardo G. Batac,
Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans, and Reserve Affairs of the Department of National
Defense as the guest of honor and speaker and Col. Kim Yi Kon, South Korean Defense
Attaché to the Philippines. ■
PEFTOK Cup Open Golf Tournament: A Success
PVAO, in cooperation with PVAI, was successfully and meaningfully held the “PEFTOK
Cup Open Golf Tournament” last September 3, 2011 at the Veterans Golf Club in
VMMC as part of the commemorative activities of the 2011 Korean War Veterans in the
Philippines Memorial Day.
As anticipated, the said tournament drew the support and participation of noted
veterans and sports aficionados such as former President Fidel V. Ramos, Sec. Eduardo
R. Ermita, Sec. Renato S. de Villa, USec. Eduardo G. Batac, Chairman Jose P. Magno Jr., and other retired officers.
Several officials and dignitaries from South Korea also
attended the tournament with His Excellency Ambassador
Hye Min Lee, who performed the ceremonial tee-off.
The proceeds of the PEFTOK Cup Golf Tournament,
which amounted to P500,000, was immediately turned
over by PVAO Administrator to Col. Paterno Viloria, PVAI
President. This will support PVAI’s educational scholarship
and medical outreach programs to veterans and their de- Former Pres. Fidel Ramos, Administrator Carolina, and Sec. Eduardo Ermita share
pendents. ■ a few light moments with His Excellency Hye Min Lee of South Korea.

6. PVAO Bulletin
PAGE 6
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 * September 2011
CONVETS SDAI Inducts New Officers
The Confederation of World War II Veterans’ Sons and Daughters, Inc.
(CONVETS SDAI) recently inducted its new set of officers last September 16,
2011 at the PVAO Conference Room.
PVAO Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina personally led the oath taking
ceremony, which formally installed the following officers: Mr. Jaime U. Ingay
as President, Mr. Pedro S. Molina as Vice President, Mr. Rosalino M. Cra-
bantes as Secretary; Mr. Regie Gacayan as Treasurer; Mr. Jan Francis Ingay as
Leaders Young and Old—CONVETS SDAI (above) Auditor, and Mr. Edgar B. Gacayan as Sgt. at Arms. A new Board of Directors
and CONVETS (below) took their oath of office. were likewise inducted, namely: Ms. Priscilla M. Jalandoon, Ms. Victoria
Molina, Mr. Gary Francisco, Ms. Lydia Abando, Ms. Salvacion Vasquez, and
Ms. Florentina P. Awisi.
CONVETS is one of the chartered members of the Veterans Federation of
the Philippines under RA 2640 and is now under the leadership of Cmdr.
Roberto Gacayan. Meanwhile, the CONVETS SDAI is an affiliate organization
of CONVETS founded on June 5, 2011. Expressing their full confidence in
PVAO as the primary agency that manages veterans affairs, CONVETS SDAI
welcomed the assistance of PVAO in officially instating its new breed of
leaders, in accordance to its amended constitution, which states that “The Governing Body shall…elect among them-
selves the National Officers of the Organization and include its Members the President of the Auxiliary and the Presi-
dent of the Sons and Daughters.”■
PVAO Bulletin is published quarterly by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.
For comments, questions, or reactions, you may write to:
PVAO Strategic Communications Section at pvao.publicaffairs@yahoo.com and pvao_oa@yahoo.com.

7. PVAO Bulletin
PAGE 7
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 * September 2011
WHAT VETERANS NEED TO KNOW:
Total Administrative Disability Pension
Our veterans have served the country during the prime and
vigor of their youth. Now, as they age, their physical condition
has naturally dwindled over the years—not to mention the
medical disability that resulted from sickness, disease,
wounds, or injuries they sustained in line of duty. Hence the
State, in recognition of their highly valuable service to the
country, has provided for a Total Administrative Disability
(TAD) pension.
However, while RA 7696 was ratified on 1994, it
did not identify the source of funding; hence, no
appropriations had been provided for TAD Pension.
This resulted in a huge outlay required to pay the What is the Total Administrative Disability Pension?
accumulated obligations, which reached P25.0 B. The Total Administrative Disability (TAD) pension is stipulated
The Congress conducted several hearings to find in RA 7696 Section 2 (h):
ways and means to fund this huge requirement. “...a veteran, with or without a service-connected or non-
When P170M was finally appropriated in the service connected disability, upon reaching the age of seventy
General Appropriations Act of 2010 to be able to (70) is deemed totally disabled with one hundred per centum
partially pay TAD arrears, Joint Circular No. 2010-1 (100%) rating and shall be entitled to a monthly pension of
dated April 1, 2010 between the Department of One thousand seven hundred pesos (P1,700.00) plus Five
hundred pesos (P500.00) for the spouse and each unmarried
National Defense (DND) and Department of Budget
minor children.”
Management (DBM) specified that initial TAD pay-
ments shall only be for living/surviving World War
As such, payments have been made based on the
II veterans.
priority list. While PVAO understands and greatly
For FY 2011, the amount of P500,289,600 has
empathizes with the veterans regarding the need for the
been appropriated for TAD. Hence, WWII veterans
immediate payment of TAD pension, PVAO strictly
are now receiving their monthly pension of P1,700.
adheres to the guidelines provided by the DBM. PVAO
Given the guidelines in above-cited Joint Circular,
assures those who are entitled to TAD that the
the priority for future TAD Payments will be as fol-
government continues to find ways and means to be able
lows:
to pay all the TAD claims to include those for eligible
deceased veterans.
PRIORITY LIST FOR TAD Payments
1st Priority Living WWII Veterans P 4,036,429,000
2nd Priority Living Post WWII/AFP Veterans 80 yrs old and above P 1,301,356,800
3rd Priority Living Post WWII/AFP Veterans 70-79 years old P 978,792,000
4th Priority TAD Arrears for Eligible Deceased Veterans P 14,308,962,000
Total Remaining Arrears P 20,625,540,700
For questions on TAD and other pension-benefits, the veterans and their legal dependents may get in touch with us
at the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City (or any nearest PVAO FSEO) or email us at
support@pvao.mil.ph, or text us by typing PVAO<space>message and send to 2920. ■

8. PVAO Bulletin
PAGE 8
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 * September 2011
VFP Region 9 Welcomes PVAO Assistance
in General Assembly & Medical Outreach
Veterans Federation of the Philippines – Region IX headed by Col. Leandro T. Pacio,
Regional Vice President, warmly welcomed the valuable assistance rendered by the
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office team during the 12th Joint VFP and the Sons & Daughters
Association Inc. Regional Assembly last August 27, 2011 at the Grand Astoria Hotel,
Zamboanga City.
Leading the team was Lt. Gen. Ernesto G. Carolina, AFP (Ret.), PVAO Administrator,
who personally guided the presentation of an agency briefing on veterans benefits and
services, distribution of information materials to veterans & their beneficiaries and the
public assistance booth that accommodated queries and status verification on claims and
pension applications.
Hon. Maria Isabelle “Beng” Climaco - Salazar, Representative of Zamboanga’s 1st
District, addressed the delegates and assured them of her support to pending veterans
legislation and related advocacies in the lower house.
She also read the speech of Hon. Rodolfo G. Biazon, Chairman of the
Committee on National Defense and Security in the House of
Representatives, who was the assembly’s guest of honor and speaker. Rep.
Biazon was not able to join the veterans in the assembly due to prior
engagements.
Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat also graced the event and
thanked the veterans for their significant contributions to the community.
He also led the delegates in singing of Zamboanga’s hymn.
Members of VFP-SDAI Region IX pose for a photo during Describing the VFP Zamboanga Assembly as one of the most
the General Assembly. well-attended gatherings of veterans he has ever seen, Administrator
Carolina expressed gladness upon seeing familiar faces of retired and
active officers and enlisted personnel from the Southern Command (now Western Mindanao Command), where the
Administrator served as Commanding General whose many accomplishments included the successful military campaign
against international terrorist groups and local insurgents.
The Administrator also noted the peculiar composition of the VFP Region 9 that has active AFP officers and enlisted
personnel as associate members. RVP Pacio and Deputy RVP Raul Roldan confirmed this and said that the key to the
dynamism of the VFP Region 9 is the infusion of members from the AFP.
As of August 27, 2011, statistics from the Management Information
Division reveals that there are only 364 living World War II veterans in
the entire region out of 10,268 active pensioners.
A day before the assembly, the Administrator’s party also assisted in
the medical outreach to veterans and their dependents at the VFP
Region IX Headquarters in Petitt Barracks, Zamboanga City wherein over
200 patients were consulted by volunteer doctors and given prescribed
medicines.
The Administrator also distributed wheelchairs and adjustable canes Recipients of wheelchairs and adjustable canes together with
to veterans pre-identified by the PVAO Field Service Extension Office No. PVAO Administrator and PVAO FSEO IX Zamboanga City staff.
9 – Zamboanga City. ■
Quoted:
“Sa pangunguna ng Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, o PVAO, pinabuti na po natin ang serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa ating mga beterano
sa pagbibigay ng akreditasyon sa halos tatlong daang hospital na mangangalaga sa inyong lahat. Asahan ninyong puspusang isasakatuparan ng
gobyerno ang mga programa para sa inyo, upang suklian ang walang humpay ninyong paglilingkod sa bayan.”
- President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, Pagdiriwang ng Araw ng mga Bayani, 29 Agosto 2011

9. PVAO Bulletin
PAGE 9
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 * September 2011
GETTING TO KNOW
Undersecretary Eduardo G. Batac
Hon. Eduardo G. Batac is the present Undersecretary of the Office of the Civil,
Veterans, and Reserve Affairs (USCVRA) and OIC of the Office for Public Affairs under the
Department of National Defense. Not entirely new to DND, USec. Batac used to be the
department’s spokesperson. He is part of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class ‘68
and obtained a Military Pilot Training in the Philippine Air Force Flying School. He also
holds a Master of Business Management degree from the Asian Institute of Management
under Washington Sycip Scholarship Grant.
USec. Batac is considered as an expert when it comes to civil aviation. He was instrumental in regaining for the
country the Category 1 in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States of America during the time of Gen.
Charlie Tanega. He represented the country to aviation bilateral talks to different countries like China, South Korea,
Japan, member-countries of the European Union, and other international organizations like FAA and International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO). He was the Director of Flight Standards Inspectorate Service of the Civil Aviation
Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and head of the CAAP Acceptance Team of Boeing 777 in Seattle, Washington, USA.
Not known to many, USec. Batac is a son of the late Brigadier General Gonzalo L. Batac, a veteran of the United
States Armed Forces in the Philippines-Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL). Gen. Batac was a graduate of PMA Class ‘43, also
known as the “Perennial Cows,” as this batch of PMAers were given the rank of 3rd Lieutenant during an emergency
graduation held when the war broke out. Gen. Batac was deployed in Bataan and was captured along those who
suffered in the Death March. During that time, Gen. Batac was already wounded in the neck when he was shot by a
shrapnel from a mortar. His condition turned out to be a blessing as he was able to escape when he pretended to be
dead. He later retired as the Commanding General of the First Military Area (presently NOLCOM). His sustained battle
wound later caused his left arm to be paralyzed until he died in 1993 at the age of 73.
Although his father never talked about his experiences during war time, USec. Batac recognizes that his “personal
affiliation” with his father’s colleagues, most of whom he met during his father’s tour of duty, has greatly influenced
how he carries out his duties as a public servant.
During the agency briefing conducted by PVAO at the start of his appointment, USec. Batac enjoined the officials of
PVAO to intensify its information campaign in appraising the public, particularly the veterans and their legal
dependents, on the administration of veterans pensions and benefits. ■
PVAO: Beyond Anniversaries (continued from page 1)
On June 3, 1938, Philippine Legislature Act 2756 was repealed by
Commonwealth Act 288, which created a “Board of Pensions for Veterans”
under the Department of Interior. This is the first agency mandated to provide
pensions for veterans of the past Philippine Revolution or wars, including the
revolutionary soldiers of General Emilio Aguinaldo.
Subsequently, Republic Act No. 65 was passed on October 18, 1946, creating
the Philippine Veterans Board under the Department of National Defense. This
Act created the Filipino Veterans Bill of Rights which granted educational
This photo dated October 1967 shows the PVA
employees in Arroceros, Manila.
benefits, disability, and death pensions as well as veterans preference in civil
service examinations.
A series of legislation on veterans’ benefits and benefits administration later saw the birth of such other bodies as
Veterans Claims Commission, Veterans Backpay Commission and the Philippine Veterans Administration until
September 1972 when they were finally merged into one agency – the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office under the
Department of National Defense. ■

10. PVAO Bulletin
PAGE 10
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 * September 2011
Meet the New Members of the PVAO Team
COMMO. SALVADOR Q. ESGUERRA AFP (RET.) LEA ROSEMARY V. LIBAN
Information Technology Officer III Chief Administrative Officer
Commodore Esguerra is currently the chief of Ms. Lea is presently the chief of Plans and
Management Information Division (MID). He is Management Division (PMD). She was the director
a graduate of Class ‘74 of the Philippine of the Policy Research Office of the Development
Military Academy and served in various Academy of the Philippines (DAP). Ms. Lea holds a
military leadership positions, latest of which master’s degree in Public Administration from the
was Commander of Communication Electronics and Information University of the Philippines and finished cum laude at the National
Systems Service AFP (CEISSAFP), GHQ. Center for Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) - UP Diliman.
ATTY. BRIAN JAMES C. CUEVAS MARICIEL E. ESTACIO, MNSA
Attorney IV Supervising Administrative Officer
Atty. Cuevas is the assistant chief of the Legal Affairs Ms. Mariciel is the acting chief of the
Division (LAD) and head of the Anti-Fraud Section of Administrative Division. She is a graduate of
LAD. He concurrently serves as the Secretary of the Master in National Security Administration
Third Military Service Board. He earned his (MNSA) from the National Defense College of
bachelor’s degree in Legal Management at the the Philippines. She is a granddaughter of
University of Sto. Tomas and graduated Bachelor of Laws at the Antonio D. Estacio, a World War II veteran.
University of the East.
ARLA E. FONTAMILLAS
ATTY. TOMI L. TAVANLAR Administrative Officer V
Attorney III Arla was a speechwriter at the Office of the
Atty. Tavanlar is a product of two best law Secretary Joint Staff - Armed Forces of the
schools in the country, University of Sto. Tomas Philippines. She finished cum laude under the BA
and San Sebastian College Recolectos. He now Speech Communication program in the Univer-
heads the Legal Assistance Section of LAD. sity of the Philippines-Diliman. She is now part of
the Strategic Communications Section of PVAO.
GEORGE A. ARANAS JHOAN C. LATADE
Special Investigator II Special Investigator II
George or “Jojo”, as he is called by his peers, was Jhoan is a graduate of Bachelor of Laws from the
an elected Municipal Councilor of his hometown in University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City. Prior
Palauig, Zambales during the May 2007 local to joining PVAO, Jhoan used to work at the
elections before he joined PVAO. He just recently Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for
obtained his Bachelor of Laws at the Philippine Intelligence, J2, Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Christian University.
GLENN T. BAYAWON JOMMEL P. TACTAQUIN
Shrine Curator II Senior History Researcher
Jommel graduated with a bachelor’s degree in
A son of Kiangan, Ifugao himself, Glenn is a fitting
addition to our staff in Kiangan National Shrine. History from the University of the Philippines-
Diliman. Prior to joining PVAO, Jommel was a
Before joining PVAO, Glenn used to work as a
researcher for the National Museum. researcher/analyst at the Department of
National Defense.
DARWIN M. CAMPO NOLAN V. BANDA
Shrine Curator II Special Investigator III
Darwin used to work for various electronics and communication
Nolan obtained his law degree from the Far Eastern University of the
companies abroad. Now, returning to his hometown in Tarlac,
Philippines Law School and used to work at the Office for Legal Service
Darwin is the shrine curator of Capas National Shrine.
of the Department of National Defense. He currently heads the
Resumption Section of the Claims Division.

11. PVAO Bulletin
PAGE 11
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 * September 2011
PVAO Chorale Wins at the CSC Government Chorale Competition
PVAO Employees Participate in Other CSC 110th Anniversary Activities
The PVAO Chorale won the “Best Arrangement of Song Competition” in the
recently concluded Civil Service Commission (CSC) Government Chorale
Competition on September 6, 2011 at the CCP Main Theater with their
rendition of the competition song, “Para Sa’Yo.”
Arranged by Mr. Joy T. Nilo, the song was an original composition of Ms.
Trina Belamide. It is anchored on the rallying call of the CSC in underscoring
the individual importance of the Filipino civil servant and the collective
significance of the civil service in government.
PVAO Chorale was among the top 12 finalists that qualified for the said
competition night. The other finalists were: Philippine Ports Authority Chorale,
East Avenue Medical Center Chorale, Central Luzon State University
Administration Choir, Bureau of Quarantine Chorale, Dangal ng Lungsod Batangan
Chorale, POEA Chorale, Pag-ibig Fund Chorale, National Power Chorale, City
Government of Makati Employees Choir, Professional Regulations Commission
PVAO Chorale Conductor Anthoni Trinidad, Jr.
Chorale, and PAGCOR Voice Symphony. Each choir sang three songs, including accepts the plaque for PVAO Chorale.
their own rendition of the competition song, within a span of 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, the PVAO Running Team likewise successfully finished the
3K and 5K run also organized by the CSC last September 4, 2011 at the
CCP Grounds.
Dubbed as “R.A.C.E. to Serve” Fun Run, almost 3,000 government
employees participated in the said event, which aims to promote physical
fitness among government employees. The run was also enthusiastically
supported by no other than His Excellency Vice President Jejomar C.
The PVAO Running Team happily show off their cer- Binay.
tificates after completing the 3K and 5K R.A.C.E. With the theme: “R.A.C.E. to Serve: Advancing Responsive, Accessible,
Courteous and Effective Public Service,” the CSC celebrated its 110th
Anniversary this whole month of September anchored on President Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s call for reform and on
his pledge to implement change in government and on the clamor for increased transparency and accountability. ■
It has always been the primary advocacy of PVAO to
BOOKS PUBLISHED BY PVAO propagate and make known the heroic deeds of our
veterans. Below are some of the publications under-
taken by PVAO:
The Veteran is Worth Caring For The War in Korea
by Col. Vic S. Santos, Jr. (Ret.) by BGen. Victorino T. Azada (Ret.)
We continue to be Filipinos because The Filipinos’ love for freedom and
they gave our nation’s sovereignty a democracy knows no boundaries.
good fight against foreign invaders. Here is an historical account of the
Learn and appreciate the remark- first Philippine military troops sent
able deeds of our veterans and abroad, which helped save South
consequently develop a greater Korea from the communist North
sense of national pride. Also contains Korea and China.
programs and services for the veter-
ans, including that of PVAO.