Baguio WWII veterans benefit from LGU

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) funds for Baguio World War II veterans benefits is available as it is incorporated in their annual budget.

According to CSWDO head Betty Fangasan, a P10,000 burial and death benefit for each WWII veteran and spouse is implemented through City Ordinance 21, series of 2016. 

“The office supports its continuous implementation,” Fangasan said. 

As of the latest record, from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), eleven (11) World War II veterans and 161 veterans’ spouses are still active, thus are target beneficiaries of said ordinance.

Ordinance 21, 2016 was the subject of a status monitoring report and evaluation, which is regularly done for Sangguniang Panlungsod issuances. As such, the ordinance benefitting WWII veterans and their spouses is considered as properly implemented.

However, in coordination with PVAO Field Office Extension Office-Baguio Ms. Grace de Villa-Laberinto inquired on several issues such as the prescription period of the ordinance, and definition and limitation of beneficiaries. Ms. Laberinto also requested clarification if only WWII veterans, or if servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are considered as beneficiaries.        

The ordinance was based on earlier two resolutions penned for veterans funeral assistance funds. — Julie G. Fianza