Filipino, US war vets welcome new VA hub in Manila

Filipino and American veterans based in the Philippines have something new to look forward to, should they decide to avail of the US Embassy’s services. The New Veteran Affairs (VA) building, inaugurated last Wednesday, will be home to a new regional office, as well as an outpatient clinic. The new building is the sole VA facility located outside the United States. US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. and Pasay City Mayor Antonio Calixto inaugurated the new building, which is located in the US Embassy’s Seafront compound in Pasay City. “Listening to [the] experiences and learning about sacrifices [Filipino and American veterans] made for our countries is truly humbling. I am so pleased that we are able to provide this facility to the veterans who sacrificed so much for us," said Thomas.

The P1.3-billion building will be the headquarters for the financial and medical services to US Armed Forces veterans who live in the Philippines, as well as certain Philippine nationals. During the inauguration, US Department of Veteran Affairs Manila Director Jon Skelly also presented a symbolic key to American and Filipino veterans in attendance. The outpatient clinic is equipped with modern facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories accredited by the College of American Pathologists, according to a news release from the US Embassy. Over 18,600 individuals have availed of financial and health benefits from the Embassy. Since the passage of the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund (FVEC) in February 2009, over 18,100 Filipino and American veterans and their families have received compensation amounting to P9.3 billion in a lump sum payment. (See: Filvets' lump sum benefits only 'a small token' of appreciation - US lawmaker) According to the same news release, the United States’ VA Department has also released P8.2 billion in recurring disability compensation, pension, education and vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits. In line with this, another bill for Filipino World War II veterans is in the works in the US Congress. California 12th district representative Jackie Speier filed early this year the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011, which will give Filipino veterans the same benefits as their US counterparts. (See: Filipino Veterans Fairness bill filed at US Congress) Currently, Filipino veterans only get $9,000 as compensation, which is $6,000 less than what US veterans receive. As of February 18, 2011, the bill has been referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.—Bea Cupin/JV, GMA News