Seniors, pensioners 80 and above get incentives from PVAO

CEBU, Philippines —  The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Cebu distributed cash incentives to senior citizens aged 80 and above on April 10 as part of the ongoing Veterans Week celebration honoring World War II veterans and their families.

The initiative formed part of the 84th Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration, which recognizes both surviving veterans’ descendants and elderly beneficiaries of government assistance programs.

PVAO Cebu head Reggie Sabandal said the celebration highlighted not only the legacy of Filipino World War II veterans but also the post-war generation, particularly their sons and daughters who continue to preserve their memory.

“This is a recognition of their existence post-World War II, and they are the sons and daughters of the warriors of World War II,” Sabandal said during the program, which also featured light fellowship activities.

The Veterans Week celebration opened on April 5 with a sunrise ceremony and parade held at the Cebu City Veterans Memorial Park in Barangay Labangon. The activity gathered veterans, surviving spouses, sons, and daughters of veterans, executive board scholars, officers and active members of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines Region 7, the Philippine Veterans Bank Cebu, and the Veterans Network Synchrony. Partner forces included the Philippine Navy, Joint Task Group Cebu, and the 7th Regional Community Defense Group of VISCOM.

The kickoff event also featured a Mass and the installation and blessing of the sword crest, which was emphasized as a symbol of honor and sacrifice during World War II.

On April 7, pensioners aged 70 and above from across Cebu Province were convened for related activities as part of the week-long observance.

Sabandal said PVAO Cebu also conducted an orientation on April 10 on the programs and services of the National Commission of Senior Citizens for beneficiaries aged 80 and above.

She said the cash incentive program covers senior citizens reaching milestone ages.

“They will be receiving cash incentives at ages 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100,” Sabandal said.

The activity catered to Cebu City participants in the morning and Lapu-Lapu City in the afternoon, following earlier provincial sessions.

While the incentives are intended for qualified senior citizens, Sabandal clarified that the gathering primarily involved PVAO pensioners, including veterans’ descendants and immediate dependents.

She also noted that only a few World War II veterans remain in Cebu Province due to age and health conditions.

“Only about nine are left in the entire Cebu Province,” she said, underscoring the importance of continuing recognition efforts through their families. (CEBU NEWS)