The STAR cited for support on veterans, families

MANILA, Philippines - The Filipino War Veterans Foundation (FILVETS) Inc. yesterday cited The STAR for supporting programs that have benefitted retired soldiers and their dependents.

A plaque of appreciation was awarded to The Philippine STAR president and chief executive officer Miguel Belmonte during a FILVETS meeting in Taguig City.

The newspaper was lauded for publishing write-ups on the foundation’s initiatives, including its development programs and medical missions.

FILVETS said the stories that appeared in The STAR “significantly boosted the morale of veterans.”

The broadsheet has been supporting the group’s efforts to inform the public about programs that promote veterans’ welfare.

Last year, it published 10 articles about FILVET’s programs, which were meant to honor heroes who fought for the country’s freedom.

FILVETS officers and trustees led by its chairman, former defense secretary Renato de Villa, attended the awarding ceremony, which coincided with the group’s annual membership meeting.

Other awardees were Connie Angeles, executive director of the SM Foundation Inc. Health and Medical Program; Marcial Dalope Sr., regional vice president of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines; Ariel Sarmiento, chairman of Barangay Comembo, Makati City; Ma. Victoria Mortel-Balidoy, chairman of Barangay Pinagsama, Taguig; Judith Daquiran-Celos, chairman of Barangay West Rembo, Makati; and Cleo Dongga-As, general manager of PTV 4.

FILVETS is a non-stock, non-profit non-government organization founded in 1989 to provide assistance to veterans and their families.

It consists of former servicemen and civilians who believe that the country’s heroes should be given their “rightful privilege to a dignified and decent life.”

Last year, FILVETS conducted nine medical and dental missions that provided relief to more than 2,500 veterans nationwide. The initiative has assisted more than 76,000 persons since 1996.

FILVETS also implemented an eye cataract surgery program for veterans and their spouses that has helped 37 beneficiaries since 2011.

A total of 2,870 veteran dependents, 278 retired military personnel, 904 active soldiers and 471 military dependents have been covered by the group’s skills training program launched in 1997. The initiative aims to help soldiers earn livelihood after they bow out of the service.

“Keeping the cause of the veterans alive in everyone’s consciousness is indeed a challenge. Through the years, FILVETS continued to be steady in pursuit of its commitment to provide assistance to our veterans and their dependents,” FILVETS president and chief executive officer Umberto Rodriguez said.