Home visits of veterans’ hero save gov’t billions of pesos

In a month, Ignacio would get 12 requests from a veteran’s relatives or neighbors.

Seeing the big wound on the leg of Nanay Maria during his visit in Marikina shocked him. “If only I can cure her,” he said.

“Somebody once asked me why I am doing all these. I told them I have the gift of a healthy body and I want to share my gratitude,” he said. “These veterans have nobody to help them. Walking or riding a jeepney is nothing compared to their deeds. This is my simple part,” he added.

His wife and two children support him all the way, even if it means staying up late.

Thanks to Ignacio, Bayani’s pension was processed. The couple could not walk to their gate, and would often rely on neighbors for food. It’s hard to ask help from other people, Nanay Maria said.

Bayani’s 100 tablets of medicine, for instance, are reduced to three a week for lack of money.

Not enough

Rivera said they were waiting for the DBM to approve the increase in retirement pension. It’s been P5,000 since 2004.

“But even if it’s [P5,000], it’s not alms or dole. The veterans have earned it. It’s their privilege,” she added.

Carolina deemed the P1,700 monthly disability pension a joke. Several veterans get blinded, have impaired hearing or sight, get amputated and can no longer work. “It’s like giving a crying baby a piece of candy.” Carolina is pushing for the P20,000 proposed increased pension.

The PVAO’s goal, Carolina said, is no veteran should be poor, no one should live in squatters’ areas, or be paying for their own medicine. “Is this the way the government protects our defenders? Are we giving the youth the right signal?” Carolina asked.

“When you see a veteran, he represents the ideals of selfless sacrifice. That’s why we emphasize, lest we forget, let’s take care of our veterans, in preparation for our future defenders,” he added.

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