Despite the lack of workforce, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) here continues to cater to the needs of the city’s veterans.

Dulce Vida Sta. Iglesia, assistant financial claims examiner of PVO-Butuan, said she and a colleague are the only staff members of the PVAO here.

“We consider our services as dedication to our work to cater to the needs of our veterans and their dependents, especially the benefits intended for them,” Sta. Iglesia said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum here on Tuesday.

As of last month, the PVAO-Butuan has served 3,222 veterans this year.

Veterans in this city regularly receive services and benefits from PVAO and the Veterans Welfare and Benefits Administration, which caters to their old age, death, disability, and total administrative disability pension payments.

“We expect the number to increase with the retiring personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Sta. Iglesia said.

The veterans and their dependents also receive non-pension benefits, including hospitalization and medical care, education and burial assistance.

The PVAO-Butuan coordinated with the city government for the passage of an ordinance in 2022, paving the way for additional PHP10,000 mortuary assistance to veterans aside from the PHP20,000 from PVAO.

The city government also provides a PHP5,000 cash gift to veterans annually. (PNA)