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MANILA, Philippines?Filipino-American veterans in the United States received last week the first batch of checks from the US government representing their lump sum compensation for services rendered during World War II, the Philippine embassy in Washington reported Wednesday.
The checks were handed out at a reception hosted by Philippine Ambassador to the US Willy C. Gaa at the Philippine embassy to commemorate the ?Araw ng Kagitingan? last April 8. Gaa did not mention how many veterans were included in the first batch.
Retired Major General Antonio Taguba, who represented US Veterans Administration Secretary Eric Shinseki, handed out checks to qualified veterans who were present at the reception, the embassy report said.
The checks were part of the benefits Filipino veterans were able to secure after decades of lobbying the US Congress for recognition and compensation for their services during World War II by virtue of the economic stimulus package approved by US President Barack Obama.
The checks were accompanied by a letter from Shinseki stating that the beneficiary?s application ?had been received and duly approved.?
One of the recipients was Alberto Bacani, a 98-year-old Filipino-American veteran who said in his remarks that the check ?has brought about a contagious feeling of happiness and full delight to us veterans at this time.?
Under the stimulus law, veterans who are US citizens will receive a one-time payment of $15,000 while those who are living outside the US will get $9,000. The compensation is on top of other benefits which they are getting both from the US and Philippine governments.
The USVA must receive all claims for compensation no later than February 16, 2010, which is one year from the date of enactment of the law.
In his remarks, Gaa called on everyone to ?remember those who fought in defense of our nation and people so that we can live today in freedom and liberty.?
For his part, Taguba said: ?I cannot underscore enough the significance of today?s ceremony. It is not only a day of remembrance of those who fought valiantly at Bataan, but a historic moment for those who have long since passed and those who are with us this evening.?
A news crew from the ABC News network featured in its evening news program the embassy?s celebration of ?Araw ng Kagitingan,? along with a brief background on the Filipino veterans struggle and victory to achieve recognition and benefits from the US government for their services in WW II.
The coverage also included footage and a report on the ?Araw ng Kagitingan? activities of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago and interviews of Chicago-based Filipino veterans.
