MANILA, Philippines – It was after the World War II and during the anti-dissident campaign when the Philippine military personnel formed a mutual benefit system which aimed to provide financial protection and security to the armed forces. This was preceded by “abuluyan” system or passing of the hat for voluntary financial assistance to the families of fellow soldiers who got killed-in-action.
This tradition gave birth to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Mutual Benefit System (AFPMBS) in 1949, and was incorporated in 1965, as a non-stock and non-profit corporation offering basic insurance. In 1992, the institution was renamed to Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Association, Inc (AFPMBAI).
As the country’s brave soldiers put their lives on the line day after day, the AFPMBAI has dedicated itself to protecting the interests of these men. The AFPMBAI offers protection and financial assistance through its numerous solutions and programs, which not only aim to benefit the respective individual members, but also their families.
The AFPMBAI has become a well-respected institution that provides security, protection and meaningful financial service solutions for the men and women in uniform of the Philippines – from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“For decades, the AFPMBAI has taken upon itself to become a trusted leader and partner of our service men and women. We provide our members with the most responsive insurance protection and investments, affordable housing/ financial products and meaningful social services, ensuring our men that as they dedicate their lives to protecting the sovereignty of the state, we are here protecting them and their family,” shares AFPMBAI President and CEO RAdm Primitivo P Gopo AFP (Ret).
Band Of Brothers
As the AFPMBAI celebrates its 52nd anniversary on September 8, 2017 at AFPMBAI Head Office’s Social Hall, the AFPMBAI also recognizes the urgent need of the country’s soldiers who are in Marawi, fighting for the country’s peace.
During his Keynote Speech as Guest of Honor, AFPMBAI Chairman of the Board of Trustees and AFP Chief of Staff, Gen Eduardo M Año AFP, gave an update on the Marawi situation. The Marawi troops have wiped out 653 Maute-ISIS terrorists, recovered 679 firearms, rescued 1,728 civilians but at a cost. A total of 145 soldiers were killed-in-action and 1,473 were wounded-in-action.
Following the clash, AFPMBAI, in addition to assisting families through its programs already in place, has initiated the formation of Lingap Marawi, a donation drive aimed to gather support and supplies for the soldiers and civilians affected by the Marawi conflict. A total of 450 families in Marawi still caught in the middle of the conflict have benefited from the donations, which is comprised of Halal food, clothes for soldiers and civilians, and toys for the children.
AFPMBAI has also fast-tracked its assistance of loans and services, providing WIA (Wounded in Action) and KIA (Killed in Action) benefits and financial assistance to Marawi troops and their families. WIA beneficiaries received P10,000 each through the Comprehensive Financial Assistance Benefit Program (CFAB). As of August 31, 2017, a total of P7,000,870.00 has been released to 787 WIA soldiers, and a total of P4,174,236.00 has been given to 12 KIA soldiers.
As part of its continuing efforts to help Marawi soldiers, the AFPMBAI has also organized several activities such as “Run for the Troops,” a fundraising marathon.
“In times of peace and conflict, AFPMBAI is committed to its members and we are here to assist all soldiers and policemen. We are your partners in life and your brothers-in-arms,” ends Rear Admiral Gopo.
The AFPMBAI Lingap Marawi is continuing to accept donations. If you would like to donate and find out more on how to help the the troops in Marawi, please call (02)911-4051 to 60 or (02)911-8040 to 44.
For more information about AFPMBAI and its products and services, visit www.afpmbai.com.ph.
ADVT