The Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) is a government-chartered organization created to unify and represent Filipino veterans from World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars, and post-war AFP retirees. Established through Republic Act No. 2640 in 1960, the VFP serves as a central body for coordinating various veterans’ groups, advocating for their rights, and delivering assistance programs. Operating under the Department of National Defense, the Federation supports its members through health, financial, and welfare initiatives.
The VFP’s primary goals include promoting national unity among veterans, preserving their legacy, and providing essential services such as medical aid, financial support, and commemorative activities. It also manages income-generating ventures to fund its programs, ensuring sustainability without relying solely on government subsidies. Understanding VFP is important for the public, as it highlights the sacrifices of Filipino veterans and the ongoing responsibility to honor and support them through informed citizenship and national pride. This article will help you get to know about VFP better, allowing you or anyone you know to avail of any VFP benefits that suit them.
What is VFP
The Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) is a government-recognized umbrella organization that unites various veterans’ associations in the country, primarily composed of World War II veterans, post-war Armed Forces retirees, and their dependents. Unlike other organizations that focus on specific branches of the military or advocacy efforts, it operates as the sole official federation with a legal mandate under Republic Act No. 2640 to represent all Filipino veterans nationwide. It provides members with access to medical assistance, financial aid, and livelihood programs, while also preserving the historical legacy and heroism of Filipino soldiers. The VFP also manages several initiatives such as memorial activities, veteran housing projects, and income-generating ventures that support its long-term sustainability. What sets the VFP apart is its nationwide reach, legal authority, and comprehensive role in both advocating for veterans’ rights and delivering social services directly to its members.
It is made up of two types of member organizations:
- Charter Organizations: These are groups specifically listed in Republic Act No. 2640.
- Affiliate Organizations: These are groups formed by veterans and fall into two types:
- Fraternal Organizations: Made up of veterans who share common military experiences, such as serving in the same unit or campaign.
- Regional Veterans Organizations: Formed by veterans living in the same area, like a province or district.
Brief History
The concept of the VFP began on December 9, 1957, when 22 leaders from different veterans’ organizations gathered at Camp Murphy in Quezon City. They signed a Declaration of Principles advocating for the unification of veterans’ groups. These pioneering leaders aimed to protect and promote the general welfare of veterans, their widows, orphans, and indigent parents. They also wanted to preserve the memory of fallen soldiers and the ideals they fought for.
Initially operating as a private organization funded by its founders, the VFP faced financial difficulties. To secure government support, they sought assistance from then-President Carlos P. Garcia. He advised that the organization become a public corporation to receive official support. Consequently, Congressman Ramon Bagatsing sponsored a bill that became Republic Act No. 2640. Signed into law on June 18, 1960, this act formally created the Veterans Federation of the Philippines.
Mission
“To extend, within capabilities, assistance to empower affiliated member organizations to actively engage in promoting the purposes of the Federation; to invest funds in, operate, administer and manage enterprises as may further the well-being of veterans.”
Vision
“By 2030, an excellent Federation of God-believing, patriotic, unified, and satisfied Filipino veterans committed to mutual helpfulness and contributing to national development.”
Core Values
It operates under the guidance of the following core values:
- Fairness
- Accountability
- Transparency
- Patriotism
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Excellence
- Service
Logo
The VFP logo features symbols that represent patriotism, unity, and the sacrifices of Filipino veterans. At the center is a gold sun, similar to that on the Philippine flag, symbolizing freedom and the nation’s independence. Surrounding the sun are eight rays, representing the first eight provinces that revolted against Spanish rule. The circular design and laurel leaves signify unity, honor, and the collective strength of veterans across the country. Overall, the logo reflects the VFP’s mission to honor, support, and bring together all Filipino veterans under one federation.
Organizational Structure
The VFP is led by the Supreme Council, its highest decision-making body, headed by a Chairman, with a Vice-Chairman and a Corporate Secretary. The Federation President, who is also the Chairman, serves as the CEO, supported by an Executive Vice President (COO) and other officers. The President is in charge of hiring staff and setting up offices as needed, with approval from the Supreme Council and the Secretary of National Defense, following government rules and laws.
Powers and Functions
Under Republic Act 2640, VFP was granted the following powers:
- Operate as a perpetual public corporation
- Own and manage real and personal property
- Receive donations and bequests
- Invest funds for the benefit of veterans
- Establish branches and operate businesses
- Publish magazines and other publications
- Coordinate with affiliated veterans’ organizations
- Subject to the supervision of the Secretary of National Defense
Although it functions as a public corporation, VFP maintains a non-partisan and benevolent character.
Aims and Objectives
VFP is guided by multiple objectives aligned with the nation’s commitment to its veterans:
- Unification of Veterans: Promotes membership among all veterans and encourages affiliation with the Federation.
- Support for Veterans’ Welfare: Provides assistance to war veterans, veterans of military campaigns, their spouses, orphans, and families.
- Advocacy and Representation: Defends democratic principles and represents Filipino veterans in various initiatives.
- Civic Participation: Promotes civic consciousness, supports peace and order, and fosters a love for Filipino heritage.
- Enterprise Development: Operates businesses and manages assets that support veterans’ financial and moral welfare.
- Leadership and Policy: Sets policy directions for affiliated veterans’ groups and provides leadership within the sector.
- Socio-Economic Empowerment: Develops programs to help veterans achieve self-reliance and improve living standards.
- Sustainability and Stewardship: Manages veteran-related properties and funds for long-term benefit.
- Honor and Legacy: Preserves the dignity of Filipino veterans and promotes their values among future generations.
- Education and Remembrance: Publishes books and periodicals that highlight the sacrifices and contributions of veterans.
How VFP Helps Filipino Veterans
VFP’s operations are deeply tied to improving the lives of veterans. These are some of the assistance programs and activities managed by the Federation:
- Financial Assistance: VFP provides a cash benefit of P10,000 for members who have been hospitalized for at least three consecutive days. Eligible members must be in good standing and submit their application with required documents to VFP offices.
- Property and Enterprise Management: Through investments and the operation of enterprises, VFP generates income to sustain its programs and extend more services to its members.
- Publication and Education: The Federation publishes magazines and books that memorialize the heroism of Filipino veterans and inspire younger generations to appreciate their contributions to the nation.
- Charity and Relief Work: VFP undertakes relief efforts for members in times of crisis and supports various charitable initiatives.
- Veterans Memorials: VFP is actively involved in memorializing the sacrifices of Filipino soldiers through activities, commemorations, and partnerships.
Other assistance programs that the VFP offer to its members, include:
- Healthcare Assistance:
- ₱10,000 for a minimum of 3 days of continuous hospital confinement.
- ₱20,000 for a minimum of 15 days of continuous hospital confinement.
- To avail, members must be in good standing and submit the necessary documents within specified timeframes post-discharge.
- Pandemic Assistance:
- ₱10,000 for members afflicted by the pandemic.
- Eligibility requires good standing and submission of required documents.
- Centenarian Cash Gift:
- ₱50,000 one-time grant for veterans who reach 100 years old.
- Applicable to living veterans in good standing.
- Wake Assistance:
- ₱10,000 for the family of a deceased veteran member.
- Applicable to deaths on or after January 1, 2020.
- Applications must be filed within two years from the date of death.
- Senior Veterans Assistance:
- ₱5,000 for living senior veterans (World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War veterans).
- Eligibility requires good standing as of December 20, 2022.
- Educational Benefits:
- Plans to offer free education for eligible members, spouses, children, and grandchildren, covering tuition fees and providing financial support in partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
Commemorative Activities
The VFP actively participates in national events to honor veterans:
- Philippine Veterans Week
- Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)
- Other historical commemorations nationwide
These events serve to memorialize veterans’ heroic deeds, patriotic sacrifices, and martyrdom, fostering patriotism among current and future generations.
Economic Ventures
To support its programs, the VFP engages in income-generating activities:
- Management of the VFP-Industrial Area in Taguig City, established through Proclamation No. 192, reserving land for veterans’ purposes.
- Operation of enterprises aimed at enhancing the material and moral well-being of veterans.
Video: Joining the VFP
The Veterans Federation of the Philippines stands as a beacon of service for the country’s retired soldiers and their families. Through its financial assistance, advocacy, enterprise operations, and memorialization efforts, the Federation sustains the dignity and legacy of Filipino veterans. Governed by law, guided by its core values, and sustained through effective governance, VFP continues to be an anchor of support and remembrance for those who served the nation through its various services and assistance programs. Interested? Watch this video for a visual walkthrough of the VFP membership application today!
For more information about membership, assistance programs, and services, veterans and their families are encouraged to contact the nearest VFP office, visit the VFP official website or their Facebook page, or visit its headquarters in Taguig City.