A PROPOSED ordinance which seeks to give assistance to the remaining veterans and widows of veterans is now being heard in Benguet’s capital town.
Councilor Henry Kipas said members of the World War II veterans and respective widows of veterans under in La Trinidad are fading away and it is appropriate to update the roster of members to recognized remaining and living beneficiaries.
“A third amendment is necessary and timely to allow a minimal increase in the benefits given with the objective to possibly compliment and uplift the living standard of the remaining veterans,” he added.
Roster of members under the La Trinidad Post include eight veterans and 124 widows including relatives.
Upon the death of veterans, surviving spouse are automatically included in the list of qualified widows entitled to receive the benefits.
The proposed ordinance on second reading in the local council incorporate benefits of annual cash support of P15,000 to living veteran and P3,000 for a widow of a veteran.
The amount is awarded during the commemoration of La Trinidad Liberation Day celebrated annually on the month of May.
Additional assistance include burial aid in the amount of P30,000 upon the death of a veteran and P10,000 cash upon the death of a widow of a veteran.
The Office of the Mayor in coordination with the municipal treasury and staff of the Veteran Office La Trinidad Post is tasked to cause the implementation of the program.