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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Yakap Beterano:' War veterans urged to avail free healthcare program; here's how

'Yakap Beterano:' War veterans urged to avail free healthcare program; here's how

Published Apr 8, 2026 04:20 pm
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) renders one of its highest military honors to Filipino veterans through the traditional Parade and Review in Honor of the Veterans, held at the Hunters ROTC Guerrilla Field, Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on April 6, 2026. (Photo: Philippine Veterans Affairs Office)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) renders one of its highest military honors to Filipino veterans through the traditional Parade and Review in Honor of the Veterans, held at the Hunters ROTC Guerrilla Field, Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on April 6, 2026. (Photo: Philippine Veterans Affairs Office)
In time for the observance of the 84th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday, April 9, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) called on Filipino veterans and their families to take advantage of a government-backed healthcare initiative that offers free consultations, medicines, and laboratory services.
The PVAO, in partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), rolled out the “Yakap Beterano Program” which integrates PhilHealth’s YAKAP Program with PVAO’s existing Veterans Hospitalization and Medical Care Program.
The program provides free primary consultations at accredited YAKAP clinics and also covers up to P20,000 worth of essential medicines per year. Beneficiaries are also entitled to 20 laboratory and diagnostic tests.
“These initiatives reflect our continuing duty to those whose courage has become a living inheritance for the nation,” said PVAO Administrator Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu.
Mapagu noted that honoring veterans should go beyond remembrance as it should include concrete programs that respond to their changing needs, especially in healthcare and welfare.
Under the Yakap Beterano Program, qualified beneficiaries include Filipino veterans and their dependents. The initiative strengthens existing benefits such as free hospitalization in designated veterans wards.
To avail of the program, veterans may register at YAKAP clinics and registration is also available through Lakbay Serbisyo sa Bagong Pilipinas, a one-stop-shop service that brings government programs closer to communities across the country.
The PVAO said that the mobile service aims to make access easier, especially for elderly veterans who may have difficulty traveling to major centers.
Alongside the rollout, the PVAO is also preparing for longer-term care needs through the development of a Veterans Hospice, a facility envisioned to provide geriatric and end-of-life care for aging veterans with complex medical conditions.
The PVAO said these are part of its efforts to mark the Filipino Veterans Week from April 6 to 13, which will be highlighted by the Araw ng Kagitingan observance that carries the theme “Giting ng Bayani, Pamana ng Salinlahi,” highlighting the heroism rooted in the Philippine Revolution, World War II, and subsequent conflicts.

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