CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES TWENTIETH CONGRESS First Regular Session } SENATE S. No. 1719 (Taking into consideration H. No. 7301) PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AND SECURITY, PEACE, UNIFICATION AND RECONCILIATION WITH SENATOR LEGARDA AS AUTHOR THEREOF AN ACT DECLARING THE MONTH OF APRIL OF EVERY YEAR AS THE "PHILIPPINE VETERANS' MONTH" Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as
the "Philippine Veterans' Month Act".
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes
the immeasurable contributions, unwavering commitment, and extraordinary sacrifices of Filipino veterans in the defense of the nation's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the freedom of the Filipino people. Pursuant to Article XVI, Section 7 of the Constitution, the month of April is
hereby declared as the "Philippine Veterans' Month" to 2 honor, recognize, and commemorate our heroes while ensuring that adequate care, benefits, and assistance are extended to them and their families.
SEC. 3. Objectives of the Philippine Veterans' Month. -
The Philippine Veterans' Month shall achieve the following objectives: (a) Honor and Memorialization - To strengthen and institutionalize the nation's commitment to honor and memorialize the Filipino veterans and their heroic sacrifices in ensuring the country's freedom, peace, and security. The month-long observance shall serve as a powerful symbol of their heroism, valor, and patriotism, strengthening civic consciousness and patriotic sentiments among Filipinos through creative and enhanced activities; (b) Historical Preservation and Youth Education - To provide a platform for Filipino veterans to share their experiences and personal narratives, ensuring that their stories are preserved and transmitted to future
the generations. This shall include comprehensive education of Filipino youth about the critical historical roles of veterans in armed conflicts, disaster response, and military campaigns that shaped the nation; (c) Welfare and Benefit Accessibility - To highlight and address the needs and welfare of Filipino veterans and 7 their families, ensuring equitable access to and quality delivery of all benefits, services, and assistance to which they are legally entitled; (d) Institutionalization and Civic Engagement - To institutionalize the annual celebration of Philippine Veterans' Month through coordinated programs and non- activities that actively engage the public, governmental organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs), and other stakeholders in recognizing veterans' contributions and supporting their welfare; and (e) Advocacy and Policy Development - To serve as an opportune period for advocating evidence-based policies, programs, and projects that enhance the delivery of
veterans' services, particularly in remote, underserved, and conflict-affected communities.
SEC. 4. Commemorative and Service Activities. -
4 During the Philippine Veterans' Month, all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), as well as LGUs, shall undertake coordinated programs, projects, and activities to honor Filipino veterans and to enhance the delivery of services, benefits, and assistance to veterans and their families throughout the country. NGOs, private sector entities, and other stakeholders are likewise encouraged to organize and implement similar commemorative initiatives to participate in government-led programs and activities, in furtherance of the objectives of this section. Such programs, projects, and activities shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) Media and Digital Content Production - Production and dissemination of publicly accessible
content, such as documentary films, podcasts, and digital 2 media, featuring the experiences, testimonies, and historical accounts of individual Filipino veterans; (b) Educational Integration - Integration of the service, sacrifice, and historical significance of Filipino veterans into the Philippine history curriculum in public and private schools at all educational levels; (c) Volunteer and Youth Engagement Programs - Establishment and promotion of accessible volunteer platforms and civic engagement programs that enable interested Filipino youth to participate in and contribute to to initiatives providing quality services and support Filipino veterans; (d) Comprehensive Benefit and Service Delivery and Programs Development, enhancement, implementation of coordinated policies, programs, and projects with relevant government agencies and private stakeholders to improve the accessibility, quality, and delivery of veterans' services and benefits, with special
attention to veterans in far-flung areas, conflict-affected zones, and those with special needs; (e) Recognition and Awards Programs - 4 Organization of recognition programs, awards ceremonies, and public acknowledgements celebrating the contributions and sacrifices of Filipino veterans and their 7 families; and (f) Health and Wellness Initiatives - Conduct of 9 medical missions, mental health support services, and wellness programs designed to address the unique health challenges faced by Filipino veterans and their dependents. SEC. 5. Lead Agencies and Coordination Framework. - The Philippine • Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the Department of National Defense (DND), in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Education (DepEd), and other relevant government agencies, shall conduct and enhance activities and programs that promote remembrance of Filipino
veterans, their patriotic sacrifices, and their essential role 2 in protecting the country and the Filipino people, thereby 3 raising awareness and fostering love of country, especially among the youth.
SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -
Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the 7 PVAO, DND, DILG, DOH, and DepEd shall promulgate comprehensive implementing rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this
Act is declared invalid, unconstitutional, or inoperative by a competent court of law, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect and shall be implemented to the fullest extent consistent with the objectives and intent of this Act.
SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, and
regulations inconsistent herewith are repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after
fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. Approved,