Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin encouraged the newly-elected officers of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) to “make VFP work for all veterans” during their oath-taking and courtesy call last January 18, 2012 at the EDSA Lounge, 3rd Flr., DND Building.

As a public corporation of veterans created pursuant to Republic Act 2640, VFP is direct supervision and control of the Secretary of National Defense. It was primarily established to represent and to defend the interest of all Filipino veterans, to coordinate the efforts of various veterans on behalf of the interests of their respective members; to promote mutual help among former comrades-in-arms; to perpetuate their common experiences in war; to undertake acts of charity and relief work, to preserve peace and order; to foster love of country and things Filipino and inculcate individual civic consciousness and to uphold and defend the democratic way of life as envisioned in the Constitution.

Sec. Gazmin also reminded the elected officers of the VFP to always keep in mind the provision in Section 4 of RA 2640 which states that, “In general, the Federation shall exist solely for purposes of a benevolent character, and not for pecuniary profit of its members.”

He likewise recognized the vigorous participation and full cooperation of its members in events and activities that commemorate and promote veterans’ heroic deeds and legacies.

The VFP National Officers who were elected during the 66th Regular Meeting of the VFP Supreme Council last November 20, 2011 are as follows:

President Emmanuel de Ocampo
Executive Vice President Francisco T. San Miguel
Vice President for Charter Organizations Arnulfo D. Banez
Vice President for Affiliate Organization Cesar P. Pobre
Regional Vice President, NCR Orestes F. Lopez
Regional Vice President, Region I Marcelino M. dela Cruz
Regional Vice President, Region II Melosino L. Respicio
Regional Vice President, Region III Felix M. Miguel Sr.
Regional Vice President, Region IV Sancho A. Tamayo
Regional Vice President, Region V Lope D. Rili Sr.
Regional Vice President, Region VI Antonio Q. Collado
Regional Vice President, Region VII Democrito T. Mendoza
Regional Vice President, Region VIII Raymundo H. Padua
Regional Vice President, Region IX Leandro T. Pacio
Regional Vice President, Region X Albertino C. Macas
Regional Vice President, Region XI Isaias A. Pacudan
Regional Vice President, Region XII Ramon P. Miranda
Regional Vice President, Region XIII Andres V. Atega
Regional Vice President, CAR Gualterio P. Adalim

Also present during the call were Usec. Honorio Azcueta, Undersecretary for Defense Affairs; Usec. Eduardo G. Batac, Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Reserve Affairs (USCVRA), and LtGen. Ernesto G. Carolina, AFP (Ret.), PVAO