Mon | 12.9.2019 | 5:00 PM

About 300 members of the Filipino War Veterans Foundation (FILVETS) received early Yuletide treat from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on the third day of the agency's annual Pamaskong Handog gift-giving tradition.

FILVETS is a non-stock, non-profit organization for the Filipino veterans and their dependents.

Among the beneficiaries is 82-year-old former Air Force personnel 2nd Lieutenant Coronel Serafin De Austria. He has been in the military service for 35 years before he retired in 1993. One of his unforgettable moments in service was during the end year of Martial Law when he almost lost his wife and three kids in the battle between the rebels and the government.

At the age of 82, retired Air Force personnel 2nd Lieutenant Coronel Serafin De Austria can still vividly recall his meaningful years in the military.

"I was enlisted in 1958 at the young age of 19, and had served in the military service for the Air Force for 35 years," he said. His more than three decades in service consisted of witnessing the martial law years, coup d etat, people power, and more.

One of his unforgettable moments was during the end year of Martial Law when he almost lost his wife and three kids in the war between the rebels and the government.

Villamor then was bombed. "My family was there. Tumakas kami ng kasama ko para puntahan ang pamilya namin, at pagdating ko sa bahay, wala na yung mga anak ko doon. Umiiyak yung asawa ko, mag-isa na lang siya. Yun pala nailikas na yung mga anak ko papuntang Quezon. Buti hindi sila nasama sa mga nabomba, kundi baka nawalan na ako ng pamilya," he recalled.

De Austria retired in the Air Force in 1993 and became part of the Filipino War Veterans Foundation (FILVETS), a non-stock, non-profit organization for the Filipino veterans and their dependents. He is currently the Vice President of the organization's AFP Village in West Bicutan Chapter.

FILVETS members benefit from the organization's programs such as free medical and health care services. They also get to participate in medical missions and outreach clinics, and other projects of the organization.

This year has been a more meaningful one for the members of FILVETS as they get an early Yuletide treat from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) by being part of the agency's annual Pamaskong Handog tradition.

About 300 FILVETS received Christmas gifts containing noche buena items from the state-run gaming firm. Meals were served to the beneficiaries and they were also entertained by singer Jun Polistico.

“Kami'y nagpapasalamat sa PAGCOR na napili kami, at sana this is not only the first time para matuwa ang mga kasamahan namin na veterans. Alam naman natin na ang PAGCOR ay malaki ang naiitulong sa mga tao especially yung mga financial assistance nyo sa mga mahihirap," De Austria expressed.

Retired Lieutenant Neciforo Canor, President of FILVETS-AFP Village likewise thanked PAGCOR for choosing them as one of the beneficiaries of the gift-giving project.

"Hindi naman kami pare-pareho ng pension dito at yung mga natatanggap na benepisyo. Kaya yung kaligayahan na natanggap namin, yung binigay ng PAGCOR na mga regalo ay malaking bagay para mapasaya ang mga kasamahan natin sa FILVETS."

This is the ninth year that PAGCOR is doing its annual Pamaskong Handog tradition, which will run until December 18, 2019.

The state-run gaming agency will reach out to more than 21,000 individuals from 32 charitable institutions nationwide.

PAGCORs Pamaskong Handog beneficiaries this year include Persons with Disabilities, civil servants, senior citizens, indigent children and families, veterans, special kids and out of school youth.

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