For Immediate Release
October 31, 2025
Contact: Jon Melegrito
202-361-0296
jdmelegrito@gmail.com
McLean, VA., October 25, 2025
Building on the valiant efforts of Filipino World War II Veterans who sought to have their rightful status and benefits restored by the United States, the Filipino Veterans Recognition & Education Project (FilVetREP) took up the cudgels ten years ago by urging Congress to fulfill the promise made by President Franklin Roosevelt to the Filipino soldiers who fought under the American flag.
“It was painful seeing aging veterans in their 80’s and 90’s walking in the halls of Congress, pleading for their promised compensation and watching them being dismissed or rejected,” says FilVetREP Chairman Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret). “I was reminded of my dad, who was a Philippine Scout and a Bataan Death March survivor, and my mom who, at 16 years old, helped US nurses care for civilian and military prisoners. Despite their sacrifice, they were both ignored and discriminated after the war.”
In 2012, after joining the Filipino Veterans advocacy campaign, Taguba and a handful of community advocates and academic experts formed an informal network to lay the foundation for a national campaign. In 2015, FlVetREP formally launched a mission to secure the recognition and benefits that were denied these veterans.
To celebrate its tenth anniversary, FilVetREP and its supporters gathered for a dinner program at the Italian Oven in McLean, VA. on October 25 – the same day eight years ago when Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) to Filipino World War II Veterans.
Lighting the flame
Recalling “the first legendary night at the Irish pub when we first lit the flame that became FilVetREP,” Ben de Guzman – the evening’s keynote speaker, said he was “fortunate to be in the position to help General Taguba and the ragtag team he was putting together that ultimately won the CGM for our veterans.” De Guzman, the DC Mayor’s Office Director on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA), said he was privileged in the last 30 years to have been “part of the national conversation about something larger than myself. The issue of equity for Filipino World War II veterans ultimately became a central part of that conversation that I was able to join. It has been the honor of a lifetime to have played even a small role in the work we’ve done here to serve those who served us with distinction and sacrifice during World War II.” De Guzman is a founding board member of FilVetREP.
FilVetREP’s Unfinished Business
Even after ten years of advocacy, Taguba said there’s still much work to be done, notably the re-addressal of the Rescission Act of 1946. In January 2025, FILVETREP submitted five conditions to Senator Mazie Hirono for U.S. Congressional action concerning the 1946 Rescission Act:
- A Presidential Apology – an acknowledgment and national expression of recognition of sacrifices and service rendered by Filipino and Filipino American soldiers.
- A National Education Program Memorial Fund dedicated to creating a national education program.
- Formal Recognition of Service – a declaration for Filipino and Filipino American veterans who served under the U.S. Army Forces of the Far East (USAFFE) from July 26, 1941, to December 31, 1946.
- Update the Reconstructed Guerrilla Roster of 1948 created by the U.S. Army to include names of women guerrillas, nurses, and others excluded by the U.S. Army.
- Update the list of Filipino Veterans and Survivors eligible for Veterans benefits managed by the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs for sufficiency and funding.
Special Guests
Among the guests attending the event was Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez. “Today, we reaffirm the enduring truth, justice and memory of our heroes. This journey reminds us that history continues to be written long after battles are fought and won, thanks to those who refuse to let these sacrifices fade into obscurity,” the Ambassador said. He commended FilVetREP and the collective efforts of countless individuals and organizations for their advocacy and public engagement.
Among these organizations is the Philippine Nurses Association of Metro DC, which have consistently supported FilVetREP’s program. Both former presidents, Christine Pabico and Carol Manilay-Robles, graced the occasion with their presence.
Pabico later posted on Facebook that “FilVetREP continues to ensure the stories of our veterans are never forgotten, preserving history, inspiring future generations, and advocating for justice and remembrance. Kudos to FilVetREP Board of Directors for their unwavering leadership and dedication to honoring the legacy of Filipino World War II veterans.”
Manilay-Robles also noted: “Your commitment to achieving national recognition for these heroes speaks volumes about the power of advocacy and unity. It’s an honor to support such a noble initiative that uplifts the legacy of these courageous individuals who served from July 1941 to December 1946.”
Also marking the occasion were community leaders Rodney Salinas, representing the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce; Ike Puzon, Commander of VFW Post 5471, and Filipino World War II Veteran Ray Cabacar and his family. Other FilVetREP founding members in attendance were Jude Soundar, Margaret Lacson-Ecarma, and John Victoria.
Acknowledgements and Tributes
Before the program closed for the evening, FilVetREP paused for a moment of remembrance to pay tribute to FilVetREP leaders and members who had passed away: Erick Soriano, Legal Counsel; Sonny Izon, film and photo documentarian; Ben Acohido, Region 11 Director; Abby Shaw, Region 11 Deputy Director; and Mitzi Pickard, community volunteer.
Major donors and sponsors of FilVetREP were also acknowledged: Sonia Delen Fitzsimmons, Tony Olaes, James Yap and Monalisa Yuchengco; AARP, FAHNS, NAFFAA, UP Alumni Association of Metro DC, and Network for Good.
More than 50 veterans’ advocates, diplomats, community leaders and veterans’ families attended the evening celebration, which featured video clips of the Oct. 25, 2017 CGM ceremony and the Duty to Country education program, and a main course dinner of Lasagna, Penne All’Amatriciana, Chicken Cardinale and Trout with Lemon Butter Sauce.
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PHOTOS
FilVetREP Chairman Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret) says much was accomplished in the last ten years, but there’s still unfinished business to be done. (Photo by Paul Tanedo)
Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez congratulates FilVetREP for its noble mission of ensuring that the stories of our veterans are taught, shared and cherished by future generations of the Filipino American diaspora. (Photo by Paul Tanedo)
Ben de Guzman, a director at the DC Mayor’s Office, said the issue of equity for Filipino World War II veterans was a central part of a national conversation to ensure that they get the full measure of recognition that their service deserves. (Photo by Bing Branigin)
Filipino World War II Veteran Ray Cabacar, who turned 98 this month, receives birthday greetings by, from left, Malcolm Peck, Sonny Busa, Dianne Puzon, Ike Puzon, Carol Manilay-Robles, Vilma Megorden, Marie Blanco and Ceres Busa. (Photo by Bing Branigin)
Jude Soundar, a founding board member of FilVetREP, and Philippine Naval Attache and acting Defense Attache, Capt. James Lugto, are among the special guests. (Photo by Bing Branigin)
The more than 50 guests at the celebration included diplomats, FilVetREP former and current board members, and veterans families. (FilVetREP photo)
Former PNAMDC President Christine Pabico and Ray Cabacar. Christine’s grandfather, World War II Veteran Bert Pumento, celebrated his 101st birthday in July. (Photo by Nelson Pabico)
Margaret Lacson-Ecarma, Executive board founding member, gives a touching tribute to FilVetREP Legal Counsel Erick Soriano, who died in January 2019 in the Philippines. (Photo by Paul Tanedo)
FilVetREP’s Tenth Anniversary Celebration at the Italian Oven in McLean, VA. featured messages, light-hearted roasts, video presentations, memorial tributes, and an authentic Italian dinner. (Photo by Paul Tanedo)
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The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP), is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, community-based, all-volunteer national initiative whose mission is to obtain national recognition of Filipino and American WW11 soldiers across the United States and the Philippines for their wartime service to the U.S. and the Philippines from July 26, 1941 to December 31, 1946. For more information about Filipino WWII veterans and how to get involved, visit our website at www.filvetrep.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.