The Phividec Industrial Authority (PIA), a government-owned and controlled corporation, began distributing Friday food and medicine packs to more than 4,000 veterans here and some parts of Misamis Oriental.

PIA chief and Chief Executive Officer Jose Gabriel Laviña said the recipients are based on the list of veteran organizations.

Laviña assured the distribution at the gymnasium of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines adheres to social distancing and other health protocols related to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Because the gymnasium is limited to only 400 recipients at any one time, he said the remaining members would be given in a separate schedule.

“We give them medicines and food packs. We have doctors to give them medical advice, including Covid (prevention) kits,” he said.

The outreach is part of PIA’s Civic Action Program (CAP) to help the veterans and their families.

“We can prioritize their children to work at Phividec, given they meet the requirements set by the Civil Service (Commission),” he said, adding that agency adheres to Civil Service rules since the institution is a government-owned company.

Phividec will also provide equipment for the planned veterans’ hospital ward inside the Army’s 4th Infantry Division infirmary. (PNA)