By Freddie G. Lazaro

Vigan City (1 October) -- A lawmaker vowed to continuously advance the welfare of the country's veterans and their dependents in Congress by not only filing bills to effect such agenda but also supporting the Philippine Veterans Agency in lobbying for much needed appropriations to implement laws benefiting them.

Congressman Herminia T. Roman (2nd District - Bataan) told Thursday here that the veterans are the country's real living hero in which the government should extend assistance and to appropriate benefits that should be accorded for them.

Earlier, Rep. Roman was the keynote speaker during the 38th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) last September 23, 2010.

Ilocos region's PVAO head Jet S. Fajardo-Rivera told Thursday that Congressman Roman was noted for her strong support on PVAO's legislative agenda and initiating measures promoting veterans' benefit and welfare in Congress.

The most popular of her veterans' bills was the creation of the Third Military Service Board (MSB), a body that will confirm military services to deserving guerrillas during World War II for proper compensation.

"Her pieces of legislation reflect her sense of gratitude, esteem and love for our country's heroes, particularly, the aging veterans who fought in World War II. Aside from the TMSB bill that was already enacted into law, one of the first bills she authored in Congress is HB02851 - An Act Increasing The Pension Of Filipino World War Ii Veterans Or Their Surviving Spouses Including Those Who Are Otherwise Disqualified On Account Of The Pension They Are Receiving From Other Government Funds Or The United States Government, Amending For The Purpose Republic Act No. 6948, As Amended," Rivera said.

Rep. Roman, spouse of three-time Congressman, Atty. Antonio Roman, made history as the first woman representative in Bataan for the last 40 years.