AFPMBAI celebrates 52nd anniversary by honoring Marawi troops
It was after World War II and during the anti-dissident campaign when the Philippine military personnel formed a mutual benefit system which aimed to provide financial protection and security to the armed forces. This was preceded by “abuluyan” system or passing of the hat for voluntary financial assistance to the families of fellow soldiers who got killed in action.
This tradition gave birth to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Mutual Benefit System (AFPMBS) in 1949, and was incorporated in 1965 as a nonstock and non-profit corporation offering basic insurance. In 1992, the institution was renamed Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Association Inc. (AFPMBAI).
As the country’s brave soldiers put their lives on the line day after day, the AFPMBAI has dedicated itself to protecting the interests of these men. The AFPMBAI offers protection and financial assistance through its numerous solutions and programs, which not only aim to benefit the respective individual members, but also their families.
The AFPMBAI has become a well-respected institution that provides security, protection and meaningful financial service solutions for the men and women in uniform – from the Armed Forces to the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Philippine Coast Guard.
“For decades, the AFPMBAI has taken upon itself to become a trusted leader and partner of our service men and women. We provide our members with the most responsive insurance protection and investments, affordable housing/ financial products and meaningful social services, ensuring our men that as they dedicate their lives to protecting the sovereignty of the state, we are here protecting them and their family,” shares AFPMBAI president and CEO RAdm Primitivo Gopo AFP (Ret).
Band of brothers
As the AFPMBAI celebrated its 52nd anniversary on Sept. 8, the AFPMBAI also recognized the urgent need of the country’s soldiers who were in Marawi, fighting for the country’s peace.
During his keynote speech as guest of honor, AFPMBAI chairman of the board of trustees and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año, gave an update on the Marawi situation. The Marawi troops have wiped out 653 Maute-ISIS terrorists, recovered 679 firearms, rescued 1,728 civilians but at a cost. A total of 145 soldiers were killed in action and 1,473 were wounded in action.
Following the clash, AFPMBAI, in addition to assisting families through its programs already in place, has initiated the formation of Lingap Marawi, a donation drive aimed to gather support and supplies for the soldiers and civilians affected by the Marawi conflict.
A total of 450 families in Marawi caught in the middle of the conflict during that time have benefited from the donation comprised of Halal food, clothes for soldiers and civilians, and toys for the children.
AFPMBAI has also fasttracked its assistance through loans and services, providing WIA (Wounded in Action) and KIA (Killed in Action) benefits and financial assistance to Marawi troops and their families. WIA beneficiaries received P10,000 each through the Comprehensive Financial Assistance Benefit Program (CFAB). As of Aug. 31, a total of P7,000,870 has been released to 787 WIA soldiers, and a total of P4,174,236 has been given to 12 KIA soldiers.
As part of its continuing efforts to help Marawi soldiers, the AFPMBAI has also organized several activities such as “Run for the Troops,” a fundraising marathon.
The AFPMBAI Lingap Marawi is continuing to accept donations. If you would like to donate and find out more on how to help the the troops in Marawi, please call (02) 9114051 to 60 or (02) 9118040 to 44.
For more information about AFPMBAI and its products and services, visit www.afpmbai.com.ph.