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Home of the RAO Subic. -
RAO Staff -
RAO staff attending to it's members.
Retired Activities Office
Subic Bay, Philppines
RAO Subic Bay is an Independent Retired Activities Coordination Office which provides vital services to U.S. military retirees living in this area, remote from any Military installation.
Authorization & Support
The RAO is authorized by SECNAVINST 5420.169J and OPNAVINST 1720.3F to tailor its services to the needs of the local retired community, and bears full responsibility for financing its operation and maintenance costs. The RAO receives the same DoD support offered to any retiree or patriotic organization.
Corrections, Additions & Deletions
This informal and unofficial information was prepared by members of the RAO who are also members of the VFW, FRA and American Legion. If you note any errors, want to contribute, or would like to see something revised, added or deleted, please pass your comments to RAO Voice or call/email the RAO Director at the address listed below.
HOURS OF DIRECTOR
| 0900 to 1500 Monday through Friday |
| Closed on US and Philippine Holidays |
Director
| Jack Walker | OR: PSC 517 Box 5000R |
| USMC (Ret.) | FPO AP 96517 |
| Director | Phone: [+63] 47-222-2314 |
| P.O. Box 075 | Fax: [+63] 47-222-2899 |
| Olongapo City, 2200 Philippines | Email: dir@raosubic.com |
| New Year's Day | U.S./PHL | Fri, Jan. 1 |
| M. L. King Jr. | U.S. | Mon, Jan. 18 |
| 1st Phil. Republic Day | PHL | Sat, Jan. 23 |
| Chinese New Year | PHL | Fri, Feb. 12 |
| Presidents Day | U.S. | Mon, Feb. 15 |
| EDSA People Power Revolution | PHL | Thu, Feb. 25 |
| Maundy Thurs | PHL | Thu, Apr. 1 |
| Good Friday | PHL | Fri, Apr. 2 |
| Black Saturday | PHL | Sat, Apr. 3 |
| Easter Sunday | PHL | Sun, Apr. 4 |
| Bataan & Corregidor | PHL | Fri, Apr. 9 |
| Phil. Labor Day | PHL | Sat, May. 1 |
| Eid-ul-Fitr | PHL | Thu, May. 13 |
| U.S. Memorial Day | U.S. | Mon, May. 31 |
| Philippine Independence Day | PHL | Sat, Jun. 12 |
| U.S. Independence Day | U.S. | Sun, Jul. 4 |
| Eid al-Adha | PHL | Sun, Jul. 20 |
| Ninoy Aquino Day | PHL | Tue, Aug. 21 |
| National Heroes Day | PHL | Mon, Aug. 30 |
| U.S. Labor Day | U.S. | Mon, Sep. 6 |
| Columbus Day | U.S. | Mon, Oct. 11 |
| All Saints Day | PHL | Mon, Nov. 1 |
| All Souls Day | PHL | Tue, Nov. 2 |
| Veterans Day | U.S. | Thu, Nov. 11 |
| Thanksgiving | U.S. | Thu, Nov. 25 |
| Bonifacio Day | PHL | Tue, Nov. 30 |
| Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion | PHL | Wed, Dec. 8 |
| Christmas Day | U.S./PHL | Sat, Dec. 25 |
| Rizal Day | PHL | Thu, Dec. 30 |
| New Year's Eve | PHL | Fri, Dec. 31 |
RAO Subic Office will be closed on the following Philippine and/or U.S. Holidays below:
October- October 11, 2021 (Monday) - Columbus Day (U.S.)
- November 1, 2021 (Monday) - All Saints Day (PHL)
- November 2, 2021 (Tuesday) - All Souls Day (PHL)
- November 11, 2021 (Thursday) - Veterans Day (U.S.)
- November 25, 2021 (Thursday) - Thanksgiving (U.S.)
- November 30, 2021 (Tuesday) - Bonifacio Day (PHL)
RAO Subic Yearly Calendar
Click here to view and to download the RAO Subic Calendar for this year 2021.
Great News on W.H.O. Vax Yellow Books
Made a trip to DOH/BOQ today and was issued my W.H.O. certification of Vaccination. (Yellow Book) based on my Va Manila Vax card. After waiting for about 3 weeks appts finally appeared on their web page. Process for making appt is very straight forward, you fill in info , upload a copy of I.D. and upload a copy of your VA Manila Vaccine card and when appt. page appears select a date and time. Luckily I found one quickly. Note: The Subic site says you go to Bldg 280 the dispensary. They have moved the operation to Harbor point mall 2d floor above Mcdonalds. You need to take your PP and VA vax card with you. It really helps if you are a senior as there were about 100 people there sitting and waiting, Sr.’s are front of the line. I spoke with the lady at the desk and found they are doing more than 100 a day (a lot of OFW’s). Click here to go to the BOQ site.
Do not delay!!!! Appts go fast!!!!!!
Date: 09/08/2021
RAO Subic Office Closed
RAO will closed at 1300 today as predictions for heavy rain and high winds are expected this afternoon. We do not want our members to be endangered and also want to be able to get our staff home before the bad stuff hits. Please be safe and stay home. We plan to be open in the morning, if the heavy rain and high tides dont turn the office into a swimming pool.
Date: 09/07/2021
More Info on Jolina, it Changes by the Min. Stay Tuned!!!
Conson / Jolina upgraded to a Typhoon VIA PAGASA prior to landfall now in Samar, very fast evolving and new information on the storm. Checking the forecast as it will near Manila more likely now.
Click here to watch the update.
Typhoon Julia
Batten down the hatches!!! Latest update on Typhoon Jolina. According to latest tracking, the storm will pass just north of Subic Bay, sometime near 12PM Thursday. Although not a direct hit, we will likely get some heavy rain and winds. Likely beginning this evening or tomorrow. Time to check outside for items which may be blown around, to include our fur babies. Prepare known leaking areas. Do your shopping today, and dont forget candles. Stay safe!!! God willing, it will either track more north or fizzle out a little before reaching us.
Date: 09/05/2021
Philippines to lift travel ban on 10 countries on September 6
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will lift the restrictions imposed on travelers coming from 10 countries starting September 6, Malacañang announced on Saturday.
In a statement, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the recommendation of the pandemic task force to lift the ban on travelers coming from the following countries:
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
- United Arab Emirates
- Oman
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
Date: 09/03/2021
This Is Where the New ‘Mu’ COVID Variant Started—and Raged
BOGOTÁ—The last thing the world needs is another strain of COVID-19 to worry about, but the reality is it’s here and has already spread to 43 countries. This time, it’s from Colombia and is known as B1621 or the Mu variant, and is reported to be more resistant to vaccines and more contagious than other variants, representing a real concern in a country where only just over 29 percent of the population have been fully vaccinated.
Date: 09/02/2021
Gov't lowers price cap for RT-PCR tests
MANILA, Philippines — The government reduced the price cap for real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests in a bid to make coronavirus testing more affordable and accessible to Filipinos.
Date: 09/01/2021
Olongapo in pinpoint virus prevention lockdown
Please observe the directions regarding travel announced by Mayor Paulino Jr. RAO will observe the limits regarding numbers permitted in the office as prescribed in the announcement. As always the Covid protocols will be followed while visiting the RAO. Should you be unable to travel due to restrictions, please notify us so we can set up courier service for your mail and meds. Thank you and please stay healthy.
Date: 08/31/2021
Last Vaccine Run
This coming Friday 3 Sept, will likely be our last scheduling and van run to VAOPC Manila for vaccination with J&J shot. Based on the slow down in requests and the looming expiration of the current batch (21Sept.) We are finding a dwindling group of Vets and Spouses (domestic partners) remaining. We will take requests for a Friday run up until 1500 tomorrow (Tuesday). Any qualified parties who want to get the vaccine after that date will need to contact VA to schedule and provide their own transportation. Please pass the word, thank you.
Atty. Rolen Paulino Jr.
Hello, good evening po, di ko pa alam san nagmula yung usapang lockdown. Ako na po magsasabi sa inyo wala pong lockdown na magaganap.
Ang request at hiling ko lang po kasama ng ating mga frontline workers ay sundin po natin ang health protocols, di na po dapat tayo sitahin pa para mga suot ng mask, mag social distancing at kung di naman importante ay stay home na lang muna, kayang kaya na natin yan.
Be safe everyone.. basta sama sama tayo kayan natin ito. God Bless us all and God Bless Olongapo.
Date: 08/30/2021
Flu vs. COVID-19: Similarities and Differences
Certain illnesses share similar symptoms and manifestations. Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 have common symptoms, but the two conditions still have distinct differences that would help avoid unnecessary worry for the patient. Find out the similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19, and understand what you can do to prevent getting infected.
Both flu and COVID-19 are respiratory conditions caused by viruses, and are considered to be highly contagious. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, while COVID-19 is caused by the newly discovered SARS-CoV-2 virus which stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
Date: 08/29/2021
Public Advisory
Metro Manila will remain under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine until September 7, the Palace says.
Other areas under MECQ are:
- Apayao
- Ilocos Norte
- Bulacan
- Bataan
- Cavite
- Lucena City
- Rizal
- Laguna
- Aklan
- Iloilo Province and Iloilo City
- Lapu-Lapu City
- Cebu City
- Mandue City
- Cagayan de Oro City
Date: 08/26/2021
Dear VA Partner Organizations and Advocates
Thank you for your continuous support with the VA Manila Regional Office.
As part of the VA Regional Office and Outpatient Clinic’s virtual outreach program to provide information to Veterans and their beneficiaries throughout the Philippines, we will conduct a Virtual Training/Outreach on August 27, 2021, at 10:00 am and discuss the following topics:
- VA Benefits and Forms for Survivors and Dependents
- How to Submit Documents and Contact the VA Manila RO
Meeting Information:
Meeting Link: Click here to join.
Meeting Number: 199 180 4066
Password: 5YGe5AKZj*3
Host Key: 451019
More ways to join:
- Join by video system: Dial 1991804066@veteransaffairs.webex.com
- You can also dial 207.182.190.20 and enter your meeting number.
- Join by phone
- 14043971596 USA Toll Number
- Access code: 199 180 4066
- Global call-in numbers | Toll-free calling restrictions
Thank you for your service to our Veterans and their families.
Kind Regards,
US Department of Veterans Affairs, Manila Regional Office
1501 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, PI 1302
Tel No: 011-632-8550-3888
Want to know more about VA Housebound Benefits and Aid & Attendance, whether you are a Veteran or Survivor?
On 25 August VA held a Zoom training session on both subjects. It was extremely informative and easy to follow. Go to the link below to get educated. You may find you qualify for one or the other. Get the help you need and deserve. After watching, contact an ACCEDITED VSO or agent for help in filing your claim.
Meeting recording: Click here to watch.
Access Passcode: tL3hu#WU
Date: 08/22/2021
Vaccination Cards
Those who have dropped off their vaccine cards for updated VAOPC address can pick them up at the RAO mailroom tomorrow Monday the 23rd of August. You will also receive a plastic wallet sleeve for them, compliments of Mike Verville and VFW 10447. Those who needed new cards due to them being laminated can also pick theirs up at the mailroom. NOTE: Please do not laminate the cards. There is a study ongoing by the CDC as to whether we will need booster shots. If your card is laminated they cannot be used for the booster shot. Those who already have the full VA OPC address sticker can stop by and pick up one of the plastic sleeves while supplies last.
VA Manila Covid Vaccination
RAO is currently offering scheduling for the J&J vaccination for those veterans and Spouses (Domestic Partners), who need transportation to VA Manila for Friday 27 August. Veterans can submit their legal name/last 4 ssn/dob/location (barangay) and phone number via email; Dirraosubic@gmail.com. This weeks deadline for submission is 1500, Tuesday 24 August. Requests submitted after that date/time will be scheduled for the next van trips tentatively scheduled for 3 Sept, 10 Sept. or 17 Sept, which will be our last run due to current vaccine batch expiring on 21 Sept, or no availability whichever comes first. Appt. Scheduling for spouses/domestic partners who need transportation can be requested via email to; dirraosubic@gmail.com The following questionnaire must be sent to schedule them; If you don’t have email you can drop them off to Jack.
Date: 08/21/2021
Public Advisory From Landbank Olongapo!!!
Contact Tracing.
Those who went to Landbank Olongapo from Aug. 17-19, kindly report to Landbank Olongapo or to your respective barangays.
Thank you very much.
Date: 08/20/2021
Will Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine recipients need booster too?
The plan for booster shots laid out by health officials on Wednesday applies to Americans who received both doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, but for the nearly 14 million who received Johnson & Johnson’s one-dose jab, the details are not yet clear.
Date: 08/18/2021
If you are in Angeles and need transportation for VA Vaccination, see below.
On 11 August, I posted the below notice on the VFW Post 2485 Facebook page. Yesterday we had booked 3 vans to take 15 persons to the VA Clinic, but only 13 actually showed up and went to get their vaccine. So far, we got 3 persons signed-up to go next Monday 23 August. Please share the below information with anyone interested in joining the roundtrip group transportation (cost 4,500 pesos, which is shared equally among passengers) which we are arranging for individuals going from SM Clark City to the VA Clinic for the Walk-in vaccine on Mondays and the weekend of September 11 and 12.
VA spotlights special benefits for elderly wartime Veteran population
As a follow up to National Financial Awareness Day, August 14, the Department of Veterans Affairs is launching an awareness campaign to inform elderly wartime Veterans and their families of their lesser-known pension, funeral, burial and survivor benefits.
Date: 08/17/2021
RAO Subic Bay Vaccine Vans Rolling Again
Announcing we will begin running the vaccine at VA vans again beginning with a trip this coming friday 20 Aug 2021. For veterans you simply need to email you legal name/DOB/last 4 SSN/ phone number and your location. For spouses we will need a completed copy of the attached worksheet, which you can email. Email addy is dirraosubic@gmail.com. Scheduling for this Fridays trip will be closed Tuesday afternoon at 3. Any requests received after that will be for the next run (if scheduled on Friday the 27th). This is for veterans and spouses, no one other. Not kids, grannies or the maid.
On another subject, those with CDC vaccination cards in which the vaccine was received at VA Manila, the VA now has a label which can be added to the card (provided its not laminate) which has the entire VA address in Manila. You can bring it into the VA and we will send to clinic and have the label placed on the card. Takes about a week to get it, otherwise you need to go to the clinic to have it done. We will also scan the card so you have a copy.
Date: 08/16/2021
RAO Subic Bay VA Vaccine Vans Rolling Again
Thankfully we have discovered the secret to get our folks to VA Manila Clinic. This coming Friday 20 Aug, vans will be going again. For those who have been holding off getting vaccinated for whatever reason, this is your chance to get the J&J. This applies to veterans and spouses only (domestic partners is part of spouses). The vaccine is not being given to kids/grannies/ maids/ or the pretty girl you like down the street. We will schedule you and have vans going for p1800 per seat. If a veteran simply email your legal name/last 4 ssn/dob/phone and location. For spouses please fill in the attached form and sent to us email. Email is dirraosubic@gmail.com. This is a very short time notice, scheduling for this friday will be closed out tomorrow at 3pm. Send your info ASAP.
Different Subject. The CDC Vaccine Cards that were given early on did not have the full VA address. VA has made a label that has the full address, but you must go there to get it. Unless you are one of the lucky folks who are in the RAO Subic area. We are collecting the old address cards and will get the label placed on them and return them to you. That should take about a week. In the interim, we will scan your card and give you a copy to keep with you and retain a copy so in the event your card goes missing we can give you a copy. This new label does not apply to those cards which have been laminated. The label cannot be placed on them. If you didnt heed the advise we published at the beginning of the vaccination program and laminated yours, sorry, you need a new card. Another reason for not laminating is if a booster shot is needed, that cant be recorded on a laminated card.
Public Advisory: Effective August 13, 2021
Pending our request for clarification with the Regional Task Force (RTF), persons below 18 years old and above 65 years old from other LGUs under GCQ* and MGCQ who intend to engage in exercises and sports shall be required to present a negative RT-PCR test result upon entering the Freeport.
The Law Enforcement Department is conducting a 100% inspection in all SBF sentry points for the strict implementation of this rule.
* except GCQ areas with heightened restrictions
Date: 08/14/2021
Air Quality Update #1
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) levels in parts of Luzon are currently high due to the activity of the 2 volcanoes (Taal Volcano and a Submarine Volcano in Fukutoku-Okanoba in Japan).
Date: 08/13/2021
Bureau of Quarantine Online Booking System
Attention, travelers. We got our INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF VACCINATION FROM THE BUREAU OF QUARANTINE IN SUBIC yesterdar, HASSLE-FREE. Commendable Social DIstancing and safety protocol in place; easy process!
This certificate is approved by the World Health Organization. The Bureau of Quarantine data center has a global interface with WHO.
We are fortunate that Subic is one of the 4 ports in Luzon and being such, there is a Bureau of Quarantine office here. We don't need to go to Manila!
Updated Quarantine Classifications For August 2021
Meds Help
Some of our members are running into problems getting meds now that VA is closed down. A member has forwarded the below info regarding a Dr friend of his who is interested in helping our vets. The member has known him for years and vouches for him enthusiastically!
The RAO does not know him and can't endorse but if you need help give him a try and see.
DANIEL SALVADOR L. REDOÑA, MD
Ophthalmologist-Natural Medicine
09281952272
Clinic Address: JH ORIENTAL MEDICAL CLINIC Blk 48 Lot 10 Friendship Highway Bgy Cutcut, Angeles City 2009 Pampanga
Great Information for Subic Bay Area
Making Subic Experience Awesome! SubicGo.com is a tourism portal designed for local and international tourists visiting the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
Its official, as of today 16 August 2018, Ace/Baypointe is authorized to accept Tricare patients under the Preferred Provider category. You will have to check with the HMO office to ensure your Dr. is also on the Preferred Provider list. There are currently 31 Dr's who are, but check to be sure or you will have to pay the Dr's fees.
And oh by the way, please resist the urge to repeat the bad news bears (you know the ones who have their names stenciled on the back of their bar stool) who are spreading rumors about ACE BAYPOINTE and Medical City Clark suspending FMP due to non payment. IT DIDNT HAPPEN! Medical city Ortigas did due to non payment by FMP. Come to find out they gave FMP the wrong mailing address to which FMP mailed the payments. All is fixed now and they have withdrawn the suspension.Â
Old saying better to be quiet and be thought a fool, than opening mouth and leave no doubt.
I have taken the opportunity to compile a list of what Drs, and Specialties AT ACE BAYPOINTE, to the best of my knowledge are also certified as preferred providers. The hospital is in the process of adding to this list. As you all are aware this list changes without notice, so before getting treatment it would be to your benefit to check with the hospital HMO office to ensure the Dr you will receive treatment from is in fact still certified as preferred. The HMO can be reached at 047-250-6070 ext 283 or 507.
| Name | Specialization | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Ablang, Alberto Mariano, MD | Pediatrics, Critical Care | Male |
| Ablang, Marietta, MD | Internal Medicine, Cardiology | Female |
| Aguila, Beverly, MD | Internal Medicine, Cardiology | Female |
| Aguila, Beverly, MD | Internal Medicine, Cardiology | Female |
| Aguilar, Rodrigo | Gastronology/Int Med | Male |
| Alconga, Rudy | Pediatrics | Male |
| Bernal, Gerald, MD | Internal Medicine, Cardiology | Male |
| Bongco, Jesusa | Anesthesiology | Female |
| Bongco, Rosario | Endocrinology | Male |
| Bustamante, Rodrick | Anesthesiology | Male |
| Calapatia, David, MD | Family Medicine | Male |
| Cepeda, Armando, MD | Surgery, General | Male |
| Cepeda, Monette, MD | Neurology | Female |
| De Castro, Felicisimo, MD | Ophthalmology | Male |
| De Castro, Ma. Gloria, MD | Obstetrics & Gynecology | Female |
| Dela Cruz, Anthony, MD | Internal Medicine, Diabetology; Occupational Health | Male |
| Dela Paz, Emmanuel, MD | Orthopedics | Male |
| DeLeon, Roberto | Gen Surgery | Male |
| Edejer, Karl Erjon, MD | Anesthesiology | Male |
| Guevara, Luis, MD | Radiology | Male |
| Hipolito, Charina | Internal Medicine, Pulmonology | Female |
| Mallari, Lourdes | ENT Ear, Nose,Throat | Female | Mangahas, Rolan | Opthamology | Male |
| Manuel, Jesse Jewel, MD | Surgery, Orthopedic | Male |
| Mendoza, Arturo, Jr., MD | Surgery, General (Laparoscopic) | Male |
| Ocampo, Armida, MD | Internal Medicine, Pulmonology | Female |
| Pasqual, Jeanette | Orthopedics | Male |
| Rojo, Margaret, MD | Anesthesiology | Female |
| Santos, Wilfredo, MD | Surgery, General ; Surgery, Oncology | Male |
| Soriano, Maria Agnes, MD | Internal Medicine, Diabetology | Female |
| Tablan, Apolonario Jr | Urology | Male |
| Velchez, Carlos | Hematology/Int Med | Male |
| Hipolito, Charina | Internal Medicine, Pulmonology | Female |
| Villareal, Paolo, MD | Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology | Male |
We continue to see vets who are receiving EOB's and checks for treatment at Medical City and Baypointe (ACE). Please be aware you should not cash these checks. They should be given to the hospitals. Should you cash the check a few things can happen, 1st FMP or Tricare may demand repayment, if you don't they can notify the IRS and either a garnishment or 1099 will be received and they get their money in the end possibly including interest. It can also be placed on your credit report. Secondly, you may be refused future treatment at the hospitals as you have an outstanding balance. Worst of all we may lose the hospitals as providers for FMP or Tricare. Sure wouldn't want to be the guy who causes all your fellow vets to lose that, they might be a little pissed when they find out it was you! You know how quickly word spreads around here!
Just want to draw your attention to some very useful videos being offered for free through va by psycharmor. View their catalog at PsychoArmor Institute.
It appears there is a malfunction with both TRICARE and FMP regarding reimbursement checks. They incorrectly recently have been sending the checks to the veteran vice the provider. Both have been notified this is the incorrect way to handle these checks! If you receive a check for a claim that was filed by the Hospital, please do not cash it. The hospitals participation was negotiated so that the hospital would receive payment. If they do not we will lose their services. The payment must be taken to the hospital and signed over to them to be encashed.
Special thank you to police station 6 Barrio Baretto for notification of recently deceased American Citizen! Their handling of situation was extremely professional, thanks SPO De Leon.