Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on Monday reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare services for Filipino veterans and their dependents as the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) marked the first anniversary of its Veterans Access to Lifetime Optimized Healthcare (VALOR) Program.

In his keynote address, Teodoro said the DND aims to expand the VALOR Program by bringing healthcare services closer to veterans nationwide, particularly those living in the provinces.

"You are caring for 400,000 people. I think the government can do that on its own without outsourcing. We can do that on our own and it should be done on our own," he said.

Teodoro also pledged continued government support for the program's expansion.

"I will continue to fight for, and to support the budget and the resources and the growth plan that we have all agreed with, of the VMMC together with the VALOR Program. It needs commitment. It needs steadfastness. And it needs purpose," he said.

The VALOR Program is part of the DND's broader efforts to improve veterans' welfare by expanding access to quality healthcare services.

Since its launch in 2025, the program has established VALOR Clinics at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City and Basilio Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, providing specialized medical services to veterans and their dependents in Southern Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

During the event, Teodoro also inaugurated the newly refurbished Department of Radiology and Radiotherapy at VMMC, which now features upgraded diagnostic equipment to further improve healthcare services for veterans.

The anniversary celebration also highlighted VMMC's ongoing modernization initiatives, including upgrades to healthcare facilities, improved service delivery, and efforts to strengthen institutional capacity in line with the department's long-term goal of providing responsive, accessible, and sustainable healthcare for Filipino veterans.

The event was attended by senior DND officials, Armed Forces of the Philippines officers, Medal of Valor awardees, and former AFP chiefs of staff, underscoring the department's continuing commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of Filipino veterans through sustained institutional support.