Editors

Note
indifference for 300 years.

A world-class Army that is a source of national pride

A hundred and fifteen years The trying years during the Cory Administration, confronted us with the new phenomena of coup attempts and military intervention in the countrys political affairs, but those few rouge elements in the military were quickly suppressed by the majority of the Army that remained loyal to the constitution and their mandated duty to the country. The containing 1990s the saw the Army of the IPSP Bayanihan and the Army Transformation Roadmap, the Army is on its way in achieving its vision of a world-class Army that is a source of national pride. In this edition of the ATN, we will be able to read experiences and success stories of the IPSP Bayanihan. From General Santos City and Sarangani province in Mindanao; to Donsol, Sorsogon in the Bicol Region; to the Sendong flood affected areas of Cagayan De Oro and Iligan Cities; to the earthquake areas of Negros Oriental, our Army has proven that IPSP Bayanihan is indeed working and is bringing peace and development to our people. Honorable Board Member Eleanor Saguiguit of Sarangani province best described it when she said, They are much disciplined (73rd Infantry Battalion soldiers) and napakabait nila sa mga tao, especially to the locals. She further even said, The truth is we have all the reasons to be peaceful and 73IB is instrumental in showing us that realization. /CAF ago, our Army was created amidst the chaos of a revolution that aimed to overthrow a colonial ruler that enchained us to a frenzy of abuse, neglect, reign of terror and religious Although lacking in training and

equipment, but abundant in patriotic spirit, the Army was able to put up a good fight and disrupted the battle plans of a better trained and equipped foreign army. Through the years, this indomitable force, that drives Filipino soldiers to strive to overcome all odds, enabled them to endure and eventually to succeed during the Fil-American War, World War 2, and Korean War. It also inspired them in their conduct of Civic Action activities in Vietnam. After the challenging years of Martial Law, a new army emerged out of the 1986 EDSA Revolution. The soldiers were heralded as heroes because of their role that helped toppled a dictator in a peaceful overthrow of the Marcos regime.

three-decade-old

communist insurgency, a losing cause that was the product of the archaic Cold War but was still struggling because of the economic condition and social neglect in the far-flung areas of the country. This reality and dilemma stirred the Army to change its strategy. Thus, out of the innovative approaches of several field commanders, came the strategy of the whole-of-nation approach and people-centered security/human security approach. With Lt Gen Emmanuel T Baustista, at the helm of the Army leadership, this would be the centerpiece of the Armys support to the AFP in winning the peace. As the primary implementor

Our Cover
The Philippine Army celebrates its 115th Foundation Anniversary standing tall and with great pride. Through the years, it has faithfully served the people and has vigilantly secured the land. It has remained a dynamic and versatile organization and has continued to evolve to make it a world-class army that is a source of national pride. With the inception of the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) and through the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan, the Philippine Army is doing its best to transform its vision of being an Army that is truly the pride of the Filipino nation into a tangible truth. Army personnel have been enjoined by Lt Gen Emmanuel T Bautista, 54th Commanding General of the Philippine Army, to embrace these two precepts that would serve as their guide to attain good governance and performance excellence so the Filipino people will get the Army that they deserve. As it reaches its 115th year of existence, the whole Team Army reaffirms its core purpose of Serving the People, Securing the Land.

Editorial Board
LTGEN EMMANUEL T BAUTISTA AFP Commanding General MGEN RENATO A DAVID AFP Vice Commander BGEN MAXIMO G CARO AFP Chief of Staff COL FRANCO NEMESIO M GACAL Secretary Staff General COL LEANDRO A LOYAO (FA) GSC PA AC of S for Personnel, G1 COL PAOLO LEO MA G MICIANO (FA) GSC PA AC of S for Intelligence, G2 COL ANGELITO M DE LEON (FA) GSC PA AC of S for Operations, G3 COL ROBERT M AREVALO (QMS) GSC PA AC of S for Logistics, G4 COL RODEL MAURO R ALARCON (INF) GSC PA AC of S for Plans, G5 COL TEODORICO D RAQUEO MNSA (GSC) PA AC of S for CEIS, G6 COL FRANCISCO L PABAYO (INF) GSC PA AC of S for Civil-Military Operations, G7 COL ARNEL B DELA VEGA (INF) GSC PA AC of S for Education and Training, G8 COL QUIRINO S CALONZO (CAV) GSC PA AC of S for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, G9 MAJ HAROLD M CABUNOC (INF) PA Army Chief, Public Affairs COL FELIMON T SANTOS JR FA (GSC) PA Grp Cmdr, CMOG, PA

OFC | Serving the People, Securing the Land IFC | Editors Note 2 | IPSP Bayanihan: A Year Past 6 | The Philippine Army: Keeping Its Covenant with the Nation 10 | JTFGS: Light of Hope, Water of Life for Tbolis and Blaans Through Bayanihan 16 | Rising from Sendongs Wrath Through the Bayanihan Effort 26 | 903rd Inf Bde: Establishing a Bayanihan Eco Park in Donsol, Sorsogon 32 | Kalinaw in Sarangani: A Bayanihan Experience 38 | Are Soldiers Just for Combat? 42 | OFW: Overseas Filipino Warriors 44 |Butt Wound Becomes Soldiers Lucky, Love Charm 46 | Personnel Matters Most 50 | New Philippine Army ID System 51 | Service School Courses for 2nd Qtr CY 2012 53 | Foreign Courses 54 | Performance Evaluation of Field Units (Best-Best) for CY 2011 56 | My CMO Involvement: A Life Changing Experience 60 | AFPSLAI to Raffle Off 40 Cars on its 40th Anniversary Promo 60 | Philanthropic Donors IBC | CG, PA Guidance OBC| CG,PA Anniversary Message

Editorial Staff
MAJ CARLO A FERRER (INF) PA Editor-in-Chief LYDIA V CABAJAR Editorial Consultant CPT ARBERN ROMMEL D ABIVA (FA) PA Circulation Manager 2LT CLAIRE ANN V DOLINO (INF) PA Production Supervisor CARINA C PASTRANO Managing Editor COL BIENVENIDO R DATUIN JR MAJ JULIUS CABARLOC MAJ HAROLD M CABUNOC MAJ ROBERTO V DELA CRUZ ARMY MUSEUM RESEARCH STAFF KAREL S DABU CZASSY RODULFO Contributors
SGT CESAR CUENCA CPL JUAN P RAYMUNDO PFC CESAR P LOPEZ PFC MICHELLE R LLANDELAR PFC NOEL M BERNARDINO PFC MARYJANE C TABLIAGO PFC RAMON M MEGO ABEGAIL A GARCIA Photographers Layout Artists

The Army Troopers Newsmagazine is the official command publication of the Philippine Army. It is published quarterly by the Philippine Army through the Civil-Military Operations Group, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila 1201. It provides a forum for the open and honest exchange of ideas and concepts concerning the Philippine Army. The articles published in the Army Troopers Newsmagazine do not reflect the official view of the Philippine Army except when specifically stated. Though we do not accept responsibility for the opinions of the authors, we do accept responsibility for giving them the opportunity to be published. This publication is approved for public release. Official distribution is to units and offices of the Philippine Army, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine government. For reproductions or re-publication, authority resides with the author. Requests can be forwarded directly to the author or through the Editor-in-chief who will make the necessary representation. The ATN reserves the right to edit the materials submitted. The Army Troopers Newsmagazine accepts articles written either in English or Filipino. Contributions and requests for information can be addressed to: The Editor-in-chief, Army Troopers Newsmagazine, CMOG, PA, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila 1201. ARMY TROOPERS NEWSMAGAZINE

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

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Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride

Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

The year 2011 saw the Philippine Army gradually winning the peace for the people. The Army Chief Lt Gen Emmanuel T Bautista said that, since the Bayanihan was implemented last year, the level of violence was reduced, the number of the NPAs has been reduced and the reduction are mostly surrenders.
On IPSP Bayanihan Recent developments which have resulted from the implementation of the new campaign plan IPSP Bayanihan could be deemed as its first fruits. The commanding general cited one of the biggest gains was in Bukidnon wherein 80 members of the New Peoples Army, including their top leader, Benjamin Salusad, also known as Nonong, surrendered to 8th Infantry Dependable Battalion in South Poblacion, municipality of Maramag. The big number of surrenderees and the firearms they brought in with them were considered a significant feat not solely to the military but more so to the people of Bukidnon. But beyond that, it was a clear manifestation of how the concerted effortsthe breathing spirit of Bayanihan among the stakeholders, in this case the local government of Bukidnon, elders and tribal leaders, and the militarywere able to achieve sustainable peace and security in the province. Similar developments will be duplicated in every area of the country as, stakeholders are to expect an invigorated Philippine Army that will

pursue the twin strategic directions the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan and the Army Transformation Roadmap, the Army Chief said. This will be the direction and the precepts that the Philippine Army will continue to pursue now and into the future, according to him. The IPSP Bayanihan is a shift from an entirely militaristic solution to a people-centered security strategy. It is an open document for the general public since it intends to tie up the involvement at the widest range of stakeholders in addressing the peace and security concerns of the nation. The campaign plan gives the same weight to combat and non-combat means in the pursuit to attain peace. The Army Chief stated that unlike previous campaigns of the military, our perspective now is

The surrender of 80 members of the New Peoples Army in Bukidnon is a result of the concerted efforts exerted by the provincial and local government officials, community leaders, the military and other stakeholders. Photo shows the firearms surrendered by the group in a ceremony attended by (from left) Hon Laurencia S Edma, San Fernando, Bukidnon mayor; Hon Alecia P Resus, mayor of Maramag; Lt Gen Arthur I Tabaquero, EastMinCom Commander; Datu Morit Angawa, vice commanding officer of squad 2 Sangay Platon Pampropaganda 3, GF6, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee; Hon Gov Alex P Calingasan of Bukidnon; Benjamin Salusad, alyas Nonong, commanding officer of SPP3, GF6, NCRMC; Maj Gen Victor A Felix , 4ID commander; P/SSupt Lyndel Desquitado, PNP deputy provincial director of Bukidnon; Hon Vice Mayor Levi Edma of San Fernando; and Hon Leandro Jose H Catarata, mayor of Valencia City.

Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride.

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

winning peace and not merely defeating the enemy. Therefore, we endeavor to reduce human rights violations and we try to abide by the law, Rule of Law and International Humanitarian Law. It is a very big emphasis. It is part of the strategic concepts and deliberately we give emphasis to that. Human rights violations was one of the most critical issues that afflicted the military organization for the past years. Therefore, in the IPSP campaign plan, one of the two strategic approaches to win peace is the people-centered/ human security approach which is premised on the understanding that the peoples welfare is put at the center of the military operations. The first year, Lt Gen Bautista admitted, was a learning process for us. It was the first year we implemented IPSP and we have identified some gaps and we will address those gaps. At present, the Army is in the process of uplifting the personnels better and deeper understanding of the campaign plan while the skills and training in engaging, dealing with the stakeholders are being improved, according to him. Personnels skills and training, the Army Chief added, will be focused on Peace and Development Teams; Inter-agency and Stakeholder Engagement; and Mission Planning. Thus far, the campaign plan has been greeted with mixed reactions. There are those whose reactions are positive and welcome their involvement in the planning, implementation and evaluation while, merong nagrereklamo (there are who complain), criticizing Bayanihan, but you can almost predict yung mga grupo na gumagawa noon, sila pa rin (the groups who do, it is still them). In fact, ang sagot nila sa Bayanihan (their response to Bayanihan) is more violence, more extortion, and intensifying the armed struggle, the general stated. But otherwise, we have groundswell support for our campaign. It is one of the most popular campaigns that we have undertaken in terms of acceptance from our stakeholders. We are inspired by that kind of acceptance from our people and we will continue to involve them, he further expressed. For those who refused to accept the governments peaceful means and continue to threaten the peoples wellbeing the Army Chief has this to say, We will run after them and we will apply legitimate military force against them. However, we will always take into consideration that our military operations are within the context of the overall plan of peace and security, with due adherence to Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, and Rule of Law. Bayanihan, according to the Army commanding general, is a combination of CMO, of non-military activities, also military and combat operations. On Army Transformation Accusations of corruption, human rights violations and other issues plagued the Armed Forces of the Philippines. These are the realizations that the military organization has to

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Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride

Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

For better understanding and deeper appreciation, the ATR is cascaded to the Army rank and file.

face and overcome to move forward to complete its vision. On the part of the Army, it sought to transformthus the Army Transformation Roadmap came to forea long-term transformation and governance program that will make it a world-class Army that is a source of national pride. In a firm tone, the Army Commanding General emphasized, Marami tayong issues na nakikita, na binabato sa atin (We have seen a lot of issues that are being thrown to us) and therefore there is an urgency for us to really change, starting from each individual. Thats the essence of change, recognizing na kailangan nating magbago at magdesisyon tayo na magbabago (that we need to change and we must decide to change). We have a commitment to change and we will do it collectively as a team and our roadmap is the Army Transformation Roadmap. Ang vision

natin ay maging world class tayo, na tayo ay ipinagmamalaki ng ating kababayan, ng buong sambayanang Pilipino na sinasabi nila: Ito ang aming Army at ipinagmamalaki namin ito. (Our vision is to become world-class, for our people to be proud of us, that our people will proudly say: This is our Army and we are proud of it.) At present, the ATR is being cascaded down to every individual soldier and other members of the organization. It is imperative, according to him, for every soldier to internalize his individual responsibility and individual commitment being part of the organization. The way we conduct ourselves does not only reflect on our individual personalities but it reflects on the entire Philippine Army organization. And so therefore we should have a responsibility and a commitment to uphold the image and interest of the organization, he said with finality.

Message to the troops In closing, Lt Gen Emmanuel T Bautista has this to say to the troops, Gabay natin ang (Our guide will be the) ATR and IPSP Bayanihan; gagawin natin yun dahil yun ang tamang gagawin at kaya natin gawin ito dahil iyon ang tama (we will do and can do them because they are the right things to do). Believe that we can do it and let us commit to do it. Transform. Pursue our campaign in Bayanihan and ATR. Respect the chain of command. Focus lang tayo sa trabaho natin at pagiging professionals, gumawa ng tama, hindi korupt, sumusunod sa Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law at rule of law. Focus on our jobs and be professionals, do what is right, no corruption, and adhere to the Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law and Rule of Law.

Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride.

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

Birth of the Philippine Army The history of the Philippine Army is closely interwoven with the history of the nation. Since its inception, it has taken the cudgels in the nations fight for freedom and democracy against colonial and imperialist powers. The Army defiantly raised its banner and spearheaded the armed revolution against the Spanish colonizers in 1896. It also led the fight against the Americans after the outbreak of the Fil-American War in 1899. And during World War II, the gallantry of Army soldiers were once more tested against the Japanese, highlighted by the valiant stand of Filipino forces in Bataan and Corregidor. Being the oldest and largest component of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Army traces its glorious heritage to the Filipino Revolutionary Army organized at the Tejeros Convention on March 22, 1897. In this historic convention, General Artemio Ricarte was elected as Kapitan Heneral, making him the first Commanding General of the Philippine Army. With the birth of the Revolutionary Army, the loose, heterogeneous units of the revolution were formally organized into one organization. The courage

and tenacity of the freedom fighters in the various armed revolts against the Spaniards led to the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 at the Headquarters of the Filipino Revolutionary Army in Kawit, Cavite. The Army under the American Occupation The outbreak of the Fil-American War in February 1899 saw the freedom fighters arrayed against a formidable foe. The ill-equipped and ill-trained Filipino Army was no match to the American military might. It was said that on the first day of the war, around 3,000 Filipino revolutionists died as compared to 60 Americans killed in action. This is considered one of the most lopsided wars in modern

military history. Realizing that the Filipino Army did not stand a chance against the American forces, General Antonio Luna, Commander in Chief of Central Luzon operations proposed reorganizing the Army for guerrilla warfare to fight a protracted war. Despite the heroic struggles, the Filipino defenders suffered reverses one after the other in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. With the capture of President Emilio Aguinaldo and his subsequent oath of allegiance to the United States, the war ended. There was no authentic Philippine Army during the advent of American occupation from 1901 to 1935. The Philippine Constabulary was organized to maintain peace and

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Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride

Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

order, while the Philippine Scouts was tasked against foreign invasion. These military organizations were mostly led by Americans while its enlisted personnel were mostly Filipinos. However, neither of them was an authentic Philippine Army for and by Filipinos. The Philippine Commonwealth Army With the establishment of the Philippine Commonwealth in 1935, President-elect Manuel L. Quezon sought the services of General Douglas MacArthur in drawing up a blueprint for the national defense program. This was embodied in the National Defense Act, also referred to as a Commonwealth Act Nr. 1 which was enacted into law on December 21, 1935. This legal fiat provided the legal framework for the organization of the Philippine Army, composed of a small regular force, with the Philippine Constabulary as nucleus, and supplemented by a large reserve force composed of male citizens between the ages 21 to 50 who have undergone the prescribed military training. With the issuance of Executive Order Nr.11, the top three officers of the Philippine Army were appointed, namely: Brig Gen Jose de los Reyes as Chief of Staff, Brig Gen Basilio Valdes and Col Guillermo Francisco as 1st and 2nd Deputy Chief of Staff, PA, respectively. With this development, Headquarters Philippine Army was formally organized at the Oriente Building in Binondo Manila. To most, formally organizing the Army pursuant to the provisions of Executive Order No. 11 was essentially an issue of the Armys maximum effectiveness at the minimum cost. It was also stressed that the organization must be useful in times of war and peace. To save on money, the Army undertook a gradual build-up for a period
Trainee s rende Camp A r the sa guinald lute du ring a fo o), 193 8 rmatio

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of 10 years with an annual quota of 40,000 men. It also undertook the organization of training camps throughout the country and institutionalized pre-military training for rudimentary knowledge on military matters. During this time, the men were paid five (5) centavos and were known as sundalong cinco. During this period, the Army Central and General Staff was composed of Brig Gen Vicente Lim as Assistant Chief of Staff, War Plans Division; Colonel Fidel Segundo, Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Operations and Training and Col Rafael Garcia, Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel and Supply. Later in 1941, a re-organization of the Army Central and General Staff took place and which was patterned after the US Army system. The Commonwealth defense also had the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) for training new regular officers and providing a pool of quality officers. The Philippine Military Academy Class 1940 was the first class to graduate under the National Defense Act. The initial services of the Philippine Army were the Adjutant General Service, the Judge Advocate Service, the Quartermaster Service, the Medical Service, the Ordnance Service and the Chaplain Service. Later, the Chemical Corps, the Army Nurse Corps, Inspector General Service and the Finance Service were added. The Army, tasked

with the entire defense of the Philippines had an air and naval arm, namely: the Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) and the Offshore Patrol (OSP). The Philippine Army during World War II In the early part of 1941, Japan made aggressive moves to fulfill its ambitions for the establishment of a Greater East Asia CoProsperity Sphere. The situation was precarious and on July 26, 1942, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, invoking the provisions of the Tydings-McDuffie Act called into the service of the United States all organized military forces of the Philippine Commonwealth. When war came to the Pacific in December 1941, two regular Army divisions and 10 reserve divisions formed part of the defense of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) under the command of General Douglas MacArthur. Though the outbreak of the war caught the national defense preparations only halfway through, the Filipino and American defenders made their gallant stand. Outgunned and inexperienced in war, they heroically repulsed the Japanese

Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride.

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

onslaughts. Lt General Masaharu Homma, Commanding General of the 14th Japanese Army was tasked to conquer the Philippines in 50 days but failed to achieve the deadline. Despite the fall of Bataan, and later Corregidor, the Filipino and American forces had successfully stunted Japans grand design to seize the Philippines within a short period of time which could have disastrous results for the rest of Asia and Australia. The day of deliverance came when the allied forces led by Gen MacArthur landed in Palo, Leyte in October 1944. Not long after, the Philippine Army was re-established in Tacloban, Leyte. After Manila was liberated in March 1945, Headquarters Philippine Army, was moved to the capital city. Despite all the odds, Filipino soldiers who went underground kept the resistance high against the Japanese. By mid-1946, five Philippine Army divisions were organized out of the recognized guerrilla units. The Philippine Army after War With the final capitulation of the Japanese forces in September 1945, then President Sergio Osmea designated Major General Basilio Valdes as Chief of Staff, Philippine Army. The following year, the Central General Staff of Headquarters Philippine Army was reorganized. This reorganization enabled the Army to operate as a distinct military organization and not just merely a section of the USAFFE headquarters. In 1948, the 10 Military Districts were deactivated and four Military Areas were constituted. At the onset of the 50s, President Elpidio Quirino issued Executive Order No 389 reorganizing the Armed Forces. Said order created Headquarters Armed Forces of the Philippines as General Headquarters (GHQ, AFP) and also activated the four major services - the Philippine Army, Philippine Constabulary, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy. Not long after the war, the Philippine Army extended a helping hand to war-torn South Vietnam which was overrun by communists from North Korea (PEFTOK). These Philippine Army units earned the admiration and respect of United Nations forces who fought alongside with them. The Filipino soldiers had proved their mettle and courage in the Korean battlefront. In the 60s, the Philippine Army also sent contingents to South Vietnam, the PHILCON and later the PHILCAG on a mission of peace. The Filipino soldiers felt a deep sense of fulfillment as they have contributed immensely to the easing of the peoples deprivation and sufferings through the conduct of medical and dental services and other sociothe nation from internal and external threats. It instead assumed an important role as a constructive force that helped paved the way to national progress. During the period, the Army also came up with the Kamagong concept primarily to beef up its forces in response to the sudden escalation of insurgency and secessionism nationwide. A bold 10-year Revitalization Program was launched in 1976 which primarily aimed to develop the command as a potent force in defense and nation-building. About a decade after, the Armys participation in

Pres Valdes ident Sergio lis O to the F tening to Gen smena and MGen ilipino p Douglas Ba eople in Tacloba MacArthur s ad silio n, Leyte d , 1944. ress

economic and technical endeavors for the Vietnamese. In the 70s, President Ferdinand E Marcos issued Presidential Proclamation No. 1081, which placed the entire Philippines under martial law effective September 21, 1972. The AFP, specifically the Army, was tasked with the responsibility of safeguarding the transformation of the country into a New Society. With the Armys experience during martial law, it ceased to be a mere fighting force whose only concern is to safeguard

the February 1986 EDSA Revolution built up its image in the eyes of the people. Being an active player in the bloodless revolt, it played a crucial part in the restoration of democracy. The Command during this time continued to fight the dual threats to national security on two fronts: against the NPAs and the Muslim secessionists, while simultaneously upgrading its personnel and adopting new methods of winning the hearts and minds of the people. The Special Operations Team (SOT) concept was vigorously pursued in the late 1980s to weaken the base of insurgents

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Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride

Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

. outh Vietnam ILCAG Hqs, S H P de si in n atio Troops in form

Revolu tionary Army

by using force on one hand and civilmilitary operations on the other.

officer posing with

his troo ps.

The Philippine Army Today The Philippine Army is presently organized into combat, combat support and service support units. The combat units are the 10 Infantry Divisions, the Light Armor Division and the Special Operations Command. Providing combat support are the five Engineer Brigades, Engineer Construction Battalions, the Signal Group, the Civil-Military Operations Group, the Intelligence and Security Group and the Army Artillery Regiment. The service support units which include Training and Doctrine Command, Army Real Estate Office, Army Support Command, Finance Center, Army Management Information Center, Army Reserve Command, Accounting Service and Army Personnel Management Center sustain the conduct of Army ground operations. To carry out its mission, the Philippine Army has laid certain capability objectives as outlined in the Army Transformation Roadmap 2028. Among these are: a brand image consistent with the Armys Core values, recruitment

and retention of the best and the brightest, excellence in ground operations and a professional Army loved by the people. Overall, it seeks to transform the present PA into the Philippine Army of the future. The Philippine Armys vision is to become a world-class Army that is a source of national pride by 2028. The vast experience of the Army in and outside the battlefront had transformed it into one of the most seasoned fighting units in the world, one that is keenly adept in winning the hearts and minds of the people, making it a well-rounded organization in the service of the Filipino nation. The Philippine Army today could

be said to be in a transition stage towards a more efficient, profesional, and modern organization. As the Army modernizes and marches in the 21st century, it is necessary to examine the path trodden, to see the successes and the failures, to see the traditions and the glories, as well as the defeats and setbacks, so that these may guide the path to the future and provide depth and greater meaning to the Armys existence. The past, after all, is the bedrock on which an organization is built on.

quad. tactical s y rm A y da Present-

Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride.

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

What happened in Sitio Klolang and Sitio Datal Salvan in Barangay San Jose, General Santos City is a proof that bayanihan is a moving spirit that could change the Blaans and Tbolis gloomy way of living into one that is full of bright hope and full of lifes excitement. For the village folks of these two sitios, life will never be the same again. Thanks to the bayanihan efforts of Joint Task Force Gen San (JTFGS), under Col Joselito E Kakilala, Moraca School Head William the philanthropic and

individuals of General Santos City, these villagers will no longer suffer from the inconvenience of not having electricity and from lack of potable water. These marginalized Blaan and Tboli tribesmen had long lived under the mercy of kerosene and flashlight batteries to light up their houses when evenings start to set in. Dwelling on top of a mountain range 1,500 meters above sea level, they had to trek sharp and dangerous curves for almost an hour to buy their essential

requirements for their respective households because life then was a little bit depressing. Even Tboli and Blaan children could not focus in his studies because their evenings were spent in pitch black and could not review their lessons to be ready for the next day classes. Worse, they dont have potable water to drink and have to endure going down at the foot of the mountain to fetch some water. There may be ongoing

developmental and infrastructure

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Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride

Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

Lydia V Cabajar

projects of the government but they are intended for the lowlanders leaving the indigenous highlanders on the sidelines. Colonel Kakilala explained that because of the poor living conditions of these tribal folks, education is their least priority. To them, finishing the primary education seems enough and their childrens children would be just like them. With this kind of mindset and deprived opportunities for higher learning, young girls set their focus on getting married and to have a family of their own, even at a very young age of 13.

Maybe to some village believers who prayed hard for a miracle, God (Allah) answered Moraca. their prayers through JTFGS and Mister It was destiny that Colonel Kakilala got to know Mister Moraca for both have the passion to render service and had the same purpose-to give the Tbolis and the Blaans a positive outlook, by offering them little conveniences in life.
Mister William Moracas electricity-generating windmill installed at Sitio Klolang Primary School rooftop.

Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride.

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

Mister Moraca, a self-made man, is a devoted head teacher who divides his time teaching students of Sitio Datal Salvan Elementary School and Sitio Klolang Primary School. He was an insurance agent before the teaching profession enticed him. a Cotabato. assignment He first taught in remote community in South His second teaching to the highland Colonel Kakilala, on the other hand, is known for his strategic thinking and tactical approach to counterinsurgency, gallantry in combat and social concern for communities, attributes that led him to be the recipient of Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award during the 111th Anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service last 11 September 2011. As Commander of JTFGS, under the 10th Infantry Division, PA, Colonel Kakilala and his teams of officers and enlisted personnel are responsible for the conduct of independent or joint operations with General Santos City Police Office and other law enforcement agencies to protect the people, to secure vital installations, and to pre-empt, counter, neutralize the threat groups and to respond to any crisis situation in order to ensure continuous and economic endeavors in the city. They adopt a 5-pronged approach in accomplishing their assigned mission that include preemptive operations, deterrent measures, intelligence operations, support operations and strengthening and expanding security enhancers. Colonel Kakilala came to know Principal Moraca
COL JOSELITO E KAKILALA, JTFGS Commander, drinks from the newly installed water faucet at Sitio Datal Salvan.

If we can uplift the lives of these indigenous people,

communities of Datal Salvan and Klolang in General Santos City made him aware of the sad plight of the Tbolis and Blaans as well as their school-age children.

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Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride

Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

when the latter accompanied Principal Catas of Bagong Silang Elementary School which was The JTFGS head further said, during the interview by the ATN staff, that, I was inspired to partner with him (Moraca). Ive realized that partnering with the principals, or head teachers, is crucial in our campaign in winning the peace since we find it easy convincing the parents to send their children to school. I am optimistic that education will emancipate our lessprivileged kababayans from the clutches of poverty which is one of the root causes of insurgency. Mister Moraca, on the other hand, realizing that the village folks initially the recipient of JTFGSs were in need of running water, used feeding program. meetings. The two got to his knowledge in engineering and know each other better after several came up with a magnetic force Colonel Kakilala took water system which he installed notice of Principal Moracas ability for during the later part of 2011 with innovations and inventions in helping the assistance from JTFGS. It was the stream of Sitio Datal Salvan. They will no longer have to go down to the foot of the mountain for the water is already at their doorstep. In the same way, having water in the community gave the people in the communities to observe proper hygiene practices like taking a bath everyday and brushing their teeth, said Colonel Kakilala. Fetching water doesnt pose a problem anymore hence they can clean their bodies as often as they want to take a bath. After the water installation, it was followed by the electrification project with Mr. Moraca coming up with a power generating windmill. Again, Mr. Moraca sought the help of JTFGS in providing and hauling of the materials used for this project. The windmill was installed at the rooftop of Sitio Klolang Primary School. Mr. Moraca was able to build a rotary windmill type of galvanized

we can achieve sustainable peace and development in the end.

improve the learning environment of impossible to build a water system the indigenous peoples children as because of the sitios high altitude, well as in uplifting their well-being these far-flung communities. and in improving the quality of life of but because of Mr. Moracas magnetic force fan, water can now reach the communities directly from

The electrification project of Mr Moraca and JTFGS will bring a conducive learning environment to the Blaan and Tboli children.

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iron intended for ventilation but he later changed it by setting up a dynamo and putting up an alternator with 12 volts wet cell battery which produces 220 volts with an ampere of 3, 000 watts capacity. With this invention, Mr.

out with philanthropic partners from General Santos City who donated wet cell batteries, electric wires and LED bulbs for the 38 households.
Colonel Kakilala further said the installation of electrification and water system became a game changer in the lives of the upland folks as they are given positive outlook in life. What Mister Moraca and he are asking from the parents in the area in return is to motivate their children to go to school so that they could study. Colonel Kakilala reasoned out that once these students are educated, they will become professionals later on. Theyll be able to have decent work,

they can provide food on the table three times a day and they can also send their children to school to be educated. Mine is strategic mindset, if we can uplift the lives of these indigenous people, we can achieve sustainable peace and development in the end. As for the electricity, the Tbolis and Blaans children could now go over their lessons in their respective homes because the communities now enjoy having lighted houses when night time starts to set in. Another significant highlight of having the power of electricity in the highlands, Colonel Kakilala further narrated, the village folks were able to watch Manny Pacquiaos boxing

Moraca helped facilitate teachinglearning in the classrooms with the aid of educational programs aired by the cable television donated by JTFGS. Similarly, Colonel Kakilala

raised the idea to Mr. Moraca of the 38 households in Sitio Klolang being energized using the rotary power generating windmill, which the latter answered in the affirmative. The former worked

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bout with Juan Miguel Marquez last November because JTFGS donated a cable television. For the first time ever, the adult villagers can now watch regular television shows while the children can enjoy educational programs being aired that could add up to their learning skills. Aside from the materials and manpower he provided, Colonel Kakilala supplied one sack of rice for Mr. Moracas feeding program for his students at Klolang Primary School and Datal Salvan who are mostly Tbolis and Blaans. The JTFGS head also shouldered the meals of residents who volunteered their services in putting up said above-mentioned projects. Colonel Kakilala, as Mr. Moracas force and financial partner provider, said he plans to install a power-generating windmill like that of Mr. Moracas, at JTFGS headquarters to save on the camps monthly electrical consumption. JTFGS and its partners in General Santos City have been fully supporting Mr. Moracas undertakings. All of our undertakings are in cooperation with our other stakeholders. We are thankful that many affluent individuals here in General Santos City have this philanthropic attitude of helping others. We are just fortunate that they are looking for an institution that they could support to see the high impact of their projects, hence JTFGS is in tandem with other organizations/sectors here in General Santos City, Colonel Kakilala further said. These CMO initiatives may be considered a minor contribution of JTFGS but it has a high and major impact in the lives of these marginalized people of General Santos City. They have found an ally in the men-in-uniform as well as in the other stakeholders of the city. The JTFGS is bent on pursuing the objectives of Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan which according to Colonel Kakilala is continuously gaining headway in General Santos City as proven by these projects. He further said that JTFGS will not let its guard down in quelling any forms of terrorism in the area to win the elusive peace and to continue uplifting the lives of the indigenous people living in the area.

School children of Sitio Klolang Primary School watching at the Sitios first-ever cable television.

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(To have a full account of how our soldiers fared at the time of the struck of Sendong occurrence and to check on the desolation resulting from it, the Army Troopers Newsmagazine staff visited the area of Northern Mindanao (which included specifically Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Iligan City, Lanao Provinces). Nonetheless, it was an opportune time for us to see for ourselves and take into account the tragic incident that befell the local populace particularly those victims of that typhoon and how the Bayanihan spirit was manifested at that moment in time.)

Typhoon Sendong was one of the worst typhoons to hit Northern Mindanao. It washed off and damaged properties while costing the lives of many. Badly hit were Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City and Lanao provinces. About nine barangays were severely affected in Cagayan de Oro, 28 (of the 41 barangays) in Iligan of which 10 were severely affected. It was quite disheartening to see the areas devastated by typhoon Sendong and to personally see the plight of our countrymen. They may be thrown in such situation yet managed to smile now, for the soldiers, the different government agencies as well as nongovernment organizations and foreign

agencies had collaborated to reach out to them - within the spirit of Bayanihan. The pains and burden they carry have also been eased out somehow with the assistance extended in the immediate time possible by the military and other stakeholders of said areas. Three months had passed yet the typhoon left a deep scar in the hearts and minds of the local populace because of its dreadful effect. Some havent overcome yet while others are still coping. The Responders Cagayan de Oro Personnel from 4th Infantry Division were organized into three teams with the divisions equipment on disaster response set as there was a continuous downpour that time. Even those who had gone home were asked

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to return to the headquarters for they would be all there to extend a hand. When floods started to rise up, the soldiers were alerted. Motorboats were dispatched, ropes, vests and others were given to the teams. Each team was assigned a certain area. Here and there, the soldiers would get calls for assistance and immediately responded especially on areas where most numbers of people were clamoring for help. VIPs, government officials, media, ordinary folks, all sought for assistance amidst the raging typhoon. While on their way into rescue operations, the responders could see houses damaged and even washed off and lives sacrificed. It was quite demoralizing on the part of the soldiers to see their countrymen helpless when they came to rescue them.

Maj Gen Victor A Felix AFP, 4th Infantry Division Commander, distributing relief goods to Sendong victims in Cagayan de Oro City.

In an interview with Lt Col Patriarch Robinson P Pel, commanding officer of 4th Signal Battalion, Army Signal Regiment, one of the team leaders during the rescue and retrieval operations, he told the ATN staff that Emily Homes, Carmen was the first destination. On board a motorboat, as his team moved going to that area they saw how gruesome the condition

was. Members of the team saw lifeless bodies afloat while women, children and men were on the roof some were already sick - trees and electrical posts uprooted, houses brought down and washed off due to strong current and even cars piled up along the road. His team talked to the people and assuaged their fears. Ninais man naming matulungan ang lahat

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at mailigtas ang mga nasa panganib, isinuong man namin ang pansarili naming kaligtasan, hindi po iyon naging sapat upang maiwasan ang pagkamatay at pagkawala ng ilan, he lamented. It was indeed a difficult situation on his part and on the part of the victims. He was saddened by that. Nakakalungkot isipin ang mga pangyayari nakakalungkot mamasdan ang mga kamag-anak na umiiyak at tumatangis sa harap ng bangkay ng kanilang mahal sa buhay. May nawalan ng magulang, anak, kapatid mayroon ding buong pamilya ang nasawi, he recalled. Lieutenant Colonel Pels team stayed in Carmen as each team was instructed to stay in its area of assignment until rescue and relief operations was concluded. His team also sent cadavers retrieved to a nearby funeral homes and informed the people so they wont be having a hard time looking for their relatives. It was already daytime when the team left the area to move on to Isla Puntod of Brgy Balulang, which had the same condition. However, with the rivers strong current, Lieutenant Colonel Pel and his teams motorboat had bogged down. It went with the flow of the current until it reached the area. Masyadong malakas ang agos ng tubig sa ilog, hindi po ito kinaya ng dala naming motorboat kaya naging manu-mano ang paggamit ng bangka, he recounted. So the team made use of a rope and a pulley to have the boat moved from different spots in the area with the assistance also of the residents of Isla Puntod. Three choppers of the Philippine Air Force came and facilitated the immediate transfer of residents to the evacuation areas. For his efforts, Lieutenant Colonel Pel was awarded with a Bronze Cross Medal. The same is true with the rest of the officers and men of 4ID who participated in the Disaster Relief and Rescue Operations. On that crucial night (16th December 2011), TSg Freddie D

Cpt Danny M Bacal recalls his experiences during the disaster operations, how he held his emotions seeing bodies of his own relatives and saving families during retrieval operations.

TSg Freddie D Viador, chief clerk of OG7, 4ID tells how he was able to save 31 families.

LtCol Patriarch Robinson P Pel, Commanding Officer, 4th Signal Battalion, Army Signal Regiment, recounts his teams disaster operations.

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Temporary shelters for Sendong victims at Xavier Ecoville.

Viador, the chief clerk of Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, G7 of 4ID, happened to be at Tambo, Brgy Macasandig when the water rose to critical level. He just got back from Manila and decided to pay his friends a visit at said place. At that time, the rainfall was light. It was around 11:30 p.m. when the downpour started to get heavy with strong winds indicating storm signal number 2. According to Technical Sergeant Viador he stayed with his friends house as he feared flood that might trap him. It was around 12:30am when he decided to leave for camp. However, as he opened the door, he was met by water rushing its way in. He could already hear screams from people asking for helpTabang! Tabang!...Taga-i mi ug pisi! (Help! Help!...Give us rope!) The

place then was so flooded. The whole area was so dark. Inside the house where he was, he immediately thought of rushing up everyone to a higher place which could not be reached somehow by flood. Seven of them including him walked to the back door and rushed to a high rise residence. His friends together with other residents tried getting up to the rooftop and were successful to do so. Ginamit nila ang likod ko pati balikat bilang hagdanan patungo sa bubong, he said. As there were still children and some adults who needed to be rescued, he saw a refrigerator floating and made use of it for rescuing and brought them one by one to the houses roof. Hindi pa rin kami ligtas doon kasi pataas ang tubig halos umabot

na sa bubong. Naghawak kamay kami dahil baka tangayin ng malakas na agos. Hanggang sa may naanod na malaking troso, doon kami humawak para nga naman maligtas kami pag bumigay ang bubong. Sa kabila nito, bagamat basa kami at giniginaw hindi kami pinanghinaan ng loob. Dasal ang nagsilbi naming gabay at armas, the sergeant added. Technical Sergeant Viador was able to help out 31 families totaling to 132 members. His gesture was recognized by the Office of the Barangay Council of Brgy Macasandig. On Cpt Danny M Bacals account, he was saddened to see his own relatives dead while conducting rescue operations as part of the 52nd Engineer Brigades rescue and retrieval team especially in Tibasak, Brgy Macasandig.

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Captain Bacal, whos from said place, told the ATN staff that they got all the dead bodies and brought them to the chapel while his team also coordinated with the barangay officials to identify them. Some of those who could not be identified were buried in the mass graves. But he said, he has some cousins who were washed ashore and were recovered in Camiguin and Bohol. Their survival was a result of their clinging on to the log that helped them locate other survivors. Captain Bacal, a victim of Sendong, added that his house was severely damaged that he let his family stay in Bukidnon. According to him, he may be grieving because of the death of his relatives, but he set aside the emotions and instead worked as a soldierrescuer. Iligan In Iligan, Task Force Makalintad was organized, led by Brig Gen Roland C Amarille. The 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) Brigade under Col Carlo M Nava was designated Disaster Rescue and Retrieval Unit (DRRU) on the ground. As soon as typhoon Sendong started, the general public was informed about the storm warning. In coordination with the Iligan City Philippine National Police, storm warning was issued through mobile public address system and units under the Task Force were alerted. Around 11 p.m. of 16 December 2011, the 2MechBde, Command Group with one platoon proceeded to Brgys Tubod, Mahayahay and Hinaplanon and started rescue operations. Thirty minutes after, troops of the 4th Mechanized Battalion were deployed at Brgys Hinaplanon, Santiago, Sta Felomina, Bayog, Barinaot, Tambo and Malambagohon. It was about 1:30 a.m. 17 December 2011, that the Army troops from 103rd Infantry Brigade (under Col Daniel A Lucero) were deployed and immediately transported one Scout Boat team to Hinaplanon, Iligan City for immediate deployment while another one Platoon from headquarters, TF

The Crisis Management Committee, facilitated by TF Makalintad Command Group, convenes with Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz.

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Beyond exhaustion, the Philippine Army Team spent hours, even days, trying to search for missing bodies of victims of Tropical Storm Sendong.

Makalintad was deployed at Brgy Hinaplanon. Meanwhile, the Disaster Response Unit of 35th Infantry Battalion was also deployed to Iligan City. Air Force personnel from the 1st PAF SAR sortie and Naval Special Operations Unit 5 worked closely in rescuing and retrieving dead bodies at sea. Additional Disaster Response Units (DRUs) from 35IB and 547th Engineer Construction Battalion arrived and helped out in the disaster response operations. In an interview by the ATN staff with Colonel Nava, his unit maximized the utilization of mobility assets to include M35 trucks, KM450 and even Elf to facilitate immediacy in transporting evacuees as well as the cadavers. He pointed out that there was a high number of casualties that became more

evident the following morning. And that there was devastation on infrastructure and high toll on human lives caused by typhoon Sendong. Eventually after the water subsided, a thick layer of mud covered the area. He also added that voluminous logs came from the mountains of Lanao Del Sur and debris that ran through Mandulog River. These actually covered a vast area along the coast of Iligan. In all these, with the immediate deployment of Army DRUs, many lives were saved, Colonel Nava further said. And in so far as his units operations is concerned, it actively participated in the relief and rehabilitation operation to continue until the situation in Iligan city normalizes.

The Collaborative Effort Prior to the coming of the typhoon, 4ID according to its Commander, MGen Victor A. Felix immediately established its Task Force on Disaster Response Operations (DRO) that would address any eventuality brought about by typhoon Sendong. Logistical requirements as well as manpower were all set then. Until that fateful night In an interview with Major General Felix, his men established the major points of relief & recovery response. Eventually, pinababa na rin namin ang engineer (referring to the 52nd Engineer Brigade under Col Reynaldo Mutiangpili) contingent to help, he added. Since the Task Force was organized, this lessened

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the difficulties that arouse during their operation. Personnel were tasked on different assignments in the barangays, in the distribution of relief goods from the different benefactors, in the conduct of medical mission, and in the search and retrieval operations. Liaising played a pivotal role in working out for a better coordination in all areas of concern with the stakeholders. As such, 4ID also placed officers as well as the use of its mobility in each of the agencies extending assistance to facilitate immediate support to the victims of Sendong. The joint effort of the Philippine Army and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) paved the way for the victims/evacuees to have their temporary shelters especially in the lot owned by Xavier University. Five hundred homes were constructed by the Army, the materials came from DSWD in the placed tagged as Xavier Ecoville. This place has 12 buildings with 10 doors each building complemented with complete facilities in the area, with separate kitchens and toilets per building. Potable water was made possible through the purifier installed then by the Ateneo University of Cagayan. The Xavier Ecoville families totaled to 399 at present. As per information from Ms Iris Montellano of the Xavier University Community Building Team, each family will stay at the temporary shelters. No familyevacuee could avail of double housing or shelter at one moment in any areas that have temporary shelters. She also emphasized that families at the Xavier Ecoville are being taught on organizing themselves. Other agencies assisting were the local government unit (LGU), Red Cross, non-government organizations and some foreign agencies.

On the other hand, under Task Force Makalintad, as it aimed to ensure synchronize rescue efforts, initial coordination was made with all concerned agencies --- Philippine National Police (PNP), Local Government Units (LGUs), other

Soldier-engineers of the 52nd Engineer Brigade checking the lighting system and working on the windows of the temporary shelters for the evacuees at Xavier Ecoville.

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The Umbrella of Hope of a grade school student that manifests the convergence of efforts of all agencies and individuals.

Official Government Agencies (OGAs) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). Activating the Iligan City Coordinating Center to synchronize ongoing Disaster Response Operations was one of the key decisions made by the LGU in the critical days following the disaster. With the effort of the TF Makalintad Command Group, the Crisis Management Committees activation was immediately facilitated. It then convened with lligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz who subsequently declared the City under state of calamity. Eventually, in addition to the DRO units, a search and rescue unit of the Philippine Coast Guard as well as the

PG 390 of the Philippine Navy also arrived at Iligan City to join in the DRO. So far, 16 evacuation centers were set up to provide temporary shelters to the evacuees. Through the concerted efforts of government agencies, LGUs, NGOs, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the AFP and PNP, our humanitarian assistance and disaster response was made possible and therefore, will continue to address the victims needs in Iligan City, Brigadier General Amarille said in an interview. The Umbrella of Hope A drawing tagged as Umbrella of Hope manifests the convergence of efforts of all agencies and individuals.

An excerpt from the letter of Ms Rose Imperial, a volunteer who wrote Colonel Nava to thank the military, What struck me the most about the photo (umbrella drawing) is that the Army and the Department of Health (DOH) are at the center segments of the drawing which also contained the other officials and persons whom the student think helped them. The police, DSWD, teacher, best friend, doctor and the mayor were some of those who were also included in what I feel an umbrella of hope. For volunteers like us at the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) and the Land Rover Club of the Philippines (LRCP) who went to Iligan blind about the real situation on the ground, this validated our initial assessment

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that the military is the most efficient and most responsive segment of government in lligan after Typhoon Sendong. The drawing by a student named Rheon Jericho C. Tacastacas, of the Iligan City East Central School (ICECS), disproved an anecdote Ms Imperial heard from Father Adam Bago, parish priest of the Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Brgy Digkilaan. According to her, she met him on January 11, and he shared to her that its good that the military is now more active in relief operations so that the people will have a kinder view of the military. Unlike before, he said, that when he asked some of the children in his parish (which also covers Brgy Mainit and Rogongon) what their ambitions were, most of them answered that they wanted to be an MILF. While going around the hinterlands of Iligan City, that story was in the mind of the lady volunteer. However, contrary to what she was told, she saw that most of the people and even the kids were comfortable with the presence of the military. Some even had photos taken with the soldiers. Ms Imperial also mentioned that she knew of several volunteers who feel proud to have served with the military on their missions. In the end, she thanked the 2MechBde, the head and staff of the TF Makalintad, 1st Infantry Tabak Division who provided them with the right information and who served as dependable guides and escorts during their relief operations. She added that the logistical support given by the military was also very valuable in their medical missions and relief goods distribution in the hinterlands.

BGen Roland C Amarille, Commander, TF Makalintad, 1st Infantry Division, PA giving instructions to Col Carlo M Nava, 2MechBde Commander, and the Philippine Air Force personnel.

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Members of the 4th Infantry Division as they respond to the needs of the populace.

Cagay-anons and the Iliganons on the Army soldiers The Cagay-anons as well as the Iliganons are coping with what had happened. Slowly, they are putting into pieces what was left to them. As per impression, the Kagay-anons as well as the Iliganons are glad to have the Army soldiers whose presence was felt so prominently during the disaster that brought forth relief to the local populace. rescued, responded The soldiers, to the call, unmindful of their personal safety, retrieved lifeless bodies and even handed over relief goods. For the local populace, moving on is a difficult thing to do but with the help

from all the stakeholders, including the Army, they have been given the light and the courage to move on. On their faces could be seen how grateful they are for the help. Conclusion The collective were effort seen of in all the stakeholders

simple. They may have experienced their lost yet became strong and steadfast to face all the challenges. With Bayanihan spirit, nothing is impossible to achieve.
(The ATN staff would like to thank the 4th Infantry Division especially to its Comdr, MGen Victor A Felix, to the AC of S, G3, Lt Col Maurito I Licudine, to the acting AC of S, G7, LtCol Michelle B Anayron Jr., 4SigBn Cmdr, ASR, LtCol Patriarch Robinson P Pel, to the 4CMOBn under Maj Eugenio Julio C Osias IV, to Cpt Christian C Uy; to 103Bde Comdr, Col Daniel A Lucero, to the 2MechBde, LAD Comdr Col Carlo M Nava and all their respective staff.)

Sendong occurrence. Each agency has reached out to alleviate the plight of the local populace. Through the Bayanihan effort, different agencies local and international as well as NGOs and other individuals --- paved the way for the local populace to rise up from Sendongs wrath that easy and

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Milit Sors ary an ogo d c n co i ntrib vilian res ut proj e their idents ect a effo o real rts to f Don ity. mak sol, e th e

ers kehold the staEco Park fs ie r b tro Jr. Bayanihan lix Cas d Col Fethe propose ing regard t. c je o r p

In keeping with the governments National Greening Program (NGP), the 903rd Infantry Brigade, under Col Felix J Castro Jr., initiated the establishment of a Bayanihan Eco Park at Sitio Magaragad, Brgy Sibago, Donsol, Sorsogon in coordination and cooperation with other stakeholders of the province. The Eco Park project will be the Brigades and other stakeholders contribution to the worldwide effort

Lydia V Cabajar |26|

in addressing the adverse effects of

Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride

Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

Hand-in

-hand,

the peo

ple of D

onsol s

tart to p

lant ma

ngrove

seedlin

gs.
pl

the rior k. p s r ling Pa eed e Eco s e h rov of t angd site M se he of t propo g n ssi the Ble on to i t a ant

ir

global warming. At the same time, the Eco Park will help preserve the mangrove forests of Sorsogon province and be able to provide an additional source of income for the barangay folks. Colonel Castro said, in an

government organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs) and peoples organizations (POs) to participate in the NGP by way of setting a model community that is a product of the Bayanihan spirit. Likewise, he said the project will also inculcate among fishermen and farmers the importance of caring for the environment and the benefits that they will gain. Donsol municipality usually attracts local and foreign tourists during months of December to May

when whale sharks, locally known as butandings, visit the waters in the area. During this time, the residents in the area earn extra income from tourists who usually stay in nearby Brgy Dancalan. However, fishing remains to be their main source of livelihood. The influx of tourists resulted to the construction of many resorts in Brgy Dancalan. Mangroves planted along the shorelines were removed to give way for the construction of buildings in the area.

interview conducted by the ATN staff during a visit to the Brigade last December 2011, the endeavor will also encourage other local government units (LGUs) and local government agencies (LGAs), non-

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December. The existing mangrove plantation in the site could be one of the reasons why the butandings frequent the area. With the plantation being improved and expanded, it is expected that more whale sharks will migrate in the area. Firefly Watching Fireflies

abound the area in the evenings more than those seen in Brgy Dancalan as claimed by some residents. They cited the lack of lighting in the area as one of the reasons why fireflies flock in the area. Beautiful Beaches The water is very clean, attractive and safe for
e help th nds to a h g elpin ject. their h o l lend Eco Park pr o s n o D e f th o g rtin ren e childBrigade in sta Even th

swimming both for adult and children. Beauty of Nature The scenic view will offer a relaxing atmosphere to tourists who simply want to appreciate the beauty of nature. The 903rd Infantry Brigade is

However, there are fears that these changes would greatly affect the feeding habits of the whale sharks as the mangroves contribute to the productivity of planktons that the butandings feed on. Eventually, the whale sharks may look for and transfer to other areas where they could nestle in. The Brigade sees Brgy Sibago as another tourist attraction in addition to Brgy Dancalan. Hence, 903rd Infantry Brigade deemed it right to establish an Eco Park in the area. Originally, the Brigade was only planning for a mangrove plantation project but during meetings with other stakeholders, the potentials of Brgy Sibago were tackled resulting to the conception of an eco park.

To be built in a 7.2-hectare area, the Eco Park will have the following attractions: Mangrove Plantation the

confident

its

strong

partnership

with other stakeholders in the area will soon make the project a reality. Stakeholders include the Donsol Municipal Government Unit; Brgy Council of Sibago, Donsol; Sorsogon Provincial Government; Provincial Tourism Office of Sorsogon; PENRO, Sorsogon; Philippine Information Agency of Sorsogon; Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Parasirang Donsolanon Abante

Brigade plans to expand and improve by planting more mangroves. Colonel Castro said a concrete path will be constructed and huts will be set up in strategic points where tourists could take time to enjoy the sight; Butanding WatchingWhale

sharks usually feed in the area off Brgy Sibago. Bancas which set sail from Brgy Dancalan may proceed to the sea fronting the Eco Parks proposed site. Stories have been circulating that whale sharks are seen in the area during months of

Biryong Aagapay sa Kauswagan (PADABAKA); World Wildlife Fund Philippines; World Vision Philippines; Green Valley Development Program; Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Sorsogon Chapter; and Alpha Kappa Rho, Donsol

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Chapter. These are the organizations that are willing to walk the extra mile to help other people improve their plight by contributing their share towards developmental efforts. Colonel Castro further said that the park will also serve as buffer zone in case of typhoons and sea level rise as the Brigade, representing the Army in the area, will provide soft engineering measures to mitigate negative effects brought about by climate change. There is still much to be done to attract tourists in the area but the Brigade sees the potential of Brgy Sibago with the establishment of the Eco Park and its effects to the livelihood of the people. We are initiating peace and developmental activities, especially in assisting the municipalities of Pilar, Donsol and Castilla with programs that will promote tourism, disaster risk reduction management, engineering assistance through the building of schools, and now in spearheading the national governments call to plant trees as part of the NGP, Colonel Castro concluded. With their dedication, enthusiasm and discipline, the Brigades personnel have won over the populace and has successfully encouraged the active participation and involvement of other partners/stakeholders in the area in the endeavors of the Brigade and local government units through the Bayanihan spirit espoused by the IPSP.
Elem ents

The 903rd Infantry Brigade is confident that its strong partnership with other stakeholders in the area will soon make all the projects in Donsol a reality.

of 9 03r help d Infant uplif ry Br t the ig lives ade are of S g orso iving th gon e pop ir all-ou ulac e. t supp

ort t o

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing Heeded the Land the Call Even in the Darkest Hours, Army Soldiers
A few days before Christmas 2011, some parts of the country were hit by flash floods when typhoon Sendong devastated the country. A few weeks later, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake followed by incessant aftershocks shook other parts of the archipelago. In harsh moments like these something good will likely surface. In these dark hours, a fine tradition of the Filipinos re-emerges the spirit of Bayanihan. Though victims themselves, others tried their best to respond to their neighbors call. As all times, the Army soldiers with their skills, though lacking in equipment on disaster response, heeded the call and did their best to reach out to as many victims as possible. A feeling of uncertainty and even frustration especially among those who responded during the first hours, however, did not prevent them from doing their tasks with so much conviction. They never seemed to be aware of exhaustion nor hunger until somebody told them to eat or take a break so. They are the Army of the people---professional, capable and committed.

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Fine tuning the Fort Sarangani Tourism Estate Development Project with Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Board Member Eleonor Saguiguit and LtCol Adolfo Espuelas Jr, 73IB Commander.

Kalinaw in Sarangani:

A Bayanihan Experience
Carina C Pastrano

Short accounts of the Sarangan stakeholders on how the spirit of Bayanihan has transformed their province into its present relatively peaceful state.

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Artist Kublai Millans sketch of the public art to be sculpted at 73IB Camp as a peace advocacy strategy.

Never thought that peace could taste so sweetthis could have been what the people of Sarangani are feeling and thinking right now, enjoying a relatively progressive, secured, and peaceful province they could be proud of. For so many years, Sarangani Province has been reputed as one of the provinces in the southern part of Mindanao that is not a safe place to stay because of threats from insurgents and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. These are further aggravated by the presence of other criminal elements like bandits, sea hijackers and family feuds especially in Muslim communities that are commonly known as rido which could oftentimes escalate if left unchecked. It was a very pleasant opportunity for the ATN staff during their visit in December 2011 at the home of the 73rd Infantry Battalion based in Kamanga, Maasim,

Sarangani Province, to meet one of the provinces legislators, Hon. Board Member Eleanor Saguiguit, who was kind enough to allow us

Culture of peace starts with the soldiers.

a short interview. She has been witness to the units efforts being the Chairperson of different committees in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan like economic affairs; trade and industry; tourism; on children, women, and family relations; natural resources and environment protection. On the part of the military, we also gained the insights of

soldiers deployed in far-flung areas of the province and learned the efforts they continuously exert to contribute in attaining peace in Sarangani Province. They are not soldiers whose accomplishments warranted gold cross medals or the like, according to LtCol Adolfo Espuelas Jr, but they have made considerable feats in works other than war. Together, the stakeholders of Sarangani have worked and are still working hand in hand for kalinaw (peace) to prosper and usher the development in the province. The Culture of Peace Sarangani Province is one of the poorest provinces in the Philippines yet the most beautiful, for me and many others, the lady legislator shared with the ATN staff. It used to be conflict-torn, she further continued, coastal towns and interior barangays became

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target of insurgents attacks back then, while the residents became the mass base. The Army through the 73rd Infantry Battalion had a focal role in making the province relatively peaceful and in promoting Sarangani as a tourist destination, according to Honorable Saguiguit. During inter-agency meetings, the military people do not just attend but take active parts not only in the area of security but also in the aspects of development, social and economic. They are extra milers, they do not only focus on their work but also give suggestions on development. I dont know if its part of their training. But they are very good in it. And so in our overall analysis, on how we solve our problems in Sarangani, we dont only talk about combat. In fact, halos di na namin napag-uusapan dito (we no longer talk about it here). Ang pinag-uusapan dito (What we talk about here) is how to tell our people we are better off being at peace with ourselves and with each other. And there is no reason to be in conflict among us, the provincial lawmaker surmised. Somehow LtCol Adolfo Espuelas Jr (73IB Battalion Commander) made us realize how important for the local government to build the necessary infrastructures

in the remote barangays, she surmised. He has shown us that without the roads going to the interior barangays, we could not deliver the basic services as often as we wanted to, she further asserted. The lack or absence of these services, according to the battalion

The provincial and local governments stepped up their campaign against illiteracy through the QUEST or Quality Education for Sarangani. Parents who didnt fully understand the value of their childrens education because of poverty in the outlying areas just made their children help the family earn a living. So the local government offered seminars for parents to address this and the soldiers took active participation. At present, every school-age child attends class and so far the campaign has been very successful, according to her. More teachers were hired while more school buildings were erected and the soldiers became partners in this endeavor. Education in the end will arm every Sarangan whether Muslim, tribesman or Christian - as he explores his potentials and contributes for the advancement of Sarangani. As for the tourism program of the province, Honorable Saguiguit was delighted to say that it has finally taken off. We have exerted so much effort and spent so many resources in the past but it didnt happen, she expressed. It was difficult, according to her, but the 73IB has played a major role in making it possible. The perception that the province is not a safe place to stay didnt make it

Hon Eleanor Saguiguit Board Member, Sarangani Province

commander would only become a root cause for rebellion, an issue that could be exploited by rebels to lure the masses, she further stated. As a result, the local government had already set a budget for this year for the construction of complete infrastructure in the far-flung areas of Sarangani.

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popular among tourists. Not until the presence of the 73IB soldiers who did their roles in thwarting the threat groups by winning over the trust and friendship of the rest of the stakeholders. If we trace the issues in Sarangani province, halos walang dahilang makita para magkagulo kami rito, (there is really no reason for us to be in conflict with each other), and the truth is we have all the reasons to be peaceful and 73IB is instrumental in showing us that realization, she finally disclosed. On the other hand, the location where the unit stays is one of the tourist attractions in the province. The Peace Camp as it is commonly known is atop a hill overlooking the scenic coastline of Sarangani Bay that becomes a favorite destination among local tourists. The soldiers themselves become tourist attractions in promoting Sarangani, they are much disciplined and napakabait nila sa mga tao (they are very kind to the people) especially to the locals, the lawmaker declared. The locals, most especially, are no longer afraid of the uniformed men, according to her. The year 2011 became a very busy year for the 73IB as its Peace Camp turned out as a venue for team building activities like during the World Teachers Camp Day, Girls

United Nations Executive Board listens to the briefing of LTC Espuelas on the role of 73IB in implementing the UNDP Projects in conflict-affected areas of Sarangani Province.

and Boys Scouts Jamborees and for the social workers from General Santos City; or mere visits from the United Nations Executive Boards, the Peace and Development students from Japan, International Monitoring Team, Board Members of Sarangani Province, the national media, BSU Faculty, LGUs and LGOs from Davao del Sur among others. And for the first time, last year, the camp was chosen as the site for recollection of clergies coming from the whole of Region 12. The Joint Clergy Recollection led by Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez of the Diocese of Marbel was attended by 68 priests. Never before was a military camp used for that purpose. It must have been the word of mouth among the other stakeholders that led them to the military camp.

All these are manifestations of how the unit has risen above past negative impressions because of their discipline and professionalism. The unit has bridged the gap that resulted from incidents of the past. As the lady legislator aptly said, Development then was difficult to reach. Relatively at the present, Sarangani Province is fast progressing. There are still negative occurrences, but we cannot zero them in. Thank you, 73IB, she finally quipped. Combatants Turn Advocates of Peace The unrestrained relationship that the present stakeholders of Sarangani enjoy right now didnt come without a glitch. It didnt

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The children, in particular, were afraid of the soldiers. Their parents would never let them near the armed uniformed men, particularly elders from Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. There were clamor from locals for them to leave. They knew it was an enormous challenge that they have to overcome and they were willing to try anything just to win them over. But the 73IB soldiers didnt give up that easily. Instead they consulted with the local government units and other stakeholders who bide them to undergo the Culture of Peace seminar, the local governments instrument for personal and institutional transformation. All the officers and enlisted personnel underwent the seminar for better appreciation not only of the people they serve but more so about themselves. It was after all, in fully understanding the culture of the people, the history of conflict, and what approaches to try to unravel them that became the turning point of a better relationship with the people and gaining peace and ushering development in Sarangani. They stayed alright. Yet, it was like the sheep in the mouth
of its predator, was how Cpl Peter U Maquiling, member of the Alpha Company which operates in the NPAaffected barangays, describes their situation during the initial phase of their assignment in Sarangani. Corporal Maqulings squad was assigned in the remotest sitio where six residents were full-time members of the NPA while the rest were sympathizers. There were no roads, no electricity, no potable water and without the normal formal school in the said area. Most of the

1Lt Rio Anthony B Gammad S7, 73IB

come as easy, at least on the part of the soldiers. They worked to earn the trust and friendship of the rest of the stakeholders and together they strived to sustain a continuing peace for development. Following are some of the soldiers accounts as to how they worked to be in the hearts and minds of the Sarangans. In 2008, the 73IB, together with other Army units, was sent to the municipalities of Maasim, Kiamba, and Maitum, all of Sarangani, at the height of MILF attacks after the collapse of the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain. The mission was to find, fix, and destroy the enemy. The post-conflict scenario was disheartening for the soldiers. They were unwanted by the people. Doors were slammed, windows were closed whenever their presence was seen. They were perceived as bringer of violence. They would spit on us, those who experienced the martial law years, according to 1Lt Rio Gammad, once Commanding Officer of Charlie Company operating within the areas of Maasim, Kiamba, and Maitum, all in Sarangani Province and Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat.

The 73IBs Peace and Development Teams demonstrate the efforts of the unit on selfsufficiency and food security in conflictaffected and depressed areas.

residents are from the Blaan tribe who suffer from lack of basic services thus they became easy preys of the NPAs maneuverings. Later on, with the soldiers sincere efforts, the same people who repulsed their presence became the ones who protected them from the enemy. These soldiers who are assigned in the remotest areas, through their battalion commander and the staff, became the link between the people and the local government that later on

Cpl Peter A Maquiling Alfa Company, 73IB

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soldiers supported the housing projects of the United Nations Development Program in conflict affected barangays. The unit also linked with numerous non-government organizations and supported their activities especially medical missions in the outlying barangays. The units active fight against illegal loggers also endears them to the people. On the security and defense of their area, the soldiers also trained able members of the community on how to protect themselves and their territory not only from NPAs but from anyone who would threaten their kalinaw. Culture of peace starts with the soldiers, Cpl Edwin U Sumampong, who belongs to the 73IBs Charlie Company, operating in the Muslim areas, claimed. As long as a soldier is at peace with himselfthat he is bounded by good morals and discipline, everything else will follow, according to him. Most of the efforts in the area where Charlie Company is deployed, are focused on mediating among Muslims and tribal groups such as Blaans and Tbolis in the course of misunderstandings to prevent them from escalating into something bloody and beyond control.

Cpl Edwin U Sumampong Charlie Company, 73IB

Cpl Jonathan A Dumaguit Bravo Company, 73IB

opened all communications and eventually connected them to each other. Slowly, basic needs of the locals, whether Muslim, indigenous groups or Christians, were met. As the people gradually felt the presence of the government, the soldiers earned their trust and friendship. Two years ago, when the locals agricultural produce were affected by pests, the soldiers showed them how to plant alternative agricultural products, thus introduced the Gulayan sa Kalinaw, an ongoing project of the battalion in different barangays within the areas of its concern. For six months, the

This was further corroborated by Cpl Jonathan A Dumaguit, member of the Bravo Company which operates in Glan, Sarangani, who said that dedication, commitment and sacrifice are only attributes the 73IB soldiers are holding on to do their respective jobs. So far, Bravo Company in their area of operations had caused the surrender of 10 NPA members and 15 lawless elements. Way to go The conglomeration of efforts of the local government units, the people, and the non-government and government agencies with the support of the military in Sarangani brought forth the much elusive peace and development. Constituents of this area have realized to extend their hands to the soldiers whose efforts, big or small, are indeed beyond reproach. Much have been said and heard about being a disciplined soldier. He had broken the walls created by the bitter past. He had made friends out of enemies. He had brought forth peace out of war. But singlehandedly he cannot make them all. It takes every Juan to make lasting peace and sustainable development possible. It takes the spirit of bayanihan for the people to carry the heavy load with

Some 68 priests of the Diocese of Marbel led, by Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, hold their clergy Joint Recollection at the 73IB Peace Camp.

ease, for it to move forward and reach its destination.

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n these modern times when nations are being confronted with so many social issues, governments are mandated to pose the question, or find out, whether their military force is accustomed to involve themselves in social and other humanitarian endeavors, aside from just being an organization of armed people defending a countrys sovereignty against aggressors. Like all other countries, the Philippines should be ready to respond in this

calling in order to make its soldiers not just mission-oriented, but first of all, PEOPLE-FOCUSED. This is one aspect that the AFP needs to inculcate in every soldier, for him to develop the capacity to let all of his actions be guided by humanitarian considerations. Thus, continuous learning and proper training is needed for all soldiers to develop the much needed social skills. And part of this learning is to examine if: Soldiers are just for combat?

In answering this kind of question, we have to consider many aspects of academic study and Psychology is one, which is also considered a very credible discipline that could dig into the intricacies of this seemingly simple inquiry. In the Post-positive claim, people generalize the military, based on their observation as an organization of robots that only know how to follow orders. They think of soldiers as merely warriors who dont think rationally. But granting that it be so, that could have

MAJ JULIUS CABARLOC PA

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been only apparent in the Philippine setting maybe in some instances during the martial law period. As time passed by, and as demonstrated by the lessons from EDSA 1, soldiers have now become more humane and more focused on winning the peoples trust and confidence, and this is a Constructivist claim that tries to portray soldiers in a different perspective. In efforts to improve every soldiers capacity to deal with the people, government leaders, as well as the

A foot soldier should not only look for the enemy, but should also look after the welfare of the people he has sworn to protect.

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AFP leadership made it their policy to include in every training, numerous subjects on how to effectively deal with the people and the community as a whole. This effort can be claimed in the Advocacy/Participatory knowledge for this political move will mean that the Filipino people will expect to see new and caring soldiers with different mindsets compared to what was stereotyped about them in the past. For the Pragmatic view, the outcome of this shift in perspective in the military organization will solve the issues being spread by different sectors on some alleged human rights violations,

and will demonstrate the militarys transformation from traditional thinkers to peace and development advocates. Categorizing this question into more simple terms means that we have to remove its abstractness, and think of ways on how to bring out the ideas to every personnel corollary to how he understands this kind of question. And doing this will mean a lot of research. There are three (3) research strategies available, the Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods research strategies (Creswell, 2003). The Quantitative research strategy can

determine the percentage of soldiers who think that they were trained PURELY TO FIGHT, no other else. From the whole AFP population, it will separate the number of traditional (combat) thinkers from those exposed to non-traditional (social) endeavors. Conducting surveys can bring out results. On the other hand, the Qualitative research strategy can likewise bring out the idea of an individual soldier, or a number of soldiers, if they think that they are just for combat or they can also be effective in community/social activities as experienced in the field. Narrative

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research or retelling of experiences can enlighten this question. The Mixed Methods approach is found to be more suitable for this question. The extensive research and the massive data that will be drawn out by the quantitative approach, will convey the number/ fraction of traditional (combat) thinkers, as against to those who look at combat as the last resort to settle conflicts, in reference to the total military population. While the combat thinkers are being quantified, the testimonies/success stories of other soldiers who were able to directly participate in social and community development activities will likewise qualify or justify the need for

soldiers to change their mindsets and espouse non-traditional (social) roles, aside from just addressing security concerns. Experiences, when properly accounted, written and advocated or published, are good sources of lessons that can be learned, emulated, or even replicated. All in all, the quantitative data and the qualitative information from each approach can be compared, analyzed and converged, while any contradictions can be restudied and corrected prior to finalizing or implementing a study. The main idea in this piece of writing is to let the military organization reflect

on the need for transformation among its members. While our mandate is to secure, we also have this implied responsibility to protect. And part of this protection duty is to look after the peoples well-being. It is true that there are government agencies looking into this, but there are still places that are so distant and risky that only our soldiers have access. A foot soldier should not only look for the enemy, but should also look after the welfare of the people he has sworn to protect. If we want to portray that soldiers are NOT ONLY for combat, then we have to research and advocate some more.

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O.F.W. Overseas
There are about 7,000,000 Filipinos working overseas today, as laborers, technicians, professionals, merchant sailors, pilots and a host of other professions spanning every aspect of life. They remit billions of dollars monthly and it is believed that were it not for these remittances the Filipino economy would have floundered years ago. A less well known aspect of overseas employment of Filipinos was active involvement in conflicts. The Blackwater scandal illustrates this quite clearly enough. A few years ago, local newspapers broke the news that a private American security company called Blackwater was recruiting veteran Filipino military personnel as security officers in Iraq, Afghanistan and other troubled spots in different countries. The US Government was finding it hard to finance their military efforts in those areas and found a practical solution by subcontracting some of the activities of their armed forces to private security companies. These include manning and securing communications outposts, guarding and securing fuel and supply depot and escorting convoys delivering supplies to their units. There were more than enough Filipino military personnel willing enough to retire early and get into the Blackwater bandwagon but the newspaper story cut the deal short. Some were actually recruited but shortly after the story made headlines in Manila, Blackwater kept a low profile and active recruitment dropped and probably stopped. What is even less known is that this sort of thing was already happening for centuries with Filipinos being recruited as mercenaries fighting in foreign armies. One of the better recorded among these is the Filipino mercenary force of Vicente Macanaya who fought in China against the Taiping rebels under the American adventurist Frederick Townsend Ward. The story began inocuously enough in 1836 when a 26-year old schoolteacher named Hong Huoxiu, took and failed the Imperial Government Chinese examinations (similar to our civil service examination). In the old Imperial China,

COL EMMANUEL C MARTIN (FA) GSC PA

passing the examinations opens the door to promotions, power and, of course, fortune. Getting high grades will make accelerate this process. Of course this is easier said than done and the Imperial Examinations are extremely difficult. Failure means one is relegated to an obscure post in a distant government branch with no hope of promotion. The dejected Hong returned to his village to study for the next examinations and among the books he read was entitled Good Words for Exhorting the Age by a Chinese Protestant convert named Liang Afa. The Christian book told of a strange Supreme God of Heaven and how his worship could bring heavenly peace called Taiping (where the subsequent rebellion got its name). Hong was intrigued especially since the book contrasted so sharply with the realities in 19th century Imperial China. Hong took and failed the examinations again. This time, his depression was so great that he slipped into a coma. When he regained consciousness, he claimed that while unconscious, he was taken to heaven and that the God of the Christians told him he was the younger brother of Jesus and hence, Gods Second Son. Thus, he would no longer be Hong Huoxiu but Hong Xiuquon which means Hong The Complete Fire. Thereupon he went from village to village preaching this strange gospel and converted thousands to his new religion that included pirates, thieves, bandits and members of anti-government secret societies. Soon enough the Imperial Chinese government began to crack down on this group and Hong responded by organizing his church into an army with four men and their families commanded by a corporal, every four corporals headed by a sergeant, four sergeants led by a lieutenant, four lieutenants under a captain and so forth until the rank of general whose command reach over 13,000 men. The top commanders were called Wangs (kings) with Hong himself referred to as Tien Wang (Heavenly King). Hong was victorious because he imposed strict discipline among his followers including bans on sex, alcohol, drugs, gambling and other activities.

Filipino Warriors
Execution is by beheading yet Hong himself has several mistresses and indulged in alcohol and drugs. Just the same Hong developed competent commanders such as Li Xiucheng, also known as Chung Wang (Faithful King). Taiping victories were followed by massacres in accordance with ancient Chinese practices although the Taipings carried this to new heights of cruelty. By the time the rebellion was put down, over 20 million Chinese would have died, the bloodiest period in Chinese history between Ghengis Khan and the civil war of the 1920s to 1948 (including Chinas role in World War 2). With the Imperial Government embroiled with England and France in the Opium Wars, the Taipings were able to overrun large tracts of China itself. By 1860, even large heavily fortified cities like Shanghai were threatened by the Taipings. In desperation, its mayor Wu Hsu turned to a barbarian (in China, then and now, foreigners are referred to as barbarians), an American named Frederick Townsend Ward, an experienced seaman who preferred the life of an adventurer and mercenary and who served under another adventurer named William Walker, conqueror of Nicaragua. He later fought with the French Army in Crimea against the Russians. In those days such men were called filibusters from the Spanish word filibusturero, or freebooters. This word should be familiar to us Filipinos. At that time he was an officer in the Shanghai Pirate Suppression Bureau, which was organized by Wu to combat pirates who transferred to

Asians and Africans and other non-Caucasians can fight as well as whites, a fact that was established at the battle of Wu Sung, a battle that was planned by Ward and won for him by the Filipinos whom he so respected.

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his city when they were driven out by the British from Hong Kong. Ward told Wu and the governor of Kiangsu province, Hsueh Huan, that he can beat the Taipings if given enough men and resources. He will recruit an army of mercenaries who will be paid US$50 a month for the enlisted ranks, US$200 for his officers and US$500 for Ward himself plus bounties for each city liberated and all the gold, gems and other riches that his men can loot from these cities. Despite the projected expenses, both Wu and Hsueh agreed and soon Ward recruited a force of 100 American, Dane, French, English, Prussian and Swiss mercenaries and armed them with modern weapons such as the Sharp breech-loading rifles, Colt Model 1851 and the like. His second in comamnd was another American Henry Burgevine from South Carolina. In its first battle, the Ward Corps led a successful counterattack that defeated the Taipings and Wu was so delighted that he ordered Ward to recapture Sung-chiang. Although he had no artillery, Ward tried surprise but his men were overconfident and were too noisy such that the Taipings blasted them with heavy firepower. Ward disbanded his first army and paid off the survivors and began recruiting another one. This time he scoured the Filipino community in Shanghai. The Filipinos were called Manilamen and they were considered as prized recruits by Ship Captains. They were intelligent, hardworking, brave and dependable. Moreover, they speak Spanish, a language in which Ward is fluent. He initially recruited 80 Manilamen including 23-year-old Vicente Macanaya. The good pay offered by Ward soon resulted to another 100 Filipinos to sign up. Ward also bought artillery and recruited more western mercenaries, chiefly British to train the Filipinos in manning the artillery and the other more sophisticated equipment in his arsenal. In his second attack on Sung-chiang, he led 200 Filipinos in a surprise attack and routed the citys 1,000 Taiping defenders despite receiving no help from the Imperial Army stationed nearby. Here, Ward received the first of his 15 wounds in the campaigns that followed. In their next attack against the city of Ching-pu, the mercenaries were blasted off the walls by massed Taiping artillery and Ward was severely wounded. The fighting retreat was led by Macanaya. It was some months before Ward returned from treatment in Paris. When he returned, the British, who believed that his actions were detrimental to their policies in China, arrested him and imprisoned him on one of their vessels but he was rescued by Macanaya and together they built up a third army. The loyalty and fighting prowess of the Filipinos, who had no previous military experience and yet learned quickly and evolved into first class soldiers, so impressed Ward that he no longer believed that Asians cannot be trained to fight effectively in the western way and recommended that he also recruit Chinese for his new army. Wu was delighted and soon the Ward Corps grew to 7,000 men including large numbers of Chinese, trained and led by western and the now experienced Filipino mercenaries, along with a small naval force of armored river boats. He also retained a personal bodyguard of 200 Filipinos under Macanaya. This time also he got the cooperation of regular British and French troops who no longer viewed him with suspicion and now saw him as an ally against the violent Taipings, who also upgraded the capabilities of their army with more modern firepower and western mercenaries to train and lead them. In their next battle the Ward Corps drove out the Taipings in Wu Sung, which the Taipings occupied as part of their plan to surround Shanghai. A week later, Ward led 500 men and routed another Taiping force of 20,000 in Kwang-fu-lin and the Ward Corps was granted the Imperial Title of Ever Victorious Army with his promotion to higher grades of Mandarin and the material rewards that go with it. Ward married Wus daughter and eventually became a Chinese citizen. He again defeated the Taipings in Sung-chiang despite being surrounded there by 50,000 Taipings and again drove the Taipings from Ch-ing-pu. Despite his victories, the Imperial Chinese government cannot bring itself to completely trust this American turned-Chinese citizen while the other Europeans were apprenhensive that Ward was teaching the Chinese how to fight in the western manner the same way he taught the Filipinos. There was a sigh of relief among these parties when Ward received his 15th, and fatal wound on September 20, 1862, outside Ningpo, Chekiang Province. He was not yet even 31. Wards veterans wanted the Filipino Vicente Macanaya to succeed Ward but the Chinese Imperial Government could not believe that a Filipino can command western mercenaries as well as Chinese troops so they appointed Burgevine as Commander but he quickly fell out of favor when he tried to rob Wu. He was succeeded by the British John Holland who was so incompetent that the Ward Corps was virtually destroyed a short time after he took over. Command went to another British named General Charles George Chinese Gordon who was competent enough but was not as inspiring or charismatic as Ward. In any event, the defeats inflicted by Ward on the Taipings so weakened them that they were on the decline anyway and Gordon simply finished them off. Some historians later erred in attributing to him the victories won by Ward and even credited him with putting down the Taiping Rebellion. However, in China, a temple was built in Wards honor and he was elevated to the level of a Confucian demi-god and revered for teaching them the new ways of war that enabled the Chinese to gain enough military capabilities to avoid being carved up by the western powers. In training and leading Filipinos to battle and seeing them evolve to worldclass soldiers, Ward realized that race is not a factor in molding men into first rate combatants. His victory in Wu-sung showed that non-Caucasians can fight as well as Caucasians. The lessons gleaned from this and his other victories were soon taken to heart by the Japanese who later defeated the Russians in Tsushima, as well as by the Germans under General von Lettow Vorbeck who trained and led the black East Africans against the vastly superior British Empire forces which failed to defeat him in four years of bitter conflict from 1914 to 1918. Only the end of World War 1 with Germanys defeat forced Von Lettow Vorbeck to surrender to the British. He later recalled that an army that had not been defeated surrendered to an army that had never won These and later campaigns proved that Asians and Africans and other nonCaucasians can fight as well as whites, a fact that was established at the battle of Wu Sung, a battle that was planned by Ward and won for him by the Filipinos whom he so respected.

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Butt wound becomes

soldiers
FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City---MILITIAMAN Noel Dela Cerna cheated death when bullets rained down on him and Staff Sergeant Montano Escano and fellow militia man Enrique Sicad in an ambush. But the almost fateful clash and the bullet it left on his butt led him to the love of his life. That day, Dela Cerna and Sicad were unarmed because of the election gun ban but they responded to reports of presence of rebels in a village. The two were members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), the countrys paramilitary group. Escano, their commander, was better prepared because he risked bringing his handgun despite the ban. Leave no man behind Under Escanos order and amid exploding rifle grenades and rapid gunfires, Dela Cerna rushed to a tree to seek cover. Bullets ripped the shrubs beside him every time he would bob his head to sense their attackers. Then he saw Sicad on the ground, squirming in pain. Outnumbered, they survived the ordeal with injuries but lost Sicad. Sworn Duty Arriving at a government hospital in Legazpi City later in the evening, Dela Cerna was greeted by physician Marissa Reyes who evidently felt sorry for the wounded soldiers. Bakit kasi kayo nagpapatama at bakit dyan pa sa pwet? she said. Why did you fight with those rebels? During

MAJ HAROLD M CABUNOC PA

encounters, you should just run and hide, Reyes added with a wide grin. As if adding insult to the injury, the physician continued with her flurry of unwanted comments. What will you do with your medals for heroism if you end up dead? she asked. By that time, Dela Cerna was hurt. He felt the need to defend the soldiers especially Sicads plight. Maam, we have performed our sworn duty to protect our country, so please do your own duty which is to treat patients like me, Dela Cerna quipped. Reyes was caught off-guard by the straightforward reply. Well, my father is a police colonel, she replied, as if threatening Dela Serna. Dr. Reyes, I am a proud CAFGU member and my father is a farmer who plows the fields, he replied. That argument became the start of the blossoming of a romance, however. Brave soldier That same night, Reyes returned along with two nurses. We will take blood samples from you, the nurse told Dela Serna. Though in pain, he rose to his feet and tried walking around. He knew Dr. Reyes was keeping an eye on him, smiling with an amazed look on her face. Passing near Reyes, he saw a different expression on her face. Kaw ha, nag-papa-cute ka sa mga nurses, she said who seemed to be jealous.

lucky, love charm

Since then, he suspected that the lady doctor was attracted to him. Soldiers are womanizers The next morning, Reyes together with nurses came to visit the ward, which accommodated 10 patients at that time. She normally would require patients to sit on their bed during routine visits. Seeing that he was lying on his stomach, she asked, Why dont you sit like the others? That is our policy here in this hospital during the doctors rounds. Please understand my situation Dr. Reyes, I have a bullet wound in my butt, he pleaded with a smile, sensing that the physician was just making a prank. Later in the day, Dr. Reyes came back to see him. He was surprised that she cleaned his butt wound herself. As the lovely doctor worked on his injury, they shared some funny stories. When he asked for her cell phone number, she looked excited but she hesitated. Soldiers are known womanizers. I dont believe that youre still single, show me your ID, she joked. Using his charm, he finally convinced her to give in. Before she left the ward, she told him, Honestly, I really think I have met you in the past. Still nursing from his previous heartache, he found some relief in her presence. It was only about two years back that he lost his wife, a school teacher, in a freak vehicular accident. He saw the sparkle in the eyes of his attending physician. When

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Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride

Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

Their love blossomed and they became almost inseparable. When he is not able to come to Legazpi City, Reyes would travel to his detachment to visit him. He introduced her to the life of a militiaman. I love my profession in the same way that I love you, he told her. Though he had won her heart, he failed to get the nod of her father. He did not approve of their budding relationship and refused to talk to him. He was lucky that he got the naval support of Reyes sister who asked him to marry the physician if he truly loves her. He felt even more fortunate that her Baby, as he fondly calls Dr Reyes, unwaveringly fought for their love. Lucky bullet He felt sorry for the death of buddy and the rebel who tried kill them but the bullet which hit buttocks that day turned out to be greatest luck. his to his his

CAA Noel dela Cerna with his wife, Dr Marissa Reyes-Cerna with their new born child

she was out of sight, he sensed an unexplainable pain in his heart. However, he was unsure about his feelings. He kept it to himself until the time that he was transferred to the AFP Medical Center (AFPMC) in Quezon City. He could not find her when a military ambulance unexpectedly came to pick him up. He texted her and she rushed to his location. The last thing he saw was her lonely face when the ambulance departed from the hospital premises. Doctor Love After the military physicians removed the bullet from his butt, he was told to stay in V.Luna hospital (AFPMC) to recuperate for the next two months. Life would have been boring if not for the daily greetings in his cell phone from Reyes about 500 kilometers away in Legaspi City. They shared some jokes, anecdotes, and personal experiences on a daily basis. Somehow, she had started to cure his bleeding heart. Some days, they would also quarrel especially if he fails to answer the phone immediately. Escano, who shared a bedroom

with him at the AFPMCs heroes ward, became his confidante. Dont play games with her, she comes from a respectable family, warned Escano. Then he learned that Dr. Reyes has a sister, Alma, who is an officer of the Philippine Navy. She has a police senior superintendent for a father and a naval officer for a sister. For obvious reasons, he could not possibly mess with the lady. He heeded the advice of Escano, whom he saw as his guardian angel especially after saving his life in the encounter. If you are serious about courting her, propose to her personally when you are back in Albay, Escano told him, a brotherly advice that he respected. Braving the Odds Disembarking from the bus that carried him back to Legazpi City, his first destination was the hospital where his love interest was working. I came here to personally tell you that I love you with all my heart, he told Reyes, whose tears welled as they embraced.

He has kept it as a memento of his second chance at life. Somehow, it became his lucky charm. Despite the disapproval of Marissas father, they were married before Judge Alben Rabe in Ligao City on August 24, 2010, about six months after they first met. He was so happy that Marissa did not falter even though her father had expressed disappointment over the wedding. Once, someone asked Marissa what made her love him most. He has the cutest butt which I happened to see and care for due to that lucky bullet, she explained. Boisterous laughter filled the room. I will love Marissa till bullets do us part, Dela Serna replied in jest.

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

INTRODUCTION Amid the challenges brought by the unfolding events of history, Philippine Army undeniably remains to be a professional organization that comprised the best men and women in the country. It has survived all the undertakings and transitions because of its valiant and dedicated soldiers that have shown their gallantry in many battles against threat to the nations democracy and sovereignty. These soldiers are more than willing to risk their lives and protect the country whatever it may cost. Over the years, Philippine Army continues to be an institution that upholds the peoples aspiration of genuine peace and progress that can truly be a source of national pride. Moreover, the Army stands unshaken in spite being in the midst of controversies that threaten its stability. Through the recent implementation of Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR), PA is incessantly working in a single direction towards good governance and performance excellence, thus, making Team Army more responsive, more capable, more dynamic and more committed to its mandate of serving the people and securing the land. Nevertheless, PA continuously motivates every personnel through efficient management especially in seriously providing all the necessities

and benefits of all men in the service. Because of these, thousands of young Filipinos every year are ignited to take their turn to carry on the proud legacy of military traditions. To date, influx of applicants nationwide is aspiring to be a part of this noble profession of arms with high integrity, undisputed honour and remarkable valor. CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE Among the earlier provisions of the National Defense Act, some of which were later amended, the 1987 Constitution retained and enshrined the provision that the officers and men of the armed forces shall be recruited from all provinces and cities, as far as practicable (Article XVI, Section 5, Paragraph 6).

Recruitment in the Philippine Army traces its roots in the revolutionary army organized by the Katipuneros in 1897. It can be deduced then that its first members were raised from among the eight provinces which initially took up arms to fight for independence from Spain. After a brief interlude, the Americans came and established the convention for raising a national defense force. Commonwealth Act Number 1 enacted in 1935, provided the basis for nationwide recruitment as the country was divided into military

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Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride

Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

districts encompassing the various provinces. Post war army organizations evolved from the foundation established in the National Defense Act of 1935. As such, mobilization of the national manpower proceeded at once such that at the break of World War II, Filipino troops ably defended strong points in Luzon particularly Bataan and Corregidor. Recruitment of resistance forces against Japanese invaders was also demonstrated in the Visayas notably in the islands of Panay, Negros and Leyte. Today, the Philippine Army, as a Major Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, consistently provides the necessary forces following the directives set by national leadership. The Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) is an illustration of the sincere advocacy to professionalize the organization by filling up the rank and file with the best and the brightest from among the applicants right at the very first stage of the Human Resource Management cycle. Integral to this thrust of transforming towards an envisioned World-class Army that is a source of national pride is the recruitment of best applicants to enhance organizational competence and operational excellence. ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES In line with the recent directions set under Philippine Defense Reform (PDR) which is the foundation of the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR), it is imperative to change the existing threat-based and operations-driven recruitment system to one that will make practicable the constitutional mandate of the AFP. The transition to a more appropriate structure with the capability and competency to attract, recruit and select potential applicants in an accessible, accountable and sustainable manner is a must in order to adapt with the fast changing environment of the recruitment market. The expansion of APMCs Procurement and Attrition Branch into a Recruitment, Selection and Attrition Group (RSAG) is one of the changes that will make recruitment and selection of applicants more extensive in scope. With this Group, regional recruitment was made possible through the Army Recruitment Offices (AROs) which were expanded to include Recruitment Stations covering a region or a cluster of regions. (e.g. coverage corresponding to areas of unified commands and major army units). In this manner, APMC can widen the scope of attracting officer candidates and candidate soldiers nationwide. Such restructuring also implies the revision of the giving of quota allocation at the point of completion of pre-entry course rather than initially sub-allocating quota for recruitment directly to major subordinate units. The idea is to enable the PA to recruit its members at large and retain its flexibility to deploy troops. The main justification for the organizational change can always be referred to the constitutional mandate cited earlier. With recruitment stations operating in 16 regional centers, the objective of recruiting from all provinces and cities can be made practicable with dedicated and trained personnel who will be doing the legwork. RECRUITMENT STRATEGY For many are called but few are chosen, Matthew 20:16. Following the policy of selecting the best recruits for the Army will continue the glorious heritage of exceptional military personnel in the service. Presently, in order to recruit only the best and the brightest among applicants, as mandated by the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR), the Philippine Army, through Army Personnel Management Center (APMC), will conduct a nationwide recruitment of qualified applicants to fill up the quota of officers and enlisted personnel for Calendar Years (CY) 2012 and 2013. The procurement of officers for CY 2012 is a whole year round activity, which includes 60 candidate officers for each two classes of Officer Preparatory Course, one class of Officer Candidate Course and 1,400 candidate soldiers that will be distributed to major subordinate units. The gargantuan task of recruiting qualified applicants to fill up the above mentioned quota lies with the regional recruitment offices which need to compete with other agencies in the open market. As such, understanding

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

the recruitment environment and market is a must to improve the skills of our personnel so that they can be at par with other human resource managers who are aspiring for the same resource in the open market. With this, the Army Recruitment Offices (AROs) of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will undertake massive information drive and dissemination campaigns in the first and second quarters of the year to ensure that prospective applicants in the countryside, even in the remote areas are covered. Pre-entry exams and administration of Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery (PAATB) will be done in the third and fourth quarter of the year. Although indulged in its recruitment efforts, Recruitment Officers will still administer pre-entry examinations to walk in applicants in order to maximize its presence and widen the pool of qualified candidates. Likewise, the recruitment offices will prepare officer applicants who passed the pre-entry exams for interview to

be undertaken by the Philippine Army Officer Selection Board (PAOSB). Applicants who surpassed the PAOSB interview will undergo Physical and Medical Examination (PME) including the Physical Fitness Test (PFT). Those who were proven to be physically and mentally fit will face the Final Deliberation Board before oath taking and training. Interested applicants may inquire online through www.army.mil.ph or visit the nearest ARO at Fort Bonifacio Taguig City, Camp Lapulapu Cebu City and Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City. Inquiries regarding applications can also be coursed through the Recruitment Stations and Mobile Recruitment Teams located in the City hubs or at any military camp located nationwide. ENTRY OPTIONS Applicants have three options in joining the noble service of Philippine Army, as mandated in Decentralization of Officer Procurement to the Major Services AFP Personnel Directive Nr.1

dated Dec. 23, 2003 officer aspirants depending on its qualifications may apply either in the Officer Preparatory Course (OPC) and Officer Candidate Course (OCC) while under Selective Enlistment/Reenlistment GHQ Circular Nr 13 dated July 15, 1991 those who are aspiring to be an Enlisted Personnel may apply in the Candidate Soldier Course(CSC). According to Implementing Guidelines in the Screening and Selection of Applicants for OCC and CAD for Reserve Officers HPA Letter Directives dated 30 March 2010, applicants for OCC must have a baccalaureate degree, 21 to 24 years old on start of training, at least 5 feet in height both male and female, physically and mentally fit, single without child and had no pending case in any court. Whereas applicants for OPC must have been commissioned in the Reserve Forces as 2nd Lieutenant, at least 5 feet in height both male and female, physically and mentally fit, not more than 31 years old on date of

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

Call-to-Active Duty and had no pending case in any court. On the other hand, Age Rationalization and Attrition Plan for Enlisted Personnel of the AFP DND Dept Order Nr 31 dated Nov. 22, 2006 stated that Candidate Soldier applicants must have at least 72 units in college, posses certified skills needed in the military service for high school graduate, at least 5 feet both male and female, physically and mentally fit, 18 to 26 years old on the start of training and had no pending case in any court. Qualified applicants for OCC will undergo one full year of rigorous training in soldiery and leadership, upon completion, officer candidate will be commissioned by the President as Second Lieutenant while OPC aspirants will face the challenges of a six months special course of continuing education leadership and ground warfare tactics prior to active duty deployment.

WHAT CAN THE ARMY OFFER? The valiant service of all candidate soldiers, officer candidates and commissioned officers are equitably compensated. Officer Candidates monthly gross is P 27, 506.00 and P 29, 867.00 for commissioned Second Lieutenant while candidate soldiers stipend is P12, 538.00 and P18, 050.00 for enlisted Private. The said amounts will still increase when the last tranche of increase in pay and allowances will be implemented on the second semester of this year. Aside from monetary allowances, Philippine Army offers non-monetary benefits such as job security to all personnel and readily non-wage benefits is available to every soldiers such as opportunities for Post Graduate Studies both local and abroad, Insurance and Family Health Benefits,

Billeting and Housing Privileges, leadership and other skills training, Career Advancement and above all an honourable privilege to lead the Army. A CHALLENGE Joining the army is choosing a stable and challenging career. It is a noble and selfless act of service; an avenue to showcase the valor, integrity and professionalism in fulfilling the sacred duty to God, country and people. Take up the challenge, be one of the exemplary Filipinos who have sought to honor their call of duty in upholding peace, bringing progress to communities and empowering people as shareholders in the quest towards nation building. Now is your turn to lead. Live the life of a leader. Join the Army!

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

NewPHILIPPINE ARMY
he in-house production of ID Cards for PA personnel, Civilian Employees, Dependents and Reservists had already started on 01 February 2012 at the Office of the Army Adjutant. This is free of charge to all active PA personnel and Civilian Employees while P45.00 is collected for Dependents and Reservists. In case the ID is lost/damaged, the amount of P90.00 will be charged to the applicant. The same amount will be charged to an applicant whose printed ID have erroneous entries as a result of his/her failure to update or correct the data in his/her SOI and/or application form. Procedure in ID Application a. When applying for an identification card, applicant must ensure that all pertinent information required in the Personnel Information System (PIS) database must be complete and updated. This involves the submission of all orders to the Information and Management Branch, Office of the Army Adjutant/ PDS at PA Major Units such as: CAD/ETAD (for officers); Enlistment/Re-enlistment; Promotion Assignment, Change of Civil Status, Amendment Orders, Marriage Contract issued by National Statistics Office, Birth Certificate issued by National Statistic Office, Birth Certificate of Children issued by the National Statistics Office and whatever is practicable. Subsequently, this will be forwarded to the Record

MAJOR ROBERTO V DELA CRUZ Administrative Officer, OAA, PA

ID System
OAA for processing and issuance of reservist ID. Chief, Information Management Branch of the Office of the Army Adjutant General/Chief, Personnel Data Section of the different Major Units will certify the completeness of concerned personnels data in the PIS database before processing the said application at the ID Section of Office of the Army Adjutant. f. After ensuring the completeness of data in the PIS, C,IMB will issue and authenticate the updated Summary of Information (SOI) of the concerned applicant. It is the responsibility of the concerned personnel to check all his data in the SOI before he/she will sign it to ensure the correctness of his/her data prior to processing at ID section. g. After the processing of the application for ID card, concerned individual will proceed to the cashier and Collection Branch of Finance Center, Philippine Army for payment if necessary. h. The capturing of biometrics, signature specimen and picture taking followed by card printing and subsequent issuance of ID Card at the releasing area of the Office of the Army Adjutant completes the ID processing. i. For non-appearance applicant, application form must have photo, signature and thumb mark for scanning, provided that all data in the SOI are complete and accurate. e. The

Branch of the Office of Army Adjutant for inclusion in the Military Personnel File. b. When renewing an identification card, the old/expired ID card must be surrendered for references purposes and to preempt proliferation of unauthorized PA ID Cards. In case of loss, submit a duly notarized affidavit of loss. Surrendered ID will be disposed of accordingly. c. Personnel to be issued an ID card must accomplish the ID card information data sheet/application form duly endorsed by C,IMB, OAA or C, PDS of PA Major Units which will be submitted to the Office of the Army Adjutant . d. Filled out application form by the reservists shall be endorsed by the Reservist Management Information System Office, ARESCOM (RMISO) and to be submitted to OG9, PA for final authentication and submission to

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SERVICE SCHOOL COURSES FOR 2nd QUARTER CY 2012

Career Offrs Offrs-Advanced Inf Offr Adv Crse Mil Intel Offr Adc Crse 30 20 2 3ATG, TRADOC, PA Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City, TIS, ISG, PA Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila Offrs-Basic Inf Offr Bsc Crse 30 2 CAS, TRADOC, PA Ft. Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija Inf Offr Bsc Crse 40 4ATG, TRADOC, PA Cp Bahian, Malaybalay, Bukidnon Inf Offr Bsc Crse Inf Offr Bsc Crse FA Offr Bsc Crse 55 55 20 2 CAS/OCS, TRADOC, PA Cp ODonnell, Capas, Tarlac -doCAS, TRADOC, PA Ft Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija Signal Offr Bsc Crse 20 2 CSS, TRADOC, PA Cp Tinio, Cabanatuan City EP-Advanced Inf NCO Adv Crse 30 2 CAS, TRADOC, PA Ft Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija FA NCO Adv Crse Inf NCO Adv Crse 30 40 2 -doMTTCAS/9DTU Kuta Angeles, Pili, Camarines, Sur Ord NCO Adv Crse 30 2 CSSS, TRADOC, PA Cp ODonnell, Capas, Tarlac QM NCO Adv Crse FS NCO Adv Crse AGS NCO Adv Crse Armor NCO Adv Crse 30 30 30 40 2 2 2 2 -do-do-doTAS, TRADOC, PA Cp ODonnell, Capas, Tarlac Engr NCO Adv Crse 36 MTT CSS/BTU, 52Ebde, PA Cp Natividad, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon Inf NCO Adv Crse 40 2 1ATG, TRADOC, PA Cp Enrile, Malagutay, ZC Inf NCO Adv Crse 40 2 3ATG, TRADOC, PA Cp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City Inf NCO Adv Crse 40 2 4ATG, TRADOC, PA Cp Evangelista, CDOC Inf NCO Adv Crse 40 2 5ATG, TRADOC, PA Cp MFDC, Echague, Isabela Inf NCO Adv Crse 40 2 6ATG, TRADOC, PA Cp Siongco, Awang, DM FA NCO Adv Crse QM NCO Adv Crse 40 40 2 2 -do04 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 04 May 12 04 May 12 04 Jun 12 14 May 12 14 May 12 11 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 11 Jun 12 Quota EP Rsvst Training Venue Report Date Start Date

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

Mil Intel NCO Adv Crse 40 TIS, ISG, PA Ft Bonifacio, Metro Manila EP-Basic FA NCO Bsc Crse 30 2 CAS, TRADOC, PA Ft Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija Inf NCO Bsc Crse Inf NCO Bsc Crse Armor NCO Bsc Crse AGS NCO Bsc Crse Ord NCO Bsc Crse QM NCO Bsc Crse FS NCO Bsc Crse Bsc NCO Bsc Crse Engr NCO Bsc Crse Signal NCO Bsc Crse Engr NCO Bsc Crse Inf NCO Bsc Crse Signal NCO Bsc Crse Inf NCO Bsc Crse Inf NCO Bsc Crse Inf NCO Bsc Crse Inf NCO Bsc Crse Armor NCO Bsc Crse Civ Pers Bsc Sup Crse 30 50 50 30 30 30 30 30 50 50 67 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 30CE 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 -doMTTCAS/9DTU, 9ID, PA Kuta Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur TAS, TRADOC, PA Cp ODonnell, Capas, Tarlac CSSS, TRADOC, PA Cp ODonnell, Capas, Tarlac -do-do-do-doCSS, TRADOC, PA Cp Tinio, Cabanatuan City -doMTT CSS/BTU, 52EBde, PA Cp Natividad, Manolo Fortich Bukidnon 1ATG, TRADOC, PA CP Enrile, Malagutay, ZC -do3ATG, TRADOC, PA Cp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City 4ATG, TRADOC, PA Cp Evangelista, CDOC 5ATG, TRADOC, PA Cp MFDC, Echague Isabela 6ATG, TRADOC, PA Cp Siongco, Awang, DM MTTTAS/6ATG, TRADOC, PA Cp Siongco, Awang, DM MTT CSSS/PACEA Ft Bonifacio, Metro Manila 04 Jun 12 11 Jun 12

SPLZN

Offrs

EP

Civ

Rsvst

Training Venue

Report Date

Start Date

Armament Maint & Repair Crse Expl Ord Displ Crse Drill Master Crse ctw ITC Crse Counter Terrorism Operations Crse Intel Research Analysis Crse Signal Intel Operations Crse VIP Protective Scty Crse Geospatial Intel Sys Crse Info Spt Affairs Crse Civil Affairs Crse Public Affairs Scout Ranger Crse Sct Sniper Crse Spl Forces Opns Crse Mil Scuba Diving Crse Hardware Maint Crse Online Info System Crse Web Devt Crse 10 5 5 10 5 10 10 10 20 5 10 5 5 5 10 10

30 20 30 20 15 15 30 20 25 25 25 120 20 100 25 28 28 23 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 1

CSS, TRADOC, PA Cp ODonnell, Capas Tarlac -doNCOA, TRADOC, PA Cp ODonnel TIS, ISG, PA Ft. Bonifacio, Metro Manila -do-do-do-doCMOS, CMOG, PA Ft. Bonifacio, Metro Manila -do-doSRTS, FSRR, SOCOM, PA Cp Tecson, Sn Miguel, Bulacan -doSFS. SFR (A), SOCOM, PA Ft. Magsaysay -doTSS, ASR, Ft Bonifacio Metro Manila -do-do-

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Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride

Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

FOREIGN COURSES
Course 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Law of Peace Operations Jungle Operation Course Serial 2/2012 Information technology Specialist Course Intel Captains Career Course Engineer Captains Career Course Drill Sergeant Course Combined Strategic Intel Training Program Military Instructor Course DISAM International Training Course Aviation Safety Officer Military Police Investigator Course Regiments Quarter Master 3/2012 Overseas Joint Warfare Course Staff and Tactics Grade 2/2012 Company Commander Serial 1/2012 Public Affairs Course for International Civil Military Interaction Seminar Country Australia Malaysia USA USA USA USA USA USA USA AUSTRALIA USA MALAYSIA AUSTRALIA MALAYSIA MALAYSIA USA AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA MALAYSIA MALAYSIA AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA
Rank Requirements

Duration May 2012 01 Jun 13 July 2012 04 Jun 07 Sep 2012 04 Jun 15 Nov 2012 07 Jun -07 Dec 2012 14 Jun 23 Aug 2012 05 Jul 24 Aug 2012 05 Jul 24 Aug 2012 16 July 02 Aug 2012 04-24 Aug 2012 06 Aug 09 Oct 2012 27 Aug 28 Sep 2012 01-21 Sept 2012 03 Sept 07 Dec 2012 10 Sep 21 Dec 2012 26 Sep 06 Nov 2012 Nov 12 (to be confirmed) 05 Nov 12 12 Dec 2013 26 Nov 07 Dec 2012 07 Jan 13 Jan 2014

Slot 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

CPT-COL 2LT-1LT SSg Tsg 1LT CPT 1LT CPT Sgt-SSg CPT- MAJ 1LT SSg-MSg 1LT-MAJ 1LT Sgt-Ssg MAJ-LTC 1LT-CPT CPT-MAJ CPT-MAJ COL-BGEN MAJ-LTC Cpl-Sgt LTC-COL MAJ COL MAJ-LTC MAJ-LTC LTC-COL MAJ

18 Australian Command and Staff Course (ACSC) 19 Chemical & Biological Defense Serial 2/2012 20 Malaysian Armed Forces Defence College Serial 13/2013 21 Capability & Technology Management Program 22 Defence and Strategic Studies Course 23 Maritime Air Surveillance Course 24 Governance & Financial Management Seminar 25 Maritime Operations Law 26 General Scholarship Program 2012

14 Jan 13 06 Dec 2013 1 14 Jan 14 Dec 2013 30 Mar 19 April 2013 May June 2013 To be Confirmed Jan Dec 2013 1 1 1 1 4

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

Annual Result of Performance Evaluation of Field Units (Best-Best) for CY 2011

COMBAT UNITS Best Brigade/ Best Bn nd 102 Infantry Brigade 10th Infantry Battalion 201st Infantry Brigade 74th Infantry Battalion 303rd Infantry Brigade 79th Infantry Battalion 403rd Infantry Brigade 8th Infantry Battalion 503rd Infantry Brigade 41st Infantry Battalion 602nd Infantry Brigade 6th Infantry Battalion 702nd Infantry Brigade 3rd Infantry Battalion 803rd Infantry Brigade 19th Infantry Battalion 903rd Infantry Brigade 9th Infantry Battalion

Unit 1ID, PA

Commander COL GERARDO F BARRIENTOS JR INF (GSC) PA LTC TAHARUDIN P AMPATUAN INF (GSC) PA COL EDUARDO M AO INF (GSC) PA LTC DENNIS C PEREZ INF (GSC) PA COL OSCAR T LACTAO INF (GSC) PA LTC MARION R SISON INF (GSC) PA COL ROMEO L GAPUZ INF (GSC) PA LTC JOSE MARIA R CUERPO II INF (GSC) PA COL ELISEO C POSADAS INF (GSC) PA LTC NOEL T BALUYAN INF (GSC) PA COL CESAR DIONISIO T SEDILLO INF (GSC) PA LTC JOSE B GONGONA JR INF (GSC) PA COL FELICITO VIRGILIO M TRINIDAD JR INF (GSC) PA LTC ROGELIO R MESIAS INF (GSC) PA COL OSCAR P LOPEZ INF (GSC) PA LTC FRANCIS B CABUGON INF (GSC) PA COL FELIX J CASTRO JR INF (GSC) PA LTC JULIAN C PACATAN JR INF (GSC) PA

2ID, PA

3ID, PA

4ID, PA

5ID, PA

6ID, PA

7ID, PA

8ID, PA

9ID, PA

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

LAD

1st Light Armor Bn 2nd Mech Infantry Bn 2nd SR Battalion, FSRR 1st SF Battalion, SFR(A)

LTC KEYMEN U EDAO CAV (GSC) PA LTC SIDNEY Y ATEGA CAV (GSC) PA LTC KIRAM-AZGAR A GRAJO INF (GSC) PA LTC MONICO E ABANG INF (GSC) PA

SOCOM

COMBAT SUPPORT UNITS Best Battalion/ Equivalent Unit th 10 Field Artillery Battalion Command Signal Battalion, ASR Engineer Support Battlion,53EBde 4th Military Intelligence Battalion

Unit FA Bn Signal Bn Engr Bn MI Bn

Commander LTC JOSE VALENTIN Y PANADERO FA (GSC) PA LTC ARNIEL P MARIANO SC (GSC) PA LTC EDWIN I URETA CE (GSC) PA LTC FRANCIS P CARANDANG INF PA

COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT UNITS Unit FSSU FSU ATG, TRADOC School, TRADOC Best Unit 9th Forward Service Support Unit 3rd Finance Service Unit 5th Army Training Group Combat Arms School Commander LTC FLORANTE P SISON OS (GSC) PA LTC FELIMON P MASA JR FS (GSC) PA COL FERNANDO B FELIX INF (GSC) PA COL RHODERICK M PARAYNO INF (GSC) PA

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

The most direct way to experience a fuller life is to serve others. Had I dropped that line a few years back, it could have sounded very much a clich. What is more, to have pitched that axiom into reality - with people in uniform - was almost beyond belief. Yet, I went through the door widely opened for me. And things were never like before. My life will never be the same again.
Early Exposure While growing up, I was taught to reach out. Surrounded closely by those whose love for others stretched more than the love for self, it was a common practice to set goods during the Christmas holidays and hand them over to kids who did not have much toys, clothes, and food as I had. I remember giving away coloring books which come in volumes, dolls with those big blue eyes and rainbow-colored dresses, Barbies whose hair I cut short from playing salon, shoes worn only twice or thrice because it wasnt like those with the Mickey Mouse print like my cousins. Doing the packing was something I loved. To me, it was sheer fun. Not to mention Mums consolation that she was getting me better stuff in replacement of those, I was filled with childish exuberance. I could pretty much tell that those kids who were new friends to my dolls and animal toys were ecstatic. Their faces beamed with laughter and spoke so much of gratitude enough to make me understand regardless of the language gap. Despite that, as time flew by it became more of an annual obligation and crowd control for my toy roomates. None of those seemed to matter. Present Participation Although the military has always been a visible presence from both my maternal and paternal families, life in combat boots was almost pitch black to me. I was not aware then that the noble profession of arms wasnt simply a job but a calling of which many were called but only few were chosen. Little did I know that it was not all about snappy drills, long weeks of being away from home, those woodland camouflage and that haircut. No, it was more than that. It was something that required earnest devotion and unwavering commitment to serve. It was, for the many I had heard from, something deeply rooted in the core of ones being. Something that involved genuine dedication and life in its sacredness which cost more than the revenues of all tax-paying Filipinos combined. It wasnt until the recent months that my idea of cutthroat-looking-machofigures-ready-tocrush-armed-hoodlums metamorphosised into people who have compassion and a sensitivity for others. These tough guys with a gentle spirit in reaching the frequently-forgotten taught me lessons I have not learned elsewhere. They set before me a canvas where I can draw a beautiful picture and display it to a corrupt world filled with self-centeredness, discontentment, greed, and apathy. They

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Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride

Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

MS. CZASSY RODULFO

taught me lessons enough to place me on a direction for self-fulfillment. They taught me lessons only learned by heart. It is through their transformative, holistic approach to service that I- together with family and friends - was awesomely inspired to take part in. It started with a Medical/Dental/ Optical/Surgical Missions in different towns in South Cotabato which ignited the fire in my heart that wouldnt stop blazing. The passion for humanitarian service was becoming larger than life that keeps me yearning for more. It led me to do a series of gift-giving and feeding programs to different villages in the outskirts of General Santos City, some towns in Sarangani Province, and in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat where I practically was drawn to the most. William James once said, Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. This must be the adage this group of strong men yet with kind hearts chooses to live by. They stand on being a visible presence

in addressing various community needs which are within their units capacity and in going the extra mile to extend assistance in select areas where main priorities to uplift human welfare are seldom met. In the months where I took part in their CMO activities, I was in wonder how they can selflessly reach out and develop close mutual ties with the people to eradicate disparities and eventually focus on common grounds to bring peace and development which are a strong force for sustainable growth. What amazes me even more is that they do it by bringing their services to the people, in constantly being around to let us all know that our Philippine Army cares and is always ready to serve no matter what the cost. They continue to be at odds with this battle of indifference, poverty, and sociocultural misunderstanding that hamper peaceful and harmonious living among citizens. These men and women who I

have grown to respect so much are in the frontlines to ease, if not totally eradicate, the evils of society which threaten long-term peace and development. They participate in community services which not only bridge gaps but also build relationships and give opportunities to those in the private sectors. They work alongside with ordinary citizens like me to do my share in uplifting communities, doing ripples of kindness, and changing lives one at a time. It is through their efforts that I have come to realize that winning the fight does not always lie in the strength of an Armys arsenal but in the nobility of its purposes, in being of service, in helping change communities, in acting as if what you do makes a difference no matter how simple it can be. Because, really, at the end of it all - it does. Further, my participation with the Armys Civil-Military Operations gave me brilliant privileges to take part in some Youth Leadership Summit programs,

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providing the youth of our country a bright, flourished and innovative way to lead their lives in a sustainable manner so that they would utilize their energies in building not only their own future but also to look after their families and communities. In turn, this encouraged me to organize a great variety of activities to give young people the experience to learn and demonstrate peaceful living together with people from different cultures and to contribute to the local community and to peace and development. It intensified the special eye I have for children especially those in farflung places. The Army, being in full force, opened doors so I can better myself, others, and the communities where we are a part of. I am bowled over at how they work to create a peaceful, equitable and compassionate society by unifying communities in service, inspiring the youth to lead with a heart-centered perspective and living in recognition that sustainable peace begins within. All of their projects for the young people are offered to ensure that all the youth receive the opportunity to participate in these transformative events that would make them learn today and lead tomorrow. I believe it is with a gracious purpose that we all come together to learn how we can positively impact homes, peers, community, environment, and ourselves. With a multitude of young people, we encouraged them to initiate service projects where they see a need in their communities. They serve locally, integrating themes such as: being drug-free, doing civic involvement, environmental stewardship, and the like. Many of the youth whom I made friends with have experienced poverty, persecution, child labor, natural disasters, gang violence, and neglect; some have witnessed the atrocities of armed conflicts and have literally run for their lives; many have been uprooted from their native cultures and struggle to integrate into an entirely unfamiliar world. Most importantly, we took effort to nurture and cultivate the natural state of peace alive in our young people and to live daily with a loving consideration of others - a feat I once thought was dormant to me. I was also given humbling opportunities to do my share in doing and giving livelihood assistance to a number of rebel returnees in the Province of Sarangani who are seeking to begin a new life completely different from the previous one they chose to walk in. I once remember thinking that Mother Teresa might have led a very boring life helping the brethren of Calcutta and putting their needs first before hers. But working with the Army made me believe otherwise. Over the last few months, we have helped dozens of people find peace in their hearts and meaning in their lives through service to others, me included. I realized that the most direct way to experience a fuller life is to serve. I unite with the Army in seeking more meaningful lives with those in great need by channeling this inspiration into humanitarian service projects that matter. My friends and I have had experiences with them that forever altered our sense of self and our ability to effect change in the world. The Army, my Philippine Army, has shown me the powerful gift that service brings to the world and to my own growth. It has definitely been a beacon on my path and I have boundless gratitude for these beautiful programs they have. Serving with humility, vulnerability and deep willingness to learn is how my heart thrives. I realized that there is no sorrow or pain that cannot be healed through authentic giving, sharing, and reaching out. With the Army helping me grow, I have learned to practice a quality of service that is given free of expectation and attachment, to show up willing to grow and be impacted. Regardless of background, I now approach one another as brother and sister, human to human. We come with undefended hearts, knowing that when our service is genuine, it catalyzes true transformation. The wisdom of this work is in waking to a deeper, more purposeful life. My activities with the Army are a celebration of remembrance, recognition, and gratitude. It is doing something that will outlast life itself as a commitment to God and for love of country. I have been frequently asked why I prefer to work with the Army. The connection lies in the character of these men both some of the greatest of their generation and the pride of our nation. I count it a huge honor to serve my countrymen through the Armys Civil Military Operations because this is where I get to assist the Army in offering themselves i n

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

service to others. I honor these men in uniform. I honor their sacrifices. This is why I volunteered working with them. I do not forget or take for granted the freedom they made me so blessed to enjoy. These brave soldiers, who push against those who threaten to destroy peace and harm civilians, fight not only for the Country but they are also fighting simply for their families and friends. They are fighting for their wives and children to live in a land free of terrorism and those who would do us harm. They are fighting for their brother sitting next to them. Tales of their bravery, physical prowess, and extraordinary skill will be told time and time again. They will inspire, enrage and humble the hearts of ordinary people like me. They are great, brave men, but I do not forget that they are men. They are sons, brothers, foster brothers, friends, cousins, husbands, fathers, and grandfathers. A description of extraordinary, is accurate. They are. Still, these extraordinary men love, hurt, and laugh with the rest of us. Their humanity connects us all. The images that their loved ones will remember time and time again that will bring both joy and agony in their minds are those of a gentle smile, a goofy laugh, a knowing look. They are the ones who have been thanked by our hearts for more than a thousand reasons but hardly ever by our words. They are the ones who deserve a million appreciations but too often, we take them for granted. I work with them because just like I do, they hope. They hope what we Filipinos all hope for: that our families will be able to live the best life possible; that opportunities would abound; that our country would be free from those who endanger its peace and order; that democracy will be enjoyed to the brim. My outpouring of respect, support, and prayers to the wonderful people I have come to know in the Army springs from a sincere appreciation of their belief in me. They believe I deserve this freedom which I have now. They believe I am worth sacrificing for, that I am worth protecting for. Even worth dying for. They believed in freedom- even their freedom to choose to be in military service even if that meant a path different from the rest of us. These brave and admirable men volunteered to put themselves in harms way time and time again, to be separated from their family for great lengths of time, to sacrifice for something bigger than self. And for this, I unite with them to serve. The core grit and character of compassion is showing itself in so many ways it makes me tremble with humility. Tremble with love. Tremble with pride for the reminder of our goodness, of our hearts. Being in service is heartfelt and passionate. It makes my heart tick. Additionally, being in service with the Army reinvigorates my recognition and my gratitude for them. We sleep soundly in our beds at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would do us harm. - Winston Churchill It is an honor to know these men, much more to work with them. It is beyond incredible and comforting to know that these people are here and that they are my fellow countrymen, neighbors, family, and friends. I reap in the bounty of their sacrifice. As I live in relative peace and comfort, I harvest their endeavors. They have sowed my freedom and comparable ease of life with their fight by risking their own lives because they know I am worth it. And thats why I choose to serve, to work with them because they are worth it. They are not our average man, but they are still a man. At the end of the day or returning from a trip, where, undoubtedly, they performed tasks straight out of an action film, they walk through doors into safe havens where they are known simply as kuya, pinsan, kaibigan, tito, tatay, lolo, asawa. The beauty, the gift, in the way many live in this military community, is in the always present perspective we all receive: that life is fleeting, that tomorrow may not be given. Time, precious time, is coveted and must be lived fully. Life is too short to waste on self so I decided to serve and give it all I got because I might not have the luxury of next time. We only live once! I cannot afford to hesitate, procrastinate, or simply give up on serving others. The Army has given me so much more than what I can ask for. Beyond their duties of defending me, they keep me grounded by always being grateful for my blessings and for sharing it to the least of us. Since freedom is not free and is highly expensive, I therefore must not put it to waste. I exercise it to the best of my ability by helping those whom I can with what I have. So even when I am a thousand miles away from my home country with those in the silent ranks who are also considered heroes in our own right (although not quite similar to the Armys gallantry), I know I still have a country to call my own whenever I fly back. The Army, and the other branches of service in the Armed Forces, will keep it. They will, so I can still call it mine. I continue to do my passion for humanitarian service, despite the distance, as a result of the freedom they strive to maintain for me. The Armed Forces thinks I am worth it. For that reason, I serve others, my kababayan, because they, too, are worth it. I definitely believe they are. Truly, the most direct way to experience a fuller life is to serve others. Because after all, isnt that what makes life really worth living?

Czassy Rodulfo writes from Jakarta. Her work involves clinical research. She is also an ESL Specialist for a University of Cambridge Intl Center Pre-school and also does a lot of Charity Programs in line with the UNICEFs advocacies.

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

PHILANTHROPIC DONORS
AFPSLAI TO RAFFLE OFF 40 CARS ON ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY PROMO
In line with the year-long 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Armed Forces and Police Savings & Loan Association Inc. (AFPSLAI), forty (40) brand new Toyota Vios cars will be given away to lucky Regular members who availed of a consumption loan from January 2, 2012 to December 28, 2012. This is AFPSLAIs way of thanking its members for making AFPSLAI their financial partner for the last four decades. For every P50,000 net proceeds (before CRI & DST) on Salary, Pension, Emergency or Multi-Purpose Loan, a borrower gets one raffle coupon and a chance to win a Toyota Vios in one of its quarterly draws. Also up for grabs are 20 Honda motorcylces, 20 Samsung LED TV sets, and P7.2M in cash prizes. Schedule for the quarterly draw dates is as follows:
Deadline for Submission of Raffle Entries
1st Qtr Draw April 4, 2012 April 16, 2012 10 Toyota Vios 5 Honda Motorcycles 5 LED TVs (40) P1.80M in cash prizes 10 Toyota Vios 5 Honda Motorcycles 5 LED TVs (40) P1.80M in cash prizes 10 Toyota Vios 5 Honda Motorcycles 5 LED TVs (40) P1.80M in cash prizes 10 Toyota Vios 5 Honda Motorcycles 5 LED TVs (40) P1.80M in cash prizes

Draw Date

Prizes

2nd Qtr Draw

July 4, 2012

July 16, 2012

3rd Qtr Draw

October 3, 2012

October 16, 2012

4th Qtr Draw

January 4, 2013

January 16, 2013

Avail of a loan now, and you might just be one of the lucky winners! Promo runs from January 28, 2012 to December 28, 2012. All raffle draws shall be held at the Head Office in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City in the presence of a DTI representative. See posters and print ads for complete details. Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 0524 Series of 2012.

On behalf of the whole Philippine Army, we would like to thank the following individuals, institutions, organizations and religious affiliations who/which supported the relief operations of the Army Command intended for the victims of Typhoon Sendong: 1) Units/ Offices of the Philippine Army ( OCG/ OG1/ 0G2/OG3/ OG4/OG5/OG6/OG7/OG8/OG9,PA; ARMO/ OACPA/CMOG/ APMC/ HHSG/ ASR /AGH/525EBn/ARESCOM/ CPO/ 191st MPBn/ SEBn/ FC, PA/ SOCOM/ ISG/ AHU, HHSG/ LAD/ IID/ 2ID/ 5ID/7ID/9ID/ 10ID/ 51st Engr Bde/ 74IB, 2ID/TRADOC/1301st DD/FSRR, SOCOM/ MPBn, HHSG/SSU, ASCOM/OAIA/85IB, 2ID/1354th Dental/ 2) Bureau of Customs 3) Inter Continental Hotels Group 4) Purity Papers Corporation 5) Rock Ed Philippines 6) SP Castro Inc. 7) Tann Philippines 8) Center of Outdoor Recreation and Expedition (CORE) 9) La Bodega Restaurant 10) Fort Bonifacio Evangelical Church 11) Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan 12) Christ the King Parish Church 13) Christ The King Church (Green Meadows) 14) Mary Mother of God Council Parish, Paranaque City 15) San Jose Seminary 16) Pasig Foundation 17) RFM Foundation 18) Phinma Foundation 19) Christs Commission Foundation Inc. 20) Infant Jesus Catholic Community (IJCC) PCCI Tarlac 21) Knights of Columbus (Corinthian Hills) 22) Rotary Club of San Juan West 23) Rotary Club, Pasig 24) Hadji Butu Rasul Memorial Lodge 393 (Freemasons) 25) Polythenic University of the Philippines 26) Ateneo University c/o Ms Marissa Lerias 27) Xavier School- San Juan 28) Miriam College 29) Athens Academy 30) De Castro Elementary School, Pasig City 31) General Parents Teachers Association of Fort Bonifacio Elementary School 32) Fort Bonifacio High School Alumni Batch 94 33) Immaculate Heart of Mary College Paranaque 34) UP Mountaineers 35) Dragon Boat Team 36) Rizal Association of Car Enthusiasts. Inc. 37) Residents of Barangay Central, Signal Village, Taguig City 38) Residents of Guico St., CEMBO, Makati City 39) Col Roseller G Murillo (OG8, PA) 40) LtC Ronald Jess S Alcudia 41) LTC Roxas 42) Dr Ma Cecilia DG Bartolome (1301st DD) 43) Ms Ana Lacuesta 44) Mrs Sta Ana Velarde 45) Ms Lita Arenas of Paranaque City

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Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land

Isang mapagbunyi at mapagparangal na pagbati sa bawat kawal at kawani ng hukbo sa paggunita natin ngayon ng ika-115 taong pagkakatatag ng Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas. Ang ating mga ninunong makabayang Pilipino at ang nooy bagong tatag na Hukbong Katihan ang nanguna sa pag-aaklas sa mga dayuhang mananakop. Ang kanilang matagumpay na pakikipaglaban ang pinag-ugatan ng ating pinakaaasam na kalayaan at pagsilang ng isang malayang Republika ng Pilipinas. Hinubog ng kasaysayan ang Hukbong Katihan. Nagtala tayo ng marami pang tagumpay, hinangaan at ipinagmamalaki ng buong bayan, at kinilala sa buong daigdig dahil sa dangal, katapatan, at katapangang ipinamalas ng kawal Pilipino. Sa ating mga pakikibaka, namulat tayo sa mga mahahalagang aral na naging batayan sa pagpapatupad at pangangalaga ng kapayapaan. Lumipas ang mga panahon at patuloy nating pinatatag ang tungkulin ng Hukbong Katihan. Naharap tayo sa mga pagsubok sa pagpapahusay ng mga kagamitan at pagpapalawak ng kakayahan natin bunsod ng mga kampanya laban sa insurhensiya at ibang banta sa pambansang seguridad, at maging sa pangangailangan ng maagap na pagtugon sa mga sakuna at kalamidad. Sa kabila nito, patuloy tayong nagsusumikap sa pagsulong ng pagbabago at modernisasyong tungo sa mahusay, makabuluhan, at mas epektibong tugon sa mga pambansang simulain at pangangailangan. Buong tiwala nating tutuparin ang ating mga gawain para sa seguridad, at pagkakaisa sa mga pamayanan at pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng IPSP Bayanihan at Army Transformation Roadmap. Bibigyan natin ng kabuluhan ang ating layunin at tema ng ating pagdiriwang para sa taong ito: Philippine Army: Serving the people, Securing the land. Sa ating ikasandaan at labinlimang taon, sama-sama nating itaguyod ang kapayapaan at isulong ang pagbabago at dangal ng ating hukbo. Mabuhay ang Hukbong Katihan! Mabuhay tayong lahat!

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Army Vision: By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride