Advisory board reiterates support to Army’s peace efforts

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur --- Members of the multi-sectoral advisory board (MSAB) of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army here headed by Msgr. Zosimo Ma. Sañado as chairperson have reiterated their commitment as strong collaborators in the continuing effort of the Philippine Army to end the decades-long insurgency problem.

9th ID Division Commander Major General Fernando T. Trinidad, in turn, expressed gratitude to the MSAB for the priceless contribution of each committee headed by MSAB members. One of these significant contributions was the realization of the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) by 2028.

“We are grateful for all the support given by our MSAB in leading us towards the journey of good governance and excellent performance. Where we are now and what we have achieved are largely because of the brilliant suggestions and help from them,” Trinidad said during the MSAB 1st Quarter meeting held recently at the 9ID Officers’ Clubhouse, here.

The ATR is aimed to create a more dynamic, more capable, better and professional Philippine Army troopers who are committed to bring peace and secure the communities. The effort has resulted in genuine transformation program that is based on good governance and performance excellence.

Trinidad harped on the “whole-of-nation” approach in consonance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s issuance of Executive Order No. 70 in December 2018 with an end view of ending the armed conflict between the government and communist rebels by creating a national task force which shall formulate programs and activities that are workable so that peace can be attained.

Major General Peale Jon L. Bondoc, 9ID PA Asst. Division Commander lauded the creation of Joint Task Force Bicolandia which was formed in 2018 to effectively respond to emergency situations and protect the region from security threats through the integration of air, sea, and land units in the area.

“We are happy that through the TF Bicolandia, we can encourage our communities, particularly those in areas we consider as “geographically isolated and disadvantage areas (GIDAs) to be our priority in the implementation of livelihood programs and be the recipients of the various social services,” Bondoc said as he envisions a framework that will serve as a tool to achieve peace.

Trinidad reported that by 2020, the division will implement projects amounting to more or less P50M as part of the government’s effort to bring progress and development in the countryside.

“The amount may be small but we are bent on spending them judiciously to programs that will benefit the community. We are counting on our partners in other government agencies and private organizations who are willing to extend their support to help us to implement satisfactorily our peace initiatives,” he said.