9ID’s TIKAS gets boost from AKO Bicol
By Jason B. Neola
PILI, Camarines Sur --- A significant investment of P545 million from the national government through the AKO Bicol Partylist, has been earmarked by the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army at Camp Elias Angeles for its TIKAS projects, scheduled for implementation in both the current year and 2025.
Aligned with the national government’s Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (TIKAS) program, led by the Department of National Defense and the Department of Public Works and Highways, the initiative aims to enhance Army troopers’ combat capabilities while reinforcing anti-terrorism operations.
Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy S. Co, also Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, commended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez for their commitment to fund the projects, highlighting their recognition of the Army’s efforts in maintaining peace and security in Bicol.
Twenty-two of the proposed infrastructure projects and military facilities certified by the 9ID as priority projects have already secured funding in the amount of P279-M. They are: Construction/Improvement of 9ID Perimeter Fence, Construction of Six (6) units Solar-Powered Three (3)-Storey Guard Post with Barracks, CR, CCTV Camera with Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Enhancement of Electrical System (Three (3) Phase);
Construction of Solar-Powered Water System, Elevated Water Tank and Distribution Lines, Construction of Three (3) units Power House with Generator Set (1unit 500KVA; 1 unit 350KVA; and 1 unit 300KVA), Construction of 9ID Signal Tower with Network Operations Center;
Construction of Two (2) Storey Liaison Building, Construction of Four (4) units Igloo- type Barracks, Construction of Two (2)-Storey Officers’ Female Barracks, Construction of Two (2)-Storey G-Staff Building, Construction of 9ID Chaplain Quarters, Construction of Two (2) units Helipad;
Enhancement of Gates 1 (Main) and 2, Construction of Two (2)-Storey EP Barracks 1, Construction of Two (2)-Storey EP Barracks 2, Construction of Veterinary Surgical Clinic, Construction of One (1)- Storey Officers Quarters, Construction of One (1)- Storey EP Barracks, and Construction of Worship & Training Center (Non- Denominational).
Still to be worked out is the allocation of funds for the construction of the 9th Signal Battalion Building Phase II at P1 million, a circumferential road network (Training Ground) at P25 million, and a 2-storey Military Barracks Building Type l with a project cost of P40-M.
The construction of the 22 projects is set to commence within two weeks of receiving approval from the DPWH Central Office, according to DPWH Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte. He stressed the necessity of awaiting approval for project modifications detailing fund allocations as part of ensuring compliance with Commission on Audit regulations. The construction activities will unfold inside the 40-hectare camp of the 9ID.
The remaining projects, valued at P200 million, are scheduled for implementation possibly next year inside the two military reservations in Brgy. Talahib, Daraga, Albay, and Brgy. Lamon, Goa, Camarines Sur. These reservations are set to feature perimeter fences, electrical systems, solar-powered water systems, two two-storey barracks, and tower guard posts.
Major Frank Roldan, Chief of the Division Public Affairs Office of the 9th Infantry Division, emphasized the projects’ significance to fulfilling the division’s mandate of combatting insurgency and terrorism in Bicol. He expressed gratitude to the AKO Bicol Partylist for their support. The projects’ overall cost for 2024 and 2025 exceeds half a billion pesos.
MGen. Adonis R. Bajao leads the 9th Infantry Division, with BGen. Jaime A. Abawag Jr. as the Division’s Assistant Commander.
During his fourth visit to the 9ID on April 26, this year, Rep. Co expressed satisfaction with the progress made inside the camp, particularly its acquired essential facilities such as the infirmary.
He mentioned BGen. Abawag’s aspiration to develop the infirmary into a 200-bed capacity Level II hospital for which he pledged support from President Marcos and House Speaker Romualdez. The proposed hospital requires at least P970,275,000.00 to be completed.
In an interview, Roldan noted a decline in communist insurgent forces, with most armed encounters initiated by the government, indicating a weakening opposition of their enemies.
Rep. Co echoed the sentiment, emphasizing its significance for Bicolanos striving for economic prosperity.
Co’s AKO Bicol Partylist (AKB) is committed to advancing the development of the Bicol Region by implementing programs and projects aimed at alleviating poverty, ensuring access to essential social services, fostering full employment, upholding social justice and human rights, valuing human life, enhancing healthcare delivery, democratizing education and training, preserving the environment, bolstering disaster readiness, and promoting the inclusion of marginalized groups such as youth, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens in nation-building efforts.
Furthermore, AKB strives to nurture a sense of pride and patriotism among Bicolanos by celebrating Bicol’s rich history, arts, and culture, acknowledging the contributions of Bicolano heroes, national figures, and other inspirational figures to the region’s historical and cultural heritage.
AKB also aims to strengthen the resilience of Bicolanos in the face of challenges while addressing attitudes and values that may impede progress and development.
TIME CAPSULE AKO Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy S. Co (foreground) puts an up-to-date copy of a newspaper into the time capsule, a way to seize the spirit of the moment and preserve a piece of history as construction launches for various military facilities inside the camp of the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry “Spear” Division in Pili, Camarines Sur. PHOTO COURTESY OF DPAO/MAJOR FRANK ROLDAN/ENCIONG DIEZ