PA, PNP intensify peace and development program in conflict-affected areas in Samar, Leyte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): PA, PNP intensify peace and development program in conflict-affected areas in Samar, Leyte

Soldiers and police personnel are now familiar sights in rural areas and in conflict-affected communities of Leyte and Samar as part of their efforts under the peace and development program of the Philippine Army (PA).

They cross rivers, climb mountains, reaching far-flung barangays with difficult terrain and accessibility, teach the farmers basic education, health, proper nutrition, values education, farming techniques and income-generating projects to help uplift them from the bondage of poverty and ignorance.

Just recently, the Charlie Company of the 19th Infantry Batallion (19IB) of the Philippine Army and a team from the PNP visited the villages of Canlampay, Paglaum, Caghalo, San Isidro and Hiluctugan in Carigara where they were warmly received by village officials and residents.

“I guess they are not here to bring war but to change the perception of my people what soldiers really are,” said Hiluctugan village chairman Narciso Llanza.

“We should be thankful that this time, the Army and Police is now in barangay Caghalo as our partner in implementing peace and order in our barangay,” said chairwoman Aurora Quebec who also lauded the troops for their discipline and for showing genuine peace and development efforts to the people.

Meantime, 57-year old Asterio Uribe, a farmer resident of barangay San Isidro, said that they feel safe with the presence of said authorities.

“We thank the soldiers and the police for their care, compassion and understanding to us residents here in the village, it cannot be matched and we are proud to have them here in our barangay,” he added.

1Lt. Jaime B. Tuguic Jr., company commander of the 19th IB, Charlie company, said that deployed troops focused not only on people’s safety, territorial defense and securing the area, but also to unite and work hand in hand with the stakeholders, local executives and heads of agencies in order to solve the insurgency problem.

The Bayanihan Team of the PA and the PNP known for their capabilities in bringing livelihood projects in communities in coordination with the local government agencies jointly had to identify social issues in these areas.

“Our goal is to cultivate synergy from stakeholders’ network for the benefit of the communities,”Tuguic said.

Their efforts helped reduce illiteracy rate in far flung barangays and reduced poverty. It empowers the rural people with knowledge, skills and values that will help them be a better person.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=662147