Army's 10th Division holds consultation to strengthen “Bayanihan” in Comval

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 17): Army's 10th Division holds consultation to strengthen “Bayanihan” in Comval



Amidst criticisms on its controversial “Bayanihan” program, the Philippine Army's (PA) 10th Infantry Division conducted a second Multi-Sectoral Advisory and Action Group (MSAAG) in Mawab, Compostela Valley Province to strengthen coordination and partnership with local leaders, government agencies and other stakeholders the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” and the Army Transformation Roadmap.

Major General Eduardo M. Ano, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, highlighted the importance of inter-agency coordination and building alliance with other stakeholders in achieving the objectives of the IPSP or Bayanihan program which are peace and development in rural areas.

Ano had asked for a constant stream of constructive criticism to help the army organization develop.

Col. Ernest Carolina of the 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs said the MSAAG was originally organized to reinforce the 10th ID’s recognition of the populace as its main client for winning the peace within its area of responsibility.

One of the focus areas of discussion during the consultation was the alleged exploitation of the youth and lumad sectors by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebel in the villages where the 10th ID is operating.

Carolina said participants shared their inputs and suggestions on the coordinate efforts to address the issue. He quoted Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCI) president Antonio T. Dela Cruz as saying, “We know the problem is there and we know what we should do about it. If we still don't act, then we will wake up one day and our democracy is gone.”

According to Carolina, Ednar Carlos G. Dayanghirang, former member of the GPH peace panel shared some details of the frameworks for development of the Lumad sector, particularly on the role of the army other partner organization to realize the long desired goal to make Philippine growth inclusive, particularly to the Lumad sector.

MSAAG was in August 2011 aimed at institutionalizing its collaboration with stakeholders in attaining the army’s vision of attaining security and development concerns in Davao region and surrounding areas. MSAAG was patterned after the national advisory group which has been helping the army craft plans and programs for peace and development, as well as evaluate the progress of the division campaign, issues identified during the barangay immersions, peace and development initiatives, and NPA atrocities against the people, all within the context of the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR).

Carolina said the IPSP continue to draw the support of the local leaders.

He said that Davao Oriental Governor N. Malanyaon and Compostela Valley Vice Governor Manuel “Waykurat” Zamora also attested the effectiveness of the IPSP and Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) in contributing relative peace and development in the province.

Malanyaon and Zamora also shared some of the best practices and a few shortcomings in the collaborative efforts for security and development in their respective provinces.

Carolina said Malanyaon remains committed to do their part so that the objectives of IPSP and PDOP continue are achieved.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=673767