Kagitingan brigade marks 7th year in winning peace

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 23): Kagitingan brigade marks 7th year in winning peace

DAVAO ORIENTAL –Celebrating years of strengthened performance as protectors of the people and vanguards for development, the 701st Infantry Kagitingan Brigade of the Philippine Army marked its 7th reactivation anniversary last September 15, 2015 at 701st Brigade Headquarters in the City of Mati.

During the celebration, 701st Brigade Commander Col. Bienvenido R. Datuin, Jr. lauded the concerted efforts andsupport of all stakeholders in peace and development here in the province that has been helping the military in upholding its mission of protecting and serving the people of Davao Oriental.

Tapping the support and resources from various sectors, Datuin listed several accomplishments of his brigade in terms of Civil-Military Operations that has significantly made impact in peace and development.

These include series of Youth Leadership Summits in the barangay level, Indigenous People Summit, Project Shoebox, Youth for Peace Movement Candle Lighting for Peace, and Former Rebel Summits,among many others. In addition, the military also actively implements thePeace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP), where soldiersimmerse to the communities by bringing in basic government services to the people.

Datuin also elatedly reported the brigade’s milestone in its Performance Governance System Pathway by reaching the first two stages of its Army Transformation Roadmap Program, namely the initiated and compliant stages, both achieved in mere three months. “This is considered fast by the experts in governance and strategy management office at the Headquarters of the Philippine Army,” Datuin said.

“The Army Transformation Roadmap is the ultimate factor for the people to believe on the military’s changed image and honest intentions for peace and development,” said Col. Datuin adding that there is no amount of infrastructure improvements that can surpass the essence of discipline, patriotism, honor and duty.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, who was guest speaker during the anniversary program,highlighted the strong convergence between the Provincial Government and the military. “The Philippine Army has fully embraced and supported the Provincial Government’s development direction and has even become effective implementers of our development programs and projects,” she said

She cited that the extent of the strong collaboration and partnership the Provincial Government and the Philippine Army have forged was tested when Super Typhoon Pablo struck the province of Davao Oriental. “You were with us in all disaster operations—search and rescue, relief operations and early recovery moments. You are also still with us in the rehabilitation processes,” she said.

“We have worked on mutual trust. Indeed, we have created a synergy characterized by a shared passion on attaining goals and levels of commitment resulting to a very strong collaboration not only between and among us in the local government units but also among other national agencies, non-government organizations and other peace and development stakeholder,” she said.

Highlighting the celebration is the awarding of plaques to soldiers who have exhibited excellence in their line of duty as well as various individuals who have exerted efforts for peace and development. Handing over the awards was Col. CasianoMonilla, Assistant Division Commander of the 10th Infantry Division.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1591442979708/kagitingan-brigade-marks-7th-year-in-winning-peace