Civilians, public officials join 119th Army anniversary celebration

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 16): Civilians, public officials join 119th Army anniversary celebration

Residents from various provinces in Davao region stormed the Gaisano Mall in Tagum City, Davao del Norte to witness the two-day activities in line with the celebration of the 119th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army that concluded on Monday, March 14.

10th Infantry (Agila) Division chief information officer Captain Rhyan Batchar told the media here that the Mindanao leg celebration was the third activity that was launched by the Army this month – the first leg was celebrated in Lucena City last March 5 to 6 while the second leg was in Tacloban City last March 11 and 12.

Under the theme "Serving the People, Securing the Land", the two-day commemoration was also joined by soldiers from the four divisions of the Philippine Army that for years, have been involved in various peace and development efforts in Mindanao, that include the 10th ID, 4th ID, 6th ID and the 1st ID.

The residents who joined the celebrations had the chance to view photos showing the various activities of the Army in Mindanao that include trainings, operations and community services.

The visitors also enjoyed the feel of being inside army camps and detachments through the set up of a mock-up camp, sentinel post and tower post.

Army equipment including various high-powered firearms were also displayed for the public’s viewing and the army’s top gears utilized during rescue missions.

Dindo, a farmer, is among the visitors who came from Monkayo town together with his three neighbors to show their support to the celebration.

Asking the media not to reveal his real identity for security purposes, Dindo said the Army effectively implemented its peace and development efforts in the hinterlands of Monkayo and the other towns in Compostela Valley province.

Though he did not deny the presence of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the area, Dindo said far-flung communities and residents now feel the need to support the government programs and projects that are already visible in their localities.

“Kung maundang na ang kagubot mas modaghan pang mga programang pangkalamboan ang moabot sa amo (When these armed confrontations stop, more development programs will reach us),” Dindo pointed out.

A group of civilians from Pantukan led by Perlita were also interviewed by the media during the activity, said: “Pito kami nga gikan sa among Purok ang mianhi aron masaksihan ning aktibidad sa army atol sa ilang anibersaryo (There were seven of us who came from our Purok who came to witness the activities in line with their anniversary),” she said.

Perlita asserted that they came to show their support to the Army soldiers who, for more than a year now, have been effectively supporting the development initiatives of their local leaders.

She was glad seeing residents from other towns and even far-flung villages who came to join the troops during the celebration.

Members of tribal communities in Davao region also joined the celebration and mingled with the men and women in uniform as well as the civilians from other areas.

The opening last Sunday was also graced by Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon, 10th ID commander Major General Rafael Valencia and Col. Benjamin Hao of the Army Chief Public Affairs Office.

Rellon expressed gratitude to the Army for their dedication in service and for assuring that Tagum City and the rest of the region are secured.

He also thanked the residents in the area for their continued support to the Army.

Major General Valencia also thanked the residents who joined the event and had the chance to personally mingle with the soldiers, view their equipment and watch the shows that presented the continuing peace and development works of the Army in Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=867142