Celebrating years of service in touching lives, defending peace

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 21): Celebrating years of service in touching lives, defending peace

The men and women of the 701st Brigade of the Philippine Army have celebrated their years of rendering genuine service in touching the lives of people and defending the peace and freedom of the country.

During the Brigade’s eight-year reactivation anniversary on September 16, the 701st Brigade received applause from top officials of thePhilippine Army and various sectorsfor playing a huge part in the preservation and sustaining of peace in Davao Oriental.

Guest-of-Honor and Speaker Major General Angelito M. De Leon, Commander of the 7th Infantry Division, lauded the leadership of the 701st Brigade, under Col. Bienvenido R. Datuin, Jr. who successfully led his troops to become“instruments in the many campaigns of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in winning over the threats and obstacles to the development of the country”.

“Napakapalad ninyo at kayo ay nagkaroon ng isang aktibong masigasig na commander na buong tapang hinaharap ang mga bagay para sa inyong kapakanan,” he told the men and women of the 701st Brigade.He lauded Datuin’s leadership for successfully continuing the programs of his predecessors which paved the way for the strengthening of peace here in the province.

“Binabati ko si Col. Datuin sapagkat binuksan niya ang pintuan tungo sa mabuting pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga mamamayan ng kanyang nasasakupan,” he said, citing the brigade’s partnership with the different sectors leading to a lot of groundwork that has reached the people in the communities.

He also listed several accomplishments and milestones the brigade has gained over the recent years. Among these was the prestigious Gawad sa Kaunlaran Award for its successful implementation of the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) which relentlessly pursues socio-economic development and other non-violent means in winning against insurgencies.

This was conferred by no less than the commander-in-chief of the military, President Rodrigo R. Duterteduring the anniversary of the Eastern Mindanao Command.Just recently, the brigade also received a Command Plaque from the Army Reservist Command for efficiently tapping reservists in the activities of the military which has been boosting themilitary’s gains in preserving peace.

“You were recognized because of your valuable performance in taking the non-traditional military road to gain support from stakeholders in its exchange. This brigade has gained the accomplishments and progress in terms of civil military operations that significantly made impact in peace and development in this part of the country,” said De Leon.

“The 701st brigade has undoubtedly succeeded in touching and defending lives. Your courage is worthy without any reservations. You have served the people well with sincerity and gave them the freedom to perform their functions free from being cursed and intimidated.”

“Alam kong hindi madali ang inyong tungkuling itaguyod ang kapayapaan, ngunit sa kabila ng lahat ng balakid kayo ay naging matagumpay sa pagpoprotekta sa mga naninirahan dito,” he said, noting the brigade’s efforts in implementing programs that uplifted the lives of the people. “The 7th Infantry Kaugnay Division is proud and honor all of you,” he said.

Working directly on the ground, the military knows first-hand the plight of the people, particularly those in the hinterlands. Working closely with the people led to the entry and efficient delivery of government development programs and services.

The military does a lot more than just preserving the peace. The extent of how strong and formidable the collaboration and partnership between the military and the Provincial Government that was forged was tested when Super Typhoon Pablo struck the province of Davao Oriental. The quick response and hard work that the military extended at the height of the disaster had saved the lives of many typhoon victims.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang praised the 701st brigade’s partnership with the Provincial Government in the implementation of the Bayanihan Program PDOP, which he says, has been changing the face of governance that was able to regain for the government the trust and confidence of communities.

“Working with scarce resources but driven by a sense of purpose, the people behind the Bayanihan program in the province have definitely redefined local governance and development that dramatically changed the lives of people,” he said.

For his part, Brigade Commander Col. Datuin thanked the military’s partners from the Local Government Units and various sectors ‘for believing and collaborating for the army’s covenant of peace and development’. “You are our strength and allies in accomplishing our vision and very core of existence.

“There were challenges, constraints and obstacles but we were able to do the job guided by our mantra of“building character, enhancing competence and strengthening convergence.

”We were focused, determined and motivated to deliver our core purpose of serving the people, securing Davao Oriental and parts of Compostela Valley Province.

Throughout its illustrious history, 701st Infantry Brigade has been a bastion and standard of excellence in both operational and administrative fields of performance. It has strived to contribute in 10th Infantry Division’s mission accomplishment and succeeded in modestly contributing in all lines of effort,” said Datuin.

Welcoming another page in the history of the brigade, the 701st Brigade Anniversary ended in a high note, ready to face another challenges to pursue the goals and vision of the Philippine Army in protecting and serving the people.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1591474435219/celebrating-years-of-service-in-touching-lives-defending-peace