Winning the hearts of civilians by securing the land, serving the people

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 22): Winning the hearts of civilians by securing the land, serving the people

The 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army in partnership with the 1st Cavalry (Tagpanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, 1st Field Artillery Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment, and 547 Engineering Brigade marked the 120th Philippine Army Day in Zamboanga del Sur through static display of military weapons and Army capability held at the parking lot of Gaisano Capital Mall here on Tuesday.

Unity and direction

“The celebration is an event which reveals our unity and direction to achieve our goal to be a world class Army by 2028,” said LtCol. Benedicto S. Manquiquis, commanding officer of the 1st Civil Military Operations Battalion (1CMOBN).

A static display of weapons, squad demonstration, photo gallery, audio-visual presentation, and concert for the public were among the highlights of the celebration to raise awareness on the programs and services of the Philippine Army.

“The activities showcased the army’s capabilities to the public such as war fighting equipment, humanitarian assistance, disaster capabilities and recruitment program,” Col. Manquiquis said.

An opportunity for the public

Spectators grabbed the opportunity to pose for souvenir photos with the displayed Army assets .

“We give the opportunity for the public to pose for souvenirs with the displayed Army assets, to touch and even take souvenir pictures of the weapons because these are part of the taxes they paid,” he added.

He also said that the civilians joined the Tabak combo by sharing their talents in singing.

Vital role in history

The 1ID remarkably plays a vital role in the history of Philippine Army in the pursuit of peace and progress.

“The Command had participated in numerous peace-building projects and became a key factor in the declaration of Zamboanga del Sur as a peaceful and development-ready province,” he added.

Recruitment booth saves time, money
Edgimar Beloy, an officer of the Reserve Officers Training Course (ROTC) of the Western Mindanao State University-External Studies Unit (WMSU-ESU) and other ROTC officers were happy to see that the Philippine Army recruitment booth was installed in Gaisano Capital Mall.

“We were able to file the application forms for soldiers course by not going to the 1ID headquarters in Pulacan, Labangan,” Beloy explained.

“We have saved time and money in filing our application at the recruitment booth,” he said, adding that the public will be aware of the recruitment process and how they can join the organization.

“Through these efforts, we were fully informed on the programs and services they offer to us - civilians,” Beloy concluded.

 http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371490172539/winning-the-hearts-of-civilians-by-securing-the-land-serving-the-people