ICPSS training to help distant villages become conflict-resilient, says Army officer

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 8, 2021): ICPSS training to help distant villages become conflict-resilient, says Army officer (By Ninfa Barcena-Quirante)

BORONGAN CITY, April 8 (PIA)-- Some 19 elements of the 78th Infantry Battalion attended a 21-day Integrated Community Public Safety System (ICPSS) Trainers Training at the 801st Brigade in Brgy. Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar.

The closing ceremonies took place on April 3, 2021, according to Deputy Brigade Commander Lt. Col. Lenart Lelina in an interview.

After having their 2nd phase which is immersion, the students of the 78th IB were deployed in the respective barangays in the brigade area of responsibility, he said.

“Now they are officially part of the Integrated Community Public Safety System (ICPSS) Trainers team,” the army officer added.

The training objective is to equip the soldiers with the knowledge and skills on how to help the LGUs establish an integrated community public safety (defense) system, especially in the recently cleared barangays and municipalities, Lelina said.

“It's a Trainers' Training, so the 19 students are expected to cascade what they learned to all the Retooled Community Service Program (RCSP) teams that are still immersed in the barangays.”

“We need to capacitate the recently cleared communities to become conflict resilient. “ Lelina admitted that the system still needs fine-tuning.

“The system is not perfect and still needs more bright ideas and innovations.” The army officer highlighted the role and responsibility of the local government units.

“The role of the LGU is very important especially on the proper formulation and implementation of Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) Plan in coordination with the security forces. “

“The Peace and Order Council (POCs) should allocate funds to different projects, programs, and activities related to security and safety of the community.”

He added, “If our communities are secure and peaceful, there is no more stopping our LGUs and NGAs, including CSOs from bringing the needed services to the distant villages.”

“Infra projects will not be hampered anymore because the people themselves will be the ones to secure the implementers and heavy equipment.”

This training and more activities are currently implemented in support of Pres. Duterte’s Executive Order Number 70 or the Whole-of-Nation approach to end the local communist armed conflict. (nbq/PIA E. Samar)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1071718