Military backs countryside dev’t program

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 9): Military backs countryside dev’t program

The military strengthened its collaboration with other government line agencies, aiming to sustain the implementation of various peace and development programs in the region.

Major Gen. Ariel Bernardo, Army’s 10th Infantry Division commander, has directed military units under his command to take part in the various development initiatives undertaken by local development bodies in their respective areas.

He said the military should take part “comprehensively” in the planning and implementation of economic development and poverty alleviation programs, which he said are vital to resolve insurgency.

Bernardo together with key military officers recently attended a strategic planning meeting organized by the Regional Development Council-11 and National Economic and Development Authority, which was aimed at crafting actions plans in collaborating efforts of various government agencies and stakeholders to spur economic development of Region-11.

Bernardo said the military should actively take part in the holistic approach to solve the insurgency problem pursuant to Internal Peace and Security Plan of the Armed Forces.

“We know that we cannot solve armed conflicts with an armed solution alone,” Bernardo said.

“We have that vicious cycle if government will not converge to implement development programs in rebel-infested areas,” Bernardo said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/military-backs-countryside-devt-program/