CGPA to army engineers: Let us build the nation to win the peace

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 27, 2020): CGPA to army engineers: Let us build the nation to win the peace (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

ILIGAN CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA) - The commanding general of the Philippine Army (CGPA) underscored on Monday, Oct. 26, the crucial role of army engineers in winning the peace.

"While the army's combat units destroy the enemy, the army engineers place a premium on nation-building through infrastructure and civic efforts," said Lieutenant General Cirilito E. Sobejana.

Addresing the men and women of the 55th Engineer Brigade during the 22nd founding anniversary of the unit, LtGen Sobejana emphasized that the role of army engineers means Establishing the Nation's Growth by Introducing Novel, Efficient, and Excellent Response.

He said the support provided by the 55th Engineer Brigade to national flagship projects has enabled the Western Mindanao Command to advance its peacebuilding initiatives in the Bangsamoro region as well as regions 9, 10, and 12.

The army engineers helped construct elementary school buildings, provided engineer support to other AFP units, and assisted local government units in road clearing operations during tropical storms. They also provided assistance to Task Force Bangon Marawi in the clearing of unexploded ordinance and demolition of dilapidated buildings in preparation for the rehabilitation phase.

Moreover, they entered into a Project Partnership Agreement with UN-Habitat for ground development and construction of 50 permanent shelter units in Brgy. Kilalla, Marawi City intended for internally displaced families.

While he commended the accomplishments of the 55th Engineer Brigade in uplifting the well-being of government troops through base development support to AFP units, the CGPA also instructed them to continue helping in the rehabilitation of Marawi stressing the need to accelerate and fast track the recovery of the city.

"Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pagsuporta sa ating kasundaluhan at mga kababayan sa Hilagang Mindanao lalo na Marawi City. Itong Marawi ay kailangan natin tuonan ng pansin dahil sa trauma na na-experience ng ating mga kababayan dito," he said.

LtGen Sobejana further reminded the Army Engineers to be guided by the PA's core values of honor, patriotism, and duty while constructing roads and buildings.

"As you celebrate another year of service, remember that where the road ends war begins. The more we open roads the less we provide maneuver space for the terror groups, be it communist terrorist groups or local terrorist groups," he noted.

LtGen Sobejana also expressed appreciation to the civilian partners and stakeholders and cited their involvement as vital in attaining peace and security.

"Para maisulong natin ang kapayapaan kailangan everybody should be involved because security is a shared responsibility," he said.

The CGPA also pointed out that unity and cooperation is needed in attaining sustainable peace and progress.

"In the name of public service, your Philippine Army is not above you nor below you. We are always beside you so we need to work together," he added.

With the theme ,"Team 55E @22: Kaagapay at Katuwang sa Pagharap ng Bagong Normal Para sa Mapayapa at Maunlad na Bayan," the Brigade's 22nd anniversary celebration was highlighted by with the awarding of medals to its outstanding personnel and units as well as recognition of civilian partners and stakeholders. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057063