Army troops also ‘bearer of tidings’ in far-flung communities

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9, 2021): Army troops also ‘bearer of tidings’ in far-flung communities (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Army Facebook page

Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, Philippine Army (PA) chief, said troops deployed in remote communities can help inform residents on important and ongoing government projects and programs.

“Mayroong programa ang gobyerno na minsan hindi nakakaabot sa mga liblib na lugar (There are government programs that sometimes do not reach far-flung areas). Our soldiers are there. We have units na nandoon sa mga malalayong lugar (in those remote areas) so we take advantage of that by helping the government in disseminating information," Centino said in a statement posted at the Army Facebook page on Monday night.

He also said it is also part of the PA's mission to provide the public with proper information on the development programs of the government as part of efforts to curb communist insurgency.

These include free irrigation, improved Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), 'Build, Build, Build', free tuition fee, universal health care, anti-illegal drugs, anti-crime, anti-graft and corruption campaigns, and the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination programs.

Centino, meanwhile, pledged to enhance the communication systems of troops tasked to secure far-flung communities to curb security threats.

Communication systems in the military refer to long-range radios with secured frequencies.

He also highlighted the “robust mobility assets” that have been provided to Army units in remote areas.

“We have procured military trucks from (South) Korea. We have also provided SUVs to our units,” Centino said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1159157