Pagadian City 03 July (PIA) – The 1st Infantry (Tabak)
Division, Philippine Army, on Friday, June 29, 2012 rendered a Testimonial
Parade in honor of Zamboanga del Norte Governor Rolando Yebes, for his very
active support in the peace and development efforts and a strong advocate of good governance in
the area of responsibility of the division.
BGen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, Commander of the Tabak
Division in his message said, "defeating the enemy is our ultimate goal,
but it is not only our goal, part of our mandate is to make sure that the
conditions allowing the enemies of peace to organize in the first place would
not persist."
"Poverty and the people’s grievances are often
manipulated by our enemies in order to drive a witch between the community and
the government. This is precisely the reason why we have painstakingly exerted
tremendous amount of efforts and resources to make government presence felt at
the grassroot level," Gen. Cruz said.
Nevertheless he said, "the success of the 1st
Infantry (Tabak) Division is not just to the Tabak troopers' credit alone. The
support of the people in this part of Mindanao particularly the local chief
executives who represent them have been crucial in making our gains possible.
Cruz said, “ang ating mga kababayan sa bawat lugar ay
kinakatawan ng mga mamumuo sa kanya-kanyang lokal na pamahalaan. Malaking papel ang ginagampanan ng lokal na
lider sa ating matagumpay na pagkamit sa matagal na natin inaasahan na kapayapaan
dahil sila ang boses malapit at mahal ng masa."
BGen. Cruz was
pleased to acknowledge that majority of the chief executives in their AOR, have
been leading the charts in complementing the Army’s Internal Peace and Security
Operations. Their strong advocacies in good governance and other issues
affecting our people have been vital in our day to day endeavors. "I am
truly confident that with the local chief executives solidly supporting the
army in its programs, we will be able to finally win the peace our people
deserve. In the same manner the people are the most indispensable and important
actors in any effort to win the peace," Cruz emphasized.
“Mahirap ang daan tungo sa kapayapaan, subalit kung ang
lahat ay magtutulungan, walang imposible,” Cruz stressed.
Meanwhile, Gov. Yebes was truly honored for the
recognition given to him by the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, for seeing in
him the true meaning of good governance.
He said this testimonial parade served as another
source of pride and a worthy reminder
for him that he is on the right track. “Ito rin ay nagpapatunay na ang
aking pamahalaan ay nasa matuwid na daan”
“I am deeply touched, I really did not expect this from
you," he told the troopers. "This inspires me to continue and even do
better and go higher in the field of public service," Yebes said.
In the name of public service, Yebes enjoined the
honorable and strong men and women of the Philippine Army especially in this
part of the country to also adhere to good governance. "Remember, the province
of Zamboanga del Norte is with you in all your undertakings for the service of
our people," the good governor assured. (ALT/CAL/PIA9)