By Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN
CITY – The 1st
Field Artillery Battalion (1FAB), Army Artillery Regiment, Philippine Army
intensifies the implementation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Internal
Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” by actively engaging the participation of its
stakeholders.
Over
the weekend, the 1FAB represented by commanding officer Lt. Colonel Hubert
Acierto and RMN DXPR radio station represented by Station Manager Melchor U.
Coronel formally inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Chandler Suites
here to express the convergence of will between the two parties in the
implementation of programs, activities, and projects designed to help the poor.
Acierto
gave a detailed explanation why the MOU signing ceremony between the 1FAB and
DXPR is being conducted.
He
observed that some of the activities of 1FAB were similarly conducted by the
management of DXPR in Pagadian City and in the municipalities of Labangan and Tukuran,
respectively.
The
unit conducted series of activities such as: medical and civic action program
(MEDCAP), feeding program, and school supplies distribution, among others. It
is also regularly extending support services to the Department of Education
through the National School Maintenance Week (Brigada Eskwela), and Balik
Eskwela Program in the adopted barangays of the above-mentioned municipalities.
“With
this, we decided to partner with them in the conduct of activities to help the
poor,” he added.
Meanwhile,
Coronel said he was elated to partner with the 1FAB in providing basic social
services to the poor and marginalized sector.
DXPR,
he said is not only committed to continually provide news, information and
entertainment to its listeners but the company is also committed to deliver
social services as part of their corporate social responsibility.
Tukuran
Mayor Francisvic Villamero, one of the witnesses of the MOU signing in his
message said the partnership of 1FAB and DXPR is an effective approach to “win
the hearts and minds” of the people saying that it is a part of the “Bayanihan”
campaign implemented by the AFP in 2011.
Villamero
said the approach will correct the negative impression of the people on our
soldiers that they are bad especially during the Martial law years.
“I am very much willing to support your programs
and activities. I can provide you supplies
and men to facilitate the conduct of your activities,” Villamero volunteered.