DND-OPA - Philippine Defense Newsletter - 003 - June-July Issue

8/6/2019 DND-OPA - Philippine Defense Newsletter - 003 - June-July Issue

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Abusing privilege despite promising to servethis is the wang-wangmindset; this is the mindset of entitlement.

PAF: Flying High at 64 Finally, Housing for Soldiersby Dean M. Bernardo

Map shows relative distance of Housingprojects to Metro Manila.

or over six decades, the PHILIP-

PINE AIR FORCE has manifested its

unsullied devotion to its constitutional

duty in the service of the Filipino nation.

The commitment and dedication of its

ofcers and men and women have

been beyond reproach, and their cour-

age and patriotism presents no room for

question. Its pilots and airmen are, as

ever ready to undertake any air opera-

tion missions with the highest degree

of professional expertise and precision.

The role of this command in sup-

port of the mission of our ArmedForces has been both traditional and

non-traditional. In times of conict or

peace and quiet, its functions inter-

changeably encompass the pursuit of

all forms and facets of our national en-deavors - from political, to social, to economic.

Our military pilots and aircraft have been

anywhere and everywhere in our country and

its territorial borders and domains. They are

either in patrol and combat operations; in se-

curity coverage of our vital assets and installa-

tions; in airlift runs of personnel, supplies and

equipment; in search, rescue, and rehabilita-

tion missions during the advent of disasters

and calamities, in the transport of the sick and

wounded, and an endless enumeration of all

imaginable errands in the name and for the

good of our endeared Republic and people.

But the determination and enthusiasm

of our Air Force personnel to perform their

sworn duty cannot be matched by their ag-

ing and dwindling air assets. Our old aircraft

simply succumbed to wear and tear. Inevi-

tably, it left our air skippers with very few and

relatively obsolete and unsafe wings to y.

Like the Philippine Navy, this is the true andsad state of the Philippine Air Force today.

As we have been unending in our noisy clam-

ors to acquire potent replacements for our air

assets since three decades ago, we are now

louder and clearer in our desire to modernize.

As a preparatory move to acquire new air

platforms, in November of last year we initially

received and placed in our Air Force inventory

four (4) new SF 260F trainer aircraft. Today, all

of the eighteen (18) units of this type of aircraft

that we had ordered from a foreign manufacturer

had been delivered and are now in the service

of the Philippine Air Force. These air platforms

are certainly vital to the training needs of our pi-

lots as we await the acquisition of air hardware

that we must have to possess and y, to effec -

tively carry air missions and guard our skies.

The urgent goal of modernizing our Air Force,

our Navy and our Armed Forces for that matter is

seriously being undertaken by our national lead-

ership. This would certainly be a very important

factor in our many operational pursuits and en-

deavors as we vigorously pursue the implemen-tation of ourInternal Peace and Security Plan

Excerpts from the Speech ofDND Sec. Voltaire T. Gazmin,delivered on 1 July 2011, VillamorAir Base

In succeeding pages, our footnotes feature select quotes from President Benigno S. Aquino, IIIs 2nd State of the Nation Ad

E D I T O R I A L

he President, H.E. President Benig-S. Aquino, III recently delivered hisd State of the Nation Address beforejoint session of Congress and be-

e the general public, our bosses.

In his address, he specically dis-cted the impact of the utak wang-ngor the mentality of people whouse their authority and ofce at thepense of the Filipino nation. In theme speech, he gave emphasis on

futility of reform programs andiatives to bring progress to this na-n if there will be no genuine effortransform the way we t hink and act.

We all have a role in society inbuilding of a just, fair and mod- nation. We must actively become

rtners in the transformation of ouruntry and of our society as a whole.

Here in the Defense establishment,continue to build up our capabili-

s and ensure that we have a cred-e deterrence against external andernal threats. It is to the service ofople and country that we remainadfast in our commitment to protectr sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As we heed the call of our Presi -nt, and help in the elimination ofak wang-wang both in the pub-and private sectors we reect onat our National Hero, whose 150thth Anniversary we celebrated lastne 19, wrote in his farewell poem:

On the eld of battle, mid the fr enzyght/ Others have given their lives,hout doubt or heed/ The place mat-s not-cypress or laurel or lily white/affold or open plain, combat or mar-doms plight/ Tis ever the same, to

rve our home and countrys need.

R COVER: This edition features the opportunity for a number of our men and women in the Armed Forces to nally own their own home. Photos show H.E. Benignoquino, III; Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairman, Jejomar C. Binay; Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin; andGeneral Manager Atty. Chito M. Cruz distributing Certicates of Entitlement to Lot Allocation (CELAs) for 4,000 housing units and 900 door keys in Barangay Batia,ue Hills in Bulacan and the Lake Breeze Residences housing project in Barangay Looc, Calamba City. Among the recipients include members of the Major Armedces; Army, Navy (and Marines) and the Air Force. Our newsletter carries the color BLUE as a recognition for the 64th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force last July 1.

AAC/BMB

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eing a professional soldier, home is where accommodations are provided

for in your next assignment, one either brings along his family to the camp, and

to the next where duty calls.

Often, due to the demands of a mission, and even the dedication to the ser-

vice, opportunities to acquire a permanent home for a soldiers family is often

given least attention or priority.

Come retirement time, countless soldiers return to civilian life without a

place to call home, and clueless as to where their retirement pension could

take them.

This situation has come to the attention of S ecretary Voltaire T. Gazmin early

on his career as a commander of various units of the Philippine Army. Condi-

tions and plight for soldiers without a decent home and means of providing

for one has become one of the cornerstones of his term in ofce. Fortunately,

President Benigno S. Aquino, III shares the same sentiments and didnt take a

second thought to immediately act on addressing this problem.

Barely a month into the new administration, a program to provide affordable

housing was being devised and was to become a agship housing program, in-

itially to benet members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and thePhilippine National Police (PNP). On the 25th Anniversary of the EDSA Peo -

ple Power Revolution this year, the President announced that 20,000 housing

units will be built for military and police personnel.

The President issued Administrative Order 9 on 11 April 2011 that directs the

National Housing Authority (NHA) to formulate, implement and manage hous-

ing projects for 20,000 military and police personnel; while the Department of

Budget and Management (DBM) was tasked to give priority attention to fund

the Php4.29 billion housing program; and the Home Development Mutual Fund

(HDMF) or Pag-IBIG to prioritize nancial aid to the beneciaries through a "special loan windo

The program shall become part of the NHAs Socialized Housing Program through the Com

tive Approach to housing development. The President stressed that these housing projects s

cessible and affordable. The program will approximate the beneciaries housing allowance t

monthly amortizations for a maximum spread of 30 years.

On July 15, 2011, barely after two months from ground-breaking rites, President Aquino

Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairm

C. Binay, Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin and NHA General Manager Atty. Chito M. C r

Certicates of Entitlement to Lot Allocation (CELAs) to 4,000 housing units and 900 door key

Hills, Barangay Batia, Bulacan and in the Lake Breeze Residences housing project located

Looc, Calamba City.

There are also other housing projects in certain areas in Visayas and Mindanao which are o

ment/construction stage where by 2012, there will already be rst set of grantees.

Locations and accommodations

Initially, six pilot housing sites were selected near the National Capital Region.These are in

lacan, Cavite, Montalban, Rizal, Trece Martirez and General Trias in Cavite City, and in Bia

Laguna.

In terms of accessibility, the housing sites average 29 kilometers (18 miles) from the center o

Capital Region. The housing projects are near major road arteries and close to churches, schand other centers of business.

Types of houses being offered (subject to location) is a basic 22- square meter (sqm) o

a Standard Model House within a 36-sqm. lot offered at PhP140,000.00. The second is an

pandable to 25 sqm) Loft type House within a 40 sqm. lot for PhP173,000.00. Both types

are already less PhP35,000.00 worth of government subsidies.

Monthly amortization was pegged at PhP200.00 for the rst ve years. For the stan

house i.e. 22-sqm oor area and 36 sqm lot, the monthly amortization will be PhP1,30

Standard Model and PhP1,419.00 for the Loft Type House for the last ve years of the t

30th year).

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There was a time when we couldnt appropriately respond to threats in our own backyard. Now, our message to the world is ours is ours; setting foot on Recto Bank is no different from setting foot on Recto Avenue.

Winning in Both Fronts: Two Army Soldiers' TaleAbout Fatherhood and Soldiery

by Maj. Harold M. Cabunoc, P.A. -Deputy, Philippine Army Public Affairs Ofce

Turn to P

Chief Master Sergeant

GUILLERMO P. FRANCISCO, P.A.,

anihan". Compounding our extreme neces-

o modernize is the preponderance of the

ng Constitutional duty of our Armed Forc-

truly "secure the sovereignty of the state

he integrity of the national territory". This

must for our Armed Forces to do within the

ds of our pertinent Constitutional provisions.

The road to modernization for our military

ution is long and arduous. But the resolute

nwavering commitment to duty of our ofc-

nd men and women spurs inspiration and

wed trust of our citizens in our Armed Forc-

hus, it gives an added determination for our

nal leadership to provide our Armed Forces

decent assets and equipment to fulll its

ary constitutional mandate of safeguarding

overeignty and integrity of our Republic.

With these humble remembrances, I wishmmend the Philippine Air Force for its total

Page 3: PAF: Flying High at 64

Veterans Corner

Bereaved by a veteran killed in the l ineof duty?

Our government also has provisions for the parent,spouse, or unmarried minor child of a veteran who diedin line of duty or due to a service-connected disability orsickness. Below are the specic benets:

Surviving spouse, regardless of age: P1,000/month

Unmarried minor child: P1,000/month until the childreaches the age of 18

Parent: P1,000 each/month, single parent (with theright of accretion) P2,000/month.

mitment to ourInternal Peace and Security

"Bayanihan". It is very encouraging to note

we are solid in our belief that IPSP "Bayani-

is the genuine social platform in our com-

search for peace and solidarity for our na-

nd people. I can only believe in your theme,

Inyong Hukbong Himpapawid: Kaaki-

sa Kaunlaran at Kaisa sa Kapayapaan".

I say to those who would lead us astray: if you will further disadvantage the poor, do not even think about it. If all you would do is to llyour own pockets, do not even think about it. If it is not for the benet of the Filipino people, do not even think about it.

VMMC now has MRI machinehe Veterans Memorial Med-

ical Center(VMMC) recently re-ceived a Magnetic ResonanceImaging (MRI) machine fromthe United States Department ofVeterans Affairs (USDVA) duringa dedication ceremony recently.

His Excellency Harry K. Thom-as Jr., Ambassador Extraordi-nary and Plenipotentiary of theUnited States of America to theRepublic of the Philippines, ledthe turnover of the MRI machinewith Director Jon Skelly of theUS Department of Veterans Af-

fairs (USDVA) Manila RegionalOfce and USDVA Manila ClinicManager Dennis Brink. Alsopresent were USec. Eduardo G.Batac, Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans, andReserve Affairs representing Defense SecretaryVoltaire T. Gazmin joined by PVAO Adminis-trator, Lt. Gen. Ernesto G. Carolina AFP (Ret.).

Dr. Nona Legaspi, VMMC Director, re-ceived the MRI grant on behalf of the veter-ans community together with Dr. Franklin V.Gali, VMMC Assistant Director; Dr. DominadorChiong Jr., VMMC Chief of Professional Staff.

The said MRI Machine costs approxi-mately $1.3 million or P55.9 million. Since2003, the USDVA has donated over $5.7 mil-lion of medical equipment such as CT scan,radiography, uoroscopy and portable X-raymachine, and dialysis machines to the Veter-ans Hospital in line with an equipment grantprogram to VMMC, which the USDVA Sec-retary Eric Shinseki committed to continue.

F Commanding General Oscar Rabena andense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin

MRI is an advanced diagnostic technol-ogy that can provide detailed images of or-gans and tissues within the body. It is animaging instrument that uses powerful mag-nets and radio waves to create pictures of thebody. The image and resolution produced byMRI is detailed and accurate that it can de-tect tiny changes of structures within the bodythat CT scans, ultrasound, and X-rays cannot.

At present, VMMC team is currently undergo-ing training and establishing medical protocol orspecial operating procedures in the proper op-eration and administration of the MRI Machine.

Veterans and their dependents may availof the MRI scanning at no cost. Meanwhile,PVAO and VMMC employees and their de-pendents are entitled to a 20% discount.

Blessing of the new MRI facility with (from left) Amb. Harry K.Thomas. DND Usec. Eduardo Batac, PVAO Administrator ErnestoG. Carolina and VMMC Director, Dr. Nona Legaspi.

For two senior leaders in thePhilippine Army, achieving successas a professional soldier and as afamily man is possible.

OL. ARTHUR ANG, the current Brigade

Commander of the Armys 901st Infantry Bri-

gade in Daraga Albay, and CHIEF MASTER

SERGEANT GUILLERMO FRANCISCO, the

Armys Command Sergeant Major, said thatmilitary service and family life should go hand

in hand.Both 51, they believe that a soldier cant

afford to be successful in one and a failure onthe other. Failing in one would be personallydevastating. These two fathers take pride inbeing successful in both worlds.

For his part, Ang rmly believes that thereis no value of having a successful military

career but having a broken or dysfunctional

family.

The good news is that winning in bothfronts is achievable. Failure in one is never

an option, hence, nding the right balanceis paramount. The key lies on the under-

standing, cooperation, and having a com-

mon direction towards proper molding of

the children, explained Ang.

Meanwhile, Franciscos secret formulafor a successful marriage is not simply

communication but consistent commu-

nication which requires extra effort from

the couple.

Even before the popularity of the cel-

lular phones and the Internet, I never failed toconsistently communicate with my wife and

children as part of my responsibility as the

leader of my family. Im well aware that com -ing short of my obligation as a father wouldhave a negative impact on the well-being of

my family, he explained.

No time for Love

During the early days of their military ca-

reer, Army soldiers were normally sent to thefrontlines for their combat duties. Young and

adventurous, they were the workhorses of thePhilippine Army in its counter-insurgency op-

erations and other tasks.

Ang, wanting to have a piece of real ac -tion, started his military career ghting the

secessionist rebels in Basilan island as a Pla-

toon Leader of the 45th Infantry Battalion in1981. After a year, he found himself scaling

the mountain ranges of Luzon when his unitwas redeployed to confront the growing inu-ence of the communist terrorists there.

Due to the demands of my combat

assignment, I rarely met my parents and my

wife, Evangeline, who was still my girlfriend

then. Since I was still single in the rst fouryears of my military service, I focused on per-forming my job well as a company grade of-cer and learning other trade crafts as muchas I can, he conded.

Francisco, on the other hand, trainedas an elite Scout Ranger, scoured the hinter-lands of the Visayas islands as a young Pri -vate of the Armys Special Warfare Brigade inthe early 80s. When he was assigned withthe Armys rapid deployment force, the First

Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR), he found

himself hopping from one island

widening his forays to the enemin Mindanao and the lush forestsMadre mountain ranges.

In the FSRR, I had practfor love. At dutys call, we get to from one place to another in a m

tice. Soldiery became my rst rie as my wife! recounted Fralaugh. In the rst twelve years oI was single. It was in 1993 that beloved wife Annielyn.

Communicating with the Fami

While carrying out their jobs i

both Ang and Francisco tried theforming their other important ro

husband and a father. They have

value on family despite the time

and nancially-constraining mision.

They both believe that effecnication is the best remedy for t

from home and other family pr

Ang said that establishing cons

nication with his family has beehim. He said that the lack of p

in Basilan in the early 80s did nofrom maintaining constant conwife.

I wrote my love letters usingarette foil wrapper) then sent tany of my soldiers who is aboleave in Luzon, he narrated fon

With no advanced technolo

that could deliver real-time com

the military tactical radio set

preferred mode of communica

soldiers and their families duringThe ultra-high frequency (UHFURC 187, became the ever prectween soldiers and their loved on

Though connecting both en

said radio is cumbersome, it

served its purpose and made ev

py even for a moment. Ang saidavailed of this communication

his Unit liaison ofce in Fort Bonwas true for Francisco and his fa

The advent of the cellular p90s provided the means for th

reach their loved ones much e

an instant. Their family member

to go to nearby camps and quehours to avail of free calls using

radio.Ang, while undergoing a s

training in Australia, spent mulowances on phone cards. He v

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Hurdling the Long

Road to Advancemeby Ms. Cheyene Sanico

W

The New NDRRMC Logo his logo best represents the Na-tional Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management Council orNDRRMCs vi-tal role in our country. The 3 smaller darkblue circles stand for the three main is-lands of the Philippines (Luzon, Visayasand Mindanao) and the partially hiddenbiggest circle symbolizing the NDRRMC.

The line circles connecting them signi-es the connection of the country to thegovernment agency, with NDRRMC, as

T

We are also studying the possibility of elevating the case on the West Philippine Sea to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, tomake certain that all involved nations approach the dispute with calm and forbearance.

We are giving these poor families a chance to improve their lives, because their progress will be the countrys progress. Hobuy products and services from businesses if they do not have proper income?

the epicenter, as the main disaster-management organization. It also denotes themeaning of a ripple-effect, wherein events that happen to one part of the countryhas/ may have an effect to the other parts of the country. Thus making the actionsof the NDRRMC towards national occurences critical and decisive, making it animportant government bureau.

The word PROACTIVE is inscribed in the logo to represent the paradigm shiftfrom reactive to a proactive stance to realize the National Councils vision of hav-ing safer, adaptive and disaster resilient Filipino communities toward sustainabledevelopment.

Philippine Army is winning its ghtnst the lawless elements and ter-

st rebels in Basilan province. Peo-of Basilan have appreciated the

sence of the Special Operationsmmand (SOCOM) forces of the Phil-ne Army since last quarter of 2010.

t least 2,000 strong Army forces are

ently deployed in the island to checkpate of abductions and acts of terror-

perpetrated by a group of Abu Sayyafits. Since its deployment, the unit has

ed signicant gains in its campaignradicate the per-f terrorism in thehern Philippines.nteresting to notethe recent ac-

plishments are at-ted to the steadyof valuable infor-on from the civil-opulace.

Composed ofy trained Scoutgers and Speciales, the Specialrations Taske (SOTF) re-

ed the 1st Marineade which wasployed to Cen-

Mindanao late last

ning the war: The right approach

Though war-ghting remains to be thecompetency of the Philippine Army,

organization is adopting a non-tradi-l approach in its drive to ush out therious lawless bandits.The soldiers are using the right mix

military operations to effectively ad-s the situation in this remote islanded for its being the playing groundshe rebels who call themselves muja-ens(Islamic warriors).

The SOTF is addressing the so calledBasilan Problem not only through ag-gressive combat operations, but alsothrough the conduct of peace and develop-ment initiatives. While the notorious crimi-nals are being hunted down, a componentof soldiers are busy with their communityoutreach programs such as medical/den-tal missions and the Brigada Eskwela.The SOTF has also involved the variousstakeholders in its various peace and de-velopment efforts. Dialogues with the boththe Muslim and Christian communities are

included in the agenda.In several occasions, the soldiers areworking hand in hand with their civiliancounterparts for common activities thatbenet the people. The presence of the

soldiers is always felt not only during se-curity patrols but also during non-combat

activities.Due to the continuous threats against

project implementers, the soldiers arealso conducting security operations insupport to the on-going Basilan circumfer-ential road project.

In an isolated incident, Virgilio Fernan -dez, 59, a project engineer was abductedwhile on his way to a road project in Lami-tan town on June 3. In a daring combat-rescue mission behind enemy lines, he

A Review of the ArmysGains in Basilanversus the ASG

Turn to Page 9 ...

ith an unwavering commitmits modernization objectives, theArsenal (GA) has been exertingfor over a decade now to nd wayto realize its much-awaited upgraizing the GA will improve its prodity and capability which will enablin-country self-reliance in the m

small arms ammunition (SAA) ain other defense products. It will aGA to fully support the require

AFP, PNP and other law enforccies for SAA.

One of the steps taken by Gmodernization is to procure six

ment which are expected to inannual production capacity fromsupportability of the AFPs req

5.56mm, 7.62mm and Cal .45 am2013. Through the efforts of thGA, Jonathan Martir, the amoufrom the AFP Modernization Ac

had, so far, been approved by tfor National Defense for the pro

said equipment, ve of which arpost-qualication, while one is du

Another move is to engage in

ders into a joint venture with GAmanufacture of assault ries at ngovernment. To date, letters fromcompanies were received by Gtheir interest in entering into a j

One proposal is for the refurbishmunits of defective M16 ries in thtory which may eventually evolvcal manufacture of small arms. T

venture proposal is for the in-coun

ture of M4 ries at no expense to Government, as the needed capitwill all be coming from the propgotiating Committee has been c

Department to review/rene theaccordance with the requirement

In the midst of these undertastill has a long way to go beforefully-capable and modernized

with the full support from the DNational Defense and the Philip

ment, the GA is optimistic that it cobstacles and challenges along t

by Maria Sylvia Victoria TorralbaWinner of the AFP Facebook Essay Writing

The AFP: Winning PeaceThru Hearts And Minds

Ranndolf M. Javier, Eric John San Miguel, & Maria

Sylvia Victoria Torralba, are the three winners in theAFP

Facebook Essay Writing (On-line) Contestlaunched on July

7, 2011 in the AFP Facebook Fan Page. This i s one venue

to further promote AFPs positive and active engagement

with the public especially with the active users of the social

networking sites -

Facebook:

http://facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines;

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/TeamAFP.

he AFP has taken the ght againstthreat to national security to the nexthigher level - and hopefully to its last andnal level, when it has taken its standto promote internal peace and securitythrough winning the hearts and mindsof the people. Who says that our militaryis the number one violator of our humanrights and is abusive of power? Thinkagain....

Our soldiers have touched base withlocal government ofcials and their com-munities, inuential leaders, religioussectors, down to the grassroots withinthe locality in promoting and protectingthe welfare of its people. Certain stra-

tegic programs have been developedwhich readily interact with the societyand provided a fair and favourable venuewherein issues and concerns among thestakeholders and communities can beresolved. Hence, the military is the mostconcrete proof that best exemplies thegovernment's unwavering effort to endarmed conict through peaceful resolu-tion.

Needless to say, even in the most iso-lated communities where there is conictand intense poverty, military doctors andnurses, dentists, engineers, uniformed

personnel, rescue and relief teams arebeing deployed to engage in various out-reach programs and relief operations soas to create a social mindset that everycommunity is in union with the govern-ment, thus, assures its populace thatthey are being taken care of.

This is the most powerful tool in itsmost just and legitimate form in winningthe allegiance of the people back to thegovernment and taking it away from therebels without resorting to use of forceand, at the same time, regaining the trustand condence of the society.

Photo courtesy of Makamandag Battalion

Commanding General of the Philippine Army Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortizinspects conscated weapons from rebel returnees.

Turn to Page 10 ...

From Page 5: Winning in Both Fronts

the lines chatting with his wife and only son,

Arthur Angelo, sharing their respective expe-riences. Similarly, through his own cellular

phone, Francisco continuously performed his

role as a father even when he was in the hin-terlands of Basilan sometime in 2002.

I helped my children with their schoolhomework through text messages and phonecalls. I helped them solve the problems by re-

laying the answers through text messages,he narrated with a wide grin.

The military father

Mrs. Ang and Mrs. Francisco quit their re-

spective jobs to be full-time housewives andmothers.

My wife abandoned her career to

look after our son 24/7. We knew from the

very start that it would mean nancial dif-culty but our sons welfare and correct

upbringing was our top priority, Ang reso-

lutely said.

Francisco ably convinced his wife to quither job by the time their eldest child, Ange-

line, was born. He didnt want to follow othersoldiers who chose to tag along their familieseven in far-ung military detachments. Iwanted my children to be personally rearedby their mother in a family-friendly community

while I was far away.I delegated most of my fatherly duties to

my wife and I was lucky that she performedthem very well. My wife is one tough cookie.She is a mother who can truly enforce orderin our household. Im truly fortunate to have

her as my wife, Francisco said warm heart-edly.

Being constantly away from home, militarychildren are normally closer to their mothers

than to their soldier-father. Aware of this fact,Ang and his wife constantly remind their sonabout his fathers sacrices in the service ofthe country and the nobility of the military pro-

fession. Through his wife, Ang ably remainedas the father-gure in his sons life despite his

long absence.

Ang also believes that military fathersshould not be too harsh on their children.

Dealing with the kids is a bit tricky and can

easily go haywire especially if they are

treated in a martial manner.

As a father who is most of the timeaway from home, I cannot afford spending mylimited time mistreating my son. I think that

children who are mistreated by their soldier-father tend to become rebellious. Every time I

come home, I set for our bonding moments

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All of these things we are doing will be wasted if we do not do something to end the culture of corruption. To my colleagues in public service, from those atthe top and to every corner of the bureaucracy: Do we not feel the pride that working in government now brings? That, now, we are proud to be identied asworkers in government?

What is wrong remains wrong, regardless of how long it has been allowed to persist. We cannot simply let it pass. If we ignore the crimes of

will continue to haunt us. And if we do not hold people accountable, then they will do it again and again.

ing Gears from coordinating dis-rs to reducing and managing d isas-sk.

he acronym NDRRMC for the Nationalster Risk Reduction and Managementncil comes a bit challenging to spellfor both the media and the public whobeen used to hearing about the NDCCe erstwhile National Disaster Coordi -

g Council. Even government ofcialslly needed extra effort to pronounceR-R-M-C when the term was ofciallyted almost a year ago this July.terRepublic Act 10121 orThe Phil-

ne Disaster Risk Reduction andagement Act of 2010was passed by14th Congress, the new Chairper-of the National Council, Secretary ofonal Defense Voltaire T. Gazmin over-he crafting of its Implementing RulesRegulations (IRR) which he approved7 September 2010. Thus, the expand-

NDRRMC through its executive armsecretariat, the Ofce of Civil D efenseD) took further steps toward achievingroactive shift from traditional disaster

agement which focused more on dis-r response coordination, to disastereduction and management.e of N DRRMCs signicant differencesmposition compared to NDCC is thesion for multi-sectoral representatione national and local councils throughmembership for representatives fromsociety and the private sector. With the

and institutional bases for disasterreduction and management in place,

ster risk reduction will be more inten-y pursued at all levels of governmentell as across various sectors.As required by RA 10121, the Nationalster Risk Reduction and Manage-t Framework (NDRRM Framework)been developed by the NDRRMC fol-g a series of regional and national con-tions; and approved for adoption by

Chair and Vice-Chairs of the NDRRMC6 June 2011. The NDRRM Frameworks with it key principles, outcomes, and

key result areas which will serve as strate-gic guideposts to achieve the overarchinggoal of a having a safer, adaptive and dis-aster-resilient Filipino communities towardsustainable development.

To operationalize the ND RRM Frame-work into more concrete terms, a NationalDisaster Risk Reduction and Manage-ment Plan (NDRRM Plan) is currentlybeing developed and will be rolled out forimplementation byAugust 2011. A NationalDisaster Response Plan will also be de-veloped in tandem with the NDRRM Plan,even as the OCD continues to provide andcoordinate training services to various lo-cal stakeholders to improve their prepared-ness capacities for a more coordinated andeffective disaster response.

Given its expanded mandate, OCD isworking with relevant government agen-cies to promote a more effective main-streaming of disaster risk considerationsinto development policies, planning andprogramming. Investments are being madein mainstreaming disaster risk reductionin education through integration in schoolcurriculum and teaching materials and ininitiatives that will enhance the capacitiesof local government units in enhancing dis-aster preparedness and integration of dis-

climate risk management in the immedi-ate and long-term. In the same vein, theNational Framework Strategy on ClimateChange has systematically integratedDRR concepts and agenda, following themandate of Republic Act 9729 or the Cli -mate Change Act of 2009, which requiresthat national and sub-national governmentpolicies, plans and programs are foundedupon sound environmental considerationsand sustainable development.

Leveraging on these mutually support-ive legal and institutional frameworks, aMemorandum of Understanding has beenforged between the NDRRM Council andthe Climate Change Commission in F ebru-

ary 2011 as a means to harmonize multi-disciplinary efforts, collaborate on mutuallyreinforcing initiatives, and synergize theuse of resources for a more climate-smartdisaster risk reduction and climate resilientdevelopment.

Changing peoples mindset for a cultureof disaster resilience

To promote a culture of disaster resiliencein the country, the OCD conducts sustainedadvocacy and outreach activities. Since1999, the observance of the National Dis-aster Consciousness Month (NDCM) is

Shifting Towards a Safer, Adaptive and

Disaster Resilient Philippines

Turn to Page 11 ...aster risk reduction in local develop-ment and land use planning.

NDRRMC has further fortied itsresolve to continue and intensify on-going efforts in implementing disas-ter risk reduction initiatives that areholistic, comprehensive, and proac-tive in lessening the socio-economicand environmental impacts of disas-ters including climate change. Theapproach to disaster risk manage-ment is one that is also inclusive withthe participation of all sectors andstakeholders at all levels, particular-

ly, the community.Recognizing that disaster risk re-

duction (DRR) and climate changeadaptation (CCA) are strongly in-terrelated, the NDRRM Frame-work has adopted CCA as one ofits cross-cutting pillars. DRR is therst line of defense against impactsof climate change and thus mustcomplement CCA measures andcoping mechanisms being imple-mented by communities to enhance

was successfully rescued by the SOTF troops 16 days later, on June 19.The non-combat roles performed by the soldiers have made a signicant impact

among the local populace. Our friends among the Muslim communities are now pro -viding information leading to the arrest of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits and seizureof several rearms.

In one instance, the SOTF was able to collar a notorious ASG bandit Masib Ya-cob after he was being positively identied by a concerned resident while the formerwas freely roaming around Isabela City. This is followed by the arrest of AbduhrahmanAndang, one of the partici-pants of the Lamitan siegein 2001. He was thrownbehind bars for his variouscriminal offenses includingkidnapping and illegal de-tention.

The series of armedclashes are also said tobe the products of real-time intelligence provided

by civilian tipsters. At leastthree separate encounterswere recorded in the pasttwo months resulting in theseizure of several high-powered rearms.

Promoting Human Rights: The Noble WarriorsSince its deployment in the area, the SOTF-Basilan has posted an excellent record

on human rights protection. In many instances, the soldiers spared the lives of the ac-cused terrorists when they (enemies) were no longer capable of ghting.

Colonel Alexander Macario, the Commander of the SOTF Basilan, said that humanrights protection is among his advocacies.

I always remind the soldiers that battles are not always won by annihilating theenemies. Gone are the days that we are being accused as trigger-happy soldiers whodo not care for collateral damage, he said.

Macario said that his unit commanders are required to educate the soldiers abouttheir roles as protectors of the people. He wanted to change the peoples negativeperception about the military.

In the past, the Muslim people consider the soldiers, most of whom are Christians,as their oppressors. It appears that the so-called Spanish expeditions which targetedthe Muslim rebels who refused to bow before the Spanish authority during the colo-nial times, have left an indelible mark in the minds of our Muslim brothers, Macarioexplained.

The recent events in the ground are good indications that the military is indeed gain-ing grounds in its security operations.

Sustaining the ght

Aware that the ght against the Abu Sayyaf cannot be won by bullets alone, theSOCOM Forces are continuously performing their missions.

The Army leadership had issued the unit with fast sea crafts that are used to pursuethe rebels even in the high seas. These assets were also instrumental for putting incheck the smuggling activities in the Sulu Sea.

To improve its capabilities, soldiers are also continuously undergoing mission-essential training, at times assisted by its counterparts from the US Forces.

Army Chief Lieutenant General Arturo Ortiz is condent that the SOCOM forces canput to an end the Abu Sayyaf menace. He also believes that the soldiers can effectivelyperform its other role which is to support the development initiatives in the area.

I have high hopes that our soldiers can make a difference in Basilan province. Win-ning Basilan is what will make us proud as soldiers, Lt. Gen Ortiz he said.

A Review of the Armys Gains ... from page 6 DND Joins National GovExpo and Trade Fair

Usec. Eduardo G. Batac, USCVRASec. Hermino Colomo of the Pr

Communications Operations Of(center) at the DND boot

The Department of N

fense (DND) through theformation Ofce was amgovernment agencies/goowned, controlled corporattook active part during theGovernment Expo and Theld at the SM Mall of As10-13, 2011.

The DND photo exhibthe signicant accomplishinitiatives of the departmeas that of the different bureit.

Organized by the Kaples Movement, a nomulti-sectoral voluntary moconcerned citizens, this ytheme was Maging Mab

pino: Makialam, Maki-alaipagtulungan sa Pamaha

The four-day event waof the mandate containedrandum Circular No. 12 Malacanang on Decembeauthorizing all governmenand instrumentalities to e

port and participation in thof the Kabisig National GExpo and Trade Fair 2011.

During the event, the ing government ofces anment nancial institutionsto showcase their respectiservice facilities and projects, products and acments of the national gove


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We are steering our government in a clear direction. A country where opportunity is available; where those in need are helped; whereeveryones sacrices are rewarded; and where those who do wrong are held accountable.

Let us end the culture of negativism; let us uplift our fellow Filipinos at every opportunity. Why are there people who enjoy nding fault in who nd it so hardas though it were a sinto say something nice? Let us make the effort to recognize the good that is being done. If youright, do not think twicepraise it.

held during the month of July every year.This years theme is: Makialam. Maki-isa. Sa Pagsugpo ng Panganib mayMaitutulong Ka, which encouragesand empowers the people, the commu-nity, and the entire nation to take proac-tive steps toward disaster risk reduction.

The Gawad KALASAG Awards, a

age the economic impacts of disasters.Working together with institutions and

stakeholders like business, media, pro-fessional associations, civil society, andthe general public, the OCD will continueto sustain its momentum towards en-hancing the countrys resilience to disas-ters and attain sustainable development.

As demonstrated in the past year, pro-active disaster risk communication particu-larly prior to impending typhoons such asJuan in October 2010 and Falconjustlast month, early warnings were issued byPAGASA which the media disseminatedand the public headed. Following the guid-ance of H.E. President Benigno S. AquinoIII, council members down to the communi-ty levels have instituted responsive meas-ures so as to avoid disaster losses in termsof lives, properties and means of livelihood.

Looking anew at the big picture of dis-asters and their development impacts

The United Nations International Strate-gy for D isaster Reductions Global Assess-ment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction2011 shows that globally more people arebeing protected from disasters. The risk ofbeing killed by a cyclone or ood is lower to-day than it was 20 years ago. However, thisis not the case for those who live in a coun-try with weak governance. The bigger badnews is that economic damage and losseshave increased due to the same disasters.What is more alarming is that across allregions, economic losses continue to bein an upward spiral and seriously threatenthe economies of low-income countries.

The same trends are apparent in the P hil-ippines. According to a UNISDR - WorldBank report in 2010, in the last 30 years,even though the number of disaster eventshas tripled, the reported number of deathshas decreased slightly and the number ofaffected population staying more or less thesame, but the economic losses incurred by

nationwide search for excellence in theeld of disaster risk reduction and man -agement and humanitarian assistance, isalso regularly conducted by the NDRRMCNational Selection Committee, chairedby the Department of the Interior and Lo-cal Government (DILG). The search isconducted nationwide recognizing the ex-ceptional contributions of the various DRM

practitioners in rebuilding the resilienceof nations and communities to disasters.

The national awarding of GawadKALASAGwinners, which is traditionallyheld at the Malacaang Palace, will be on12 October this year (coinciding with theASEAN Day for Disaster Management andInternational Day for Disaster Reduction).

The OCD, as the National Focal Pointfor the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA),the global blueprint and policy for disas-ter risk reduction, afrms its commitmentby continuing to build resilience in indi-viduals, families, communities, and insti-tutions and ensuring that the country canbuild back better when a disaster occurs.

The Philippines, through OCD, is alsotaking an active role in the implementa-tion of the ASEAN Agreement on Dis-aster Management and EmergencyResponse. After a year of steering, theAdministrator of OCD turned over theChairmanship of the ASEAN Committeefor Disaster Management to Singaporein February this year. Further, the Philip-pines, as current Chair of the RegionalConsultative Committee of the Asian Dis-aster Preparedness Center, prioritizes the

need to scale up community level action forDRR in all high risk communities in Asia.

Pursuing an evidence-based approachto disaster risk reduction, the OCD con-tinues to work with various internationalorganizations and partners to conducthazard mapping and risk assessments ofhigh-risk provinces in the country, includinga comprehensive risk assessment studyof Metro Manila. A study on risk transferis also being conducted to expand nanc-ing options by the government to man-

From Page 8: Shifting Towards aSafer, Adaptive and DisasterResilient Philippines

m Page 5: Winning in Both Fronts: Two Armydiers Tale of Soldiery & Fatherhood

Army Colonel ARTHUR ANG, Commander of the PA 901st IB with his wife and son

during his assignment as Defense Attach to Beijing, China.

dren, Francisco said that they are his main

accomplishments. He aims to motivate hisfellow soldiers to follow his path.

For the past years, I have not celebrated

Fathers Day but I did this year. I did it by set-

ting myself as an example that being a good

soldier-father is very much possible.

The dual role of being a father and a sol-dier is a challenge that we need to overcome

and succeed. Yes, having a good career is re-warding but having a wonderful family is truly

satisfying personally and spiritually. And torespectfully quote and modify few lines from

George Skypecks poem:

I was that which others did not wantto beI asked nothing from those whogave nothing. And reluctantly accepted thethought of eternal loneliness... should I fail.I have seen the face of terror; felt the sting-ing cold of fear; and enjoyed the sweet tasteof a moments love. I have cried, pained,and hoped...but most of all, I have livedtimes others would say were best forgotten.At least someday, I will be able to say thatI was proud of what I was...a soldieranda good father to my family,Francisco self-effacingly said in closing.

s to create good memories about my

ence, he explained.

Stressing that soldiery is a tough jobneeds tough soldiers, Ang said that it

necessity that they (soldiers) must nde who understands their profession. Itough role to be a mother and a parent

se children single-handedly most of the

It should be noted that a soldier will beto work best if he is condent that hisy is well taken care of back home, he

en moments

When I was a Battalion Commandertaan, my wife used to request that my

be allowed to take the written exams innce so that they can spend time with me

er during school breaks. Because I cant

ome to spend vacation, my family usually

e to my headquarters in the eld to stayme for a week or two. We made neces -adjustments to maintain our excellent

onship, he further expressed.

I decided to bring them

along with me in mynew assignment. Ourstay in Beijing was

probably the best

time in our lives. For

three years, we lived

normally as one hap-

py family. My son

became my barkada

(best friend). That

part of our lifetime as

a family is priceless

and I owe it to my

military service, Ang

conded.

Winning in both fronts

Among military men, winning both in

the home front and in their military career

is an outstanding accomplishment.

Knowing that my son has never beeninto any vice is already a big success for me.

He has acquired the right attitude of a Filipino

citizen and he never bragged about his sol-

I think that children who are mistreated bytheir soldier-father tend to become rebellious.As an enlisted man, Francisco usu-

avails of the 15-day Rest and Recrea -R&R) privilege once every six months.

n he was posted in remote assignments,ant he can spend only about 10 days

his family taking into consideration travel

Whenever I am home, I maximized

me with my wife and children. Every

ent was an opportunity to make up

my absence by being with them all the

I keep telling myself that I am a Scoutger, therefore, I can do everything for the

re of everybody especially for my fam-e afrmed.

When Ang was posted for three years asitary attache in China in 2006, his fam -ade a difcult choice. He convinced hiswho was a BS Economics sophomore inos Banos to temporarily quit his collegees to join him to Beijing. All that he want-as to strengthen his relationship with hisHe noticed that his son was closer to hisand that he was drifting away from him.

Despite the feeling that I was not a stran -o him, my son seemed to conde more tomother. Somehow, I envied my wife so

dier-father nor abuse his fathers position. I

could not contain my happiness knowing thathe has appreciated my military service and

that he fully appreciates the sacrices of oursoldiers and their families in the service of our

country.

He never whined about my continuousabsence. I also owe everything to my lovingand supportive wife, Evangeline. To becomea General ofcer is already a bonus for

me and I will repay our country with my

honest and dedicated service until my re-

tirement day in August 2015, Ang humbly

vowed.Meanwhile, as the most ranking non-

commissioned ofcer (NCO) in the PhilippineArmy, Francisco is at the pinnacle of his ca-

reer. Having been recognized as one of the

most respected NCO-leaders in the AFP, he

is also an awardee of Metrobank and RotaryClub Makati-Metros The Outstanding Philip-

pine Soldiers in 2007. Truly, he is an accom-plished soldier.

Francisco is now busy doing some roundsamong Army eld units and consulting withthe soldiers while sharing his lifes valuablelessons. Proud of his six well-disciplined chil -

the country increased drasticathan 17 times. Accordingly, theexpect to lose US$ 1.208 billioPhp 56 billion at current excevery 20 years due to natura

The Report also revealgovernments may have improaster preparedness measurepreemptive evacuation, a largthe population and societal asvery much at risk due to rapid u

The Philippines is still onedisaster-prone countries in thecountrys exposure to disastlarge extent due to its geogration and physical characteristrisk includes exposure to supand other extreme weather, lated droughts, projected rainand projected temperature in

Departm

riculture mates thagricultution lossmild El Nio could 8.09 billio20.46 bila severeFloodingserious ing the cto rainabout b

and the monsoon. Furthercated in the tectonically actFire, the country is exposedous earthquakes and volcani

Natural hazards will alwaybut disasters need not be. Ncontinue to develop and enhantrys capacities to address the of vulnerabilities to disasterslocal and national institutionter risk reduction and managbuild the resilience of the pecially in these times of a chang

Meanwhile, as the Filipino peopletongue-twisting acronym of N-D-

task at hand is to put into action

shifting frameworks and plans set b


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Documents

DND-OPA - Philippine Defense Newsletter - 003 - June-July Issue