A Look at the Life of a Soldier’s Orphan• Jennelyn Joy Bajao-Gabuco

Human life is defined by many constant struggles. The struggle to find food to feed one’s family, to get

over a heartbreak, to cope with separation, and the list goes on. The struggle may be physical, emotional, spiritual or financial. Yet above all these, we share a common ground, an ultimatum, if you will, and that is the fact that we should all strive to rise up after each fall if we are to survive. I am an orphan, a soldier’s orphan to be exact. The fact that my father died for our country’s cause is one often overlooked by many. Many people live secure, carefree, and unaware of the dangers that brave men and women face to fight for an idea that is abstract and often incomprehensible to those who most benefit from it.

It was January 19, 2006 when I lost the very first man of my life—I lost him a day before my birthday. When my mother

Small Team wiTh a loud VoiceArmy’s Loudspeaker Team in Zamboanga Seeing the physical condition of fighters belonging to the Moro National Liberation Front, all spent with days of running and engaging the government in fierce gunfights was a sorry sight. And yet, the government troops who have been fighting for days felt a sigh of relief. Many have surrendered.

Much earlier, infantry troops backed by air power continue to extract the MNLF rebels from their holing places.

Just a few days prior to that, Philippine Army Civil Military Operations (CMO) Team from the Civil-Military Operations Group (CMOG) had made their presence felt at Brgys Sta Catalina and Sta Barbara in Zamboanga City. Under the operational control of the Task Force Zampelan, the team headed by Maj Omar B Hagada was tasked to provide information support to ground troops in the localities under siege, two of which are Barangays Sta Catalina and Sta Barbara.

Lt Gen Noel A Coballes, Army chief, scrutinizes the MLX4, a loud speaker prototype, developed by Civil-Military Operations Group in its effort to help Army troopers in their conduct of disaster relief, rescue and humanitarian operations.

aRmY eXTeNdS Reach aS aTN GoeS oN liNe FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Lt Gen Noel A Coballes, Philippine Army commanding general, led the formal launching of the official website of the Army Troopers Newsmagazine, the command’s longest existing publication.

* Turn to page 3

* Turn to page 3

Role of Public Affairs Corps Strengthened

* Turn to page 7

20 SiBilYaNG KawaNi, PiNaRaNGalaN KauGNaY NG 113 aNiBeRSaRYo NG PamBaNSaNG SeRBiSYo SiBil Dalawampung sibilyang kawani ng Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas ang binigyan ng pagkilalala sa isang seremonya na ginanap sa Philippine Army Officers’ Clubhouse, Setyembre 15, kaugnay ng ika-113 anibersaryo ng Pambansang Serbisyo Sibil na may paksang diwa na: “Tatak Lingkod Bayani: Isabuhay, Ipagmalaki at Ipagbunyi.”

Some 20 Public Affairs Officers from the Philippine Army attended the three-day 2nd Annual Division Public

Affairs Officers Summit held at the PA Officers Clubhouse, September 11 to 13.

The Summit served as a venue for gathering inputs, comments, and feedbacks from different Division Public Affairs Officers for a more strengthened Public Affairs Corps. It also attempted to complement the traditional top-down approach to policy and decision making with a bottom-up approach.

The summit started with the participants undergoing pre-activity interview to get their expectations and ascertain their responsibilities in their respective units.

In the opening ceremony, Col Ramiro Manuel A Rey, AC of S for CMO, G7, PA, welcomed the participants and enjoined them to help enhance the capabilities of the

DPAOs in order to achieve organizational and performance excellence.

BGen Rey Leonardo B Guerrero, PA Chief of Staff, as keynote speaker, enjoined the participants to actively participate in the summit for an endless pursuit of organizational advancement.

After the opening program, Cpt Jeffrex G Molina, Chief, Public Affairs Branch, OG7, PA, gave an overview of the three-day activity.

The first lecturer, Mr Norberto “Bing” Formento, a renowned radio broadcaster, kicked off the lecture series with his presentation on Radio Broadcasting. He highlighted the role of media in our society based from his vast experiences in covering important military and historical events in the country.

* Turn to page 3 * Turn to page 6

during 2nd Public Affairs Summit 2013

September 2013

2Army Troopers NewsmAgAziNe

TheArmyTroopersNewsmagazineistheofficialpublicationofthePhilippineArmy. ItispublishedquarterlybythePhilippineArmythroughtheCivil-MilitaryOperationsGroup,FortAndresBonifacio,MetroManila1201.ItprovidesaforumfortheopenandhonestexchangeofideasandconceptsconcerningthePhilippineArmy.ThearticlespublishedintheATNdonotreflecttheofficialviewofthePhilippineArmyexceptwhenspecificallystated.Thoughwedonotacceptresponsibilityfortheopinionsoftheauthors,wedoacceptresponsibilityforgivingthemtheopportunitytobepublished.Thispublicationisapprovedforpublicrelease.OfficialdistributionistounitsandofficesofthePhilippineArmy,theArmedForcesofthePhilippines,andthePhilippinegovernment.Forreproductionsorre-publication,authorityresideswiththeauthor. RequestscanbeforwardeddirectlytotheauthororthroughtheEditor-in-chiefwhowill makethenecessaryrepresentation.TheATNreservestherighttoeditthematerialssubmitted.TheATNacceptsarticleswritteneitherinEnglishorFilipino.Contributionsandrequestforinformationcanbeaddressedto:TheEditor-in-chief,ArmyTroopersNewsmagazine,CMOG,PAFortAndresBonifacio,MetroManila1201.

Editorial Board

LT GEN NOEL A COBALLES AFPCommanding General

MGEN ESSEL C SORIANO AFPVice Commander

BGEN REY LEONARDO B GUERRERO AFPChief of Staff

COL GILBERT I GAPAY GSC (CAV) PASecretary General Staff

COL RENE GLEN O PAJE GSC (INF) PAAC of S for Personnel, G1

COL MACAIROG S ALBERTO GSC (MI) PAAC of S for Intelligence, G2

COL MELQUIADES L FELICIANO GSC (INF) PAAC of S for Operations, G3

COL JESSIE MARIO B LOZADA GSC (QMS) PAAC of S for Logistics, G4

COL RODEL MAURO R ALARCON GSC (INF) PAAC of S for Plans, G5

COL ARNOLD F ANDALES (MNSA) PAAC of S for CEIS, G6

COL RAMIRO MANUEL A REY GSC (INF) PA AC of S for CMO, G7

COL ARNEL B DELA VEGA GSC (INF) PAAC of S for Education and Training, G8

COL NICOLAS B PASION JR GSC (INF) PAAC of S for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, G9

LTC RANDOLPH G CABANGBANG (INF) PAArmy Chief, Public Affairs

Editorial Staff

COL ARNULFO MARCELO B BURGOS JR INF (GSC) PAPublisher

LTC WENEFREDO O ARCEÑO SR GSC (CE) PAEditor-in-chief

MAJ MIGUEL L RAMON (INF) PAExecutive Editor

Lydia V CabajarEditorial Consultant

ILT GEMIRA R DY (MI) PAAssociate Editor

Carina C PastranoManaging Editor

CRSS Branch, OG3, PAMaj richard t servito (cav) Pa

Office of the army chief Public affairsKarel s dabu

jennelyn joy Bajao-GabucoMr. ian alfonso

Contributors

Pfc cesar P Lopez (inf) PaPfc Noel M Bernardino (inf) Pa

Pfc renmark aaron M austria (inf) PaPhotographers

Editoryal

Marami ang tiyak na maninibago sa pagtanggap nila ng bagong mukha ng Army Troopers Newsmagazine. Mula sa isang full-colored newsmagazine ay muli na naman itong mailalathala sa dati nitong tabloid format.

Bunsod ito ng pagkakaroon ng armynews.ph, na nagkaroon na ng sarili nitong website. Dahil hindi naman lahat ng yunit ay may internet, maglalathala pa rin ng hard copy ng ATN ang CMOG para sa mga tropa, lalo na yung mga nakatalaga sa field.

Taong 2007 nang huling lumabas ang ATN sa tabloid format. Huling quarter naman ng 2007 nang unang lumabas ang ATN colored magazine.

Noong ipagdiwang ng Civil-Military Operations Group ang ika-60 taon nitong pagkakatatag, tinampukan ito ng paglulunsad ng pagiging on-line ng Army Troopers Newsmagazine. Si Lt Gen Noel A Coballes, namumunong Heneral ng Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas, ang siya mismong nag-anyaya sa mga panauhing nandoon na bisitahin ang armynews.ph website.

Makakaasa ang aming mambabasa na magiging kasiya-siya at kawili-wili ang mga nilalaman ng aming newsmagazine upang palaging aabangan at hihintayin ang mga susunod pang isyu.

Pagkakataon na rin ito upang anyayahan ang lahat ng netizens dito sa Hukbong Katihan na ugaliing dalawin ang armynews.ph upang matungyahan ang pinakahuling kaganapan sa ating Hukbo. Gayundin, lahat ng may mga kakayahan na magsulat ay inaanyayahan na magsumite ng kanilang kontribusyon, maaaring press release, tula, kwento, sanaysay, feature articles, jokes o pick-up lines na nakakaaliw basta ang paksa ay may kaugnayan sa militar at magiging kapaki-pakinabang sa mga kawal-katihan.

Ang ATN ay pahayagan para sa mga kasundaluhan. Ipaalam ninyo sa amin ang inyong concerns, issues o mga komento na makapag-aambag para sa kabutihan o kapakanan ng ating organisasyon at ng mga kawal-katihan at bibigyan namin kayo ng espasyo sa ating newsmagazine.

Sa mahigit na dalawang taon ng Army Transformation Roadmap matapos itong mailunsad, ramdam na ramdam ang epekto nito na mababanaag sa mataas na antas ng morale ng mga kawal at sa mababang bilang ng mga kasong kinapapalooban ng mga kasundaluhan.

Narito ang ATN upang maging isa sa mga instrumento para sa positibong magaganap na pagbabago sa Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas. Bukas ang pahayagang ito upang maging tagapag-ugnay sa pagitan ng pamunuan ng Hukbo at sa mga tauhang bumubuo sa organisasyon.

Kung may nais kayong iparating na kapuri-puring tagumpay ng inyong yunit, ipadala lamang sa amin upang maisama sa mga sumusunod na isyu. Maaaring itong ipadala sa:

PatnugutanArmy Troopers Newsmagazine

Public Affairs Division, RPCCivil-Military Operations Group

Philippine ArmyFort Bonifacio, Makati City

Maaari ring mag-email sa troopersmag@yahoo.com o kaya ay sa dixie_lheed@yahoo.com.

Hayaang maging tinig ninyo ang ATN upang maipabatid sa publiko ang mga ginagawa ng ating Hukbo para sila ay mapaglingkuran at maipagtanggol.

“ATN”: This is For You Troopers

Ang Pagbabalik

3Army Troopers NewsmAgAziNe

Ama rin ang isang kawal na may sarili ng pamilya. Nais man niyang mahabang oras ang gugulin para sa anak, prayoridad niya ang sinumpaang tungkulin upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng buong bayan. Nguni’t kung wala rin namang duty, tiyak na tutuunan ng may kalidad na pagkalinga at atensyon ang anak na nananabik palagi sa amang kawal.

Small Team with a Loud Voice ... from page 1

LTC Noel J Detoyato, Commander, Information Development Group of Civil Relations Service, AFP, stressed the importance of media in connecting with the people. He also gave tips and advices on how to conduct press conferences and television interviews to make them accurate, systematized, timely, and non-patronizing.

Captain Molina also discussed the recently published Public Affairs Policies in order to inform the participants on their responsibilities vis-à-vis the different policies and directives. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to strengthen the Division Press Corps to keep up to the responsibility of keeping the public informed while conveying the command messages.

The fourth lecturer was Ms Nikko Dizon, president of Defense Press Corps and a correspondent of Philippine Daily Inquirer. She discussed about print media and the tasks of a spokesperson. She pointed out that all news releases should always be new and fresh. Furthermore, she also talked on the elements of news.

Col Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr CMO Group Commander, presented the role and responsibilities of the unit and its ongoing activities such as Pinoy Batang Bayani, Project Shoebox, and the ATN Online. Moreover, he also discussed the 7C’s of being a good spokesperson.

Maj Ruel G Rombaoa, Chief, Strategic Communications Branch, Army Governance and Strategy Management Office, discussed the importance of communicating and cascading the ATR. He also reiterated about the significance of the Army Governance Pathway Process in Making Alignment Work.

The first lecturer for the 2nd day was Col Dickson Hermoso. He shared that holding regular media engagements were among the Public Affairs Best Practices of the 6th Infantry Division. He also added that an ideal PAO or spokesman should have knowledge, skills, experience, and wisdom.

LTC Randolph G Cabangbang, Chief, Philippine Army Public Affairs Office, informed the participants about his best practices while occupying different Public Affairs positions. Among those he mentioned are Information Management by utilizing Subject Matter Experts and gathering of News Clippings as basis for media updates. Moreover, he also discussed the mission, functions, and organizational structure of the Public Information Office.

Major Enrico Gil Ileto, CMOG Operations Officer, emphasized the importance of analyzing and interpreting the information environment before releasing a news story and forecasting possible impact of news releases to the military institutions. He also gave some tips on preparing and sharing of press releases.

LTC Detoyato also discussed another topic which was on Effective News Writing. He instructed the participants to firstly complete the universal rule of news writing, the who-what-why-when-where-how. Additionally, he inculcated to the participants to go directly to the point, use familiar words, and use the active voice.

After the series of lectures, the participants were divided into four (4) groups to undergo a series of practical exercises and put into action the things that they have learned. These exercises were also divided into four (4) parts, the news writing, an interview with a media practitioner, an interview with a media practitioner via phone, and the conduct of a press conference.

After the practical exercises, the evaluators gave the participants their critics on the simulation training. They also shared tips on how to become an effective Public Affairs Officer.

Day 3 of the Division Public Affairs Summit 2013 started with a wrap-up of the lecture series during second day.

The presentation of the results of practical exercises was divided into two parts. The first part was the evaluation of the pre-activity interviews wherein the participants had the chance to view their recorded interviews and critic their performances. The 2nd part was the viewing of actual media interviews and press conferences wherein invited SMEs again shared their advices.

The final activity of the summit was a visit to the Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs. This provided the participants with a glimpse of how a typical Public Affairs Office works and operates.

In conclusion, the DPAO Summit will continue to serve as a vehicle to attest the Army’s commitment to the IPSP and the ATR, as well as invigorating the “Bayanihan” spirit among its personnel.

Role of Public Affairs ...from page 1

Believed to be holed in Brgy Sta Catalina is the group of Nur Misuari’s lieutenant Ustadz Khabir Malik who has been taking cover from civilian hostages. The CMO Team’s primary mission is to persuade MNLF members to surrender as an honorable option.

Side-by-side with the Gallant Troops

In the midst of flying bullets from snipers’ rifles, members of the Loudspeaker Operations Team from CMOG mounted their weapon, the MLX4, a manpack loudspeaker system developed and launched just more than a month ago by CMOG, PA during the unit’s 60th Diamond Foundation Anniversary. Co-located with the lead assaulting elements of the army the seven-man CMO team took turns in relaying messages of peace, surrender options, and instructions on how to surrender.

The CMO team, having been trained and specializing on civil and public affairs activities-- carrying

on with their tasks and becoming vulnerable targets of enemy fire, the experience was unnerving at first. Still the Loudspeaker Operations Team carried on with their tasks relaying the messages while the loudspeakers also earned the enemy’s ire. More bullets were directed within their sphere.

The CMO operators and their small yet loud speakers became the ultimate weapons. Whether day or night, the voices of encouragement reverberated in the air. Whilst before the MNLF group’s options were just to run, hide, fire and die…a new one surfaced. The loudspeaker operations persuaded the MNLF to follow the path to peace and surrender.

There was an instance that more than a hundred rebels had brought down their arms in two days of incessant broadcast by the loudspeaker team. Based on some testimonies by those who surrendered, they were swayed upon hearing the messages aired through the loudspeakers. They followed the simple instructions relayed that facilitated what could have been more complex in such a situation.

Lethal but not DeadlyBarely two months since its launch,

and currently on its testing and evaluation stage, the MLX4 had already proven its worth as an effective and reliable CMO tool. The 220-wattage public address system powered by dual sourced batteries which could last up to 14 hours of usage was developed to enhance the CMO units’ capability.

And truly with the recent situation in Zamboanga, the Loudspeaker Operations Team equipped with skills, knowledge and MLX4, was able to facilitate the mission of winning peace in the midst of war.

Dalawampu sa sibilyang kawani ang pinarangalan sa himpilan ng Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas, Kuta Andres Bonifacio, 15 Setyembre kaugnay ng ika-113 taong anibersaryo ng Pambansang Serbisyo Sibil kung saan panauhing pandangal ang Namumunong Heneral ng Hukbo, Ten Hen Noel A Coballes SLP. Nasa larawan ang 10 sa sibilyang kawani na pinarangalan ng plake ng pagkilala para sa kanilang natatanging pagganap bilang mga lingkod-bayan sa taong ito.

Ginawaran ng plake ng pagkilala ang 10 sibilyang kawani kasabay ng paggagawad ng pin para sa mahabang taon ng paglilingkod sa hukbo sa may 10 iba pa. Ito ay bilang bahagi ng serye ng mga aktibidad sa nasabing anibersaryo kung saan naging panauhing pandangal ang namumunong heneral ng Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas na si Ten Hen Noel A Coballes.

Ginawaran ng mga plake ng pagkilala para sa natatanging pagganap bilang mga lingkod bayan sina Erlinda J Mulingbayan ng Army Support Command; Dr. Susie A Casas ng 1301st Dental Dispensary, Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group; Teodorico S Lasco ng Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group; Edward P Cuarteros ng Civil-Military Operations Group; Amelito L Macalino ng Army Signal Regiment; Catherine B Dacwag ng Army Resource Management Office; Abegail A Garcia ng Civil-Military Operations Group; Agnes L Reaño ng Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, OG7; Franky D Abella ng Army Support Command; at Alvin M Parungao ng Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group.

Iginawad naman ang pin ng paglilingkod base sa bilang ng taong paglilingkod kina: Susana L Alday ng Army Signal Regiment (42 taon); Dolores P San Gaspar ng 51st Engineer Brigade (42 taon); Bernidia M Rigos ng Army Public Accountability Office (41 taon); Nilo L Olayres ng Army General Hospital (40 taon); Cristina C Sudano ng Office of the Internal Auditor (40 taon); Badria M Gonato ng Accounting Service (40 taon); Maria Luisa Z Vela ng Army Resource Management Office (40 taon); Caridad T Camia ng Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Reserve and Retiree Affairs, OG9 (37 taon); Emeliana A Autor ng Army Support Command (36 taon) at Florida G Ramilo ng Civilian Personnel Office (35 taon).

Samantala, ginawaran ng medalya ang apat sa kawani ng hukbo, kawal at sibilyan, na pawang lumahok at nagwagi sa ‘fun run’ na inilunsad ng Komisyon ng Serbisyo Sibil, Setyembre 7, kung saan nilahukan ito ng lahat ng mga ahensya ng pamahalan. Ang mga nagwagi ay sina Jannismyl A Mabunga, nanguna sa 5K Female Category; Cpl Jojit H de Asis, pumangalawa sa 5K Male Category; Cp Alley C Quisay, pumangatlo sa 10K Male Category; at Michael Abanador, pumangalawa sa 3K Male Category.

Sa nasabing seremonya, binati ni Heneral Coballes ang lahat ng mga pinarangalan. Sinabi niya na ang serbisyo sibil ay isang bokasyon at komitment sa bayan, sa pamahalaan at sa mamamayang Pilipino. Ang natatanging serbisyo na ipinagkakaloob ng mga sibilyang kawani ay isang sakripisyo para sa Hukbong Katihan at sa bayan. Ito umano ay pagpapatunay lamang ng tunay na kahulugan ng pagiging isang lingkod-bayan.

Pinasalamatan din ni Heneral Coballes ang mga sibilyang kawani lalo’t higit ang mga pinarangalan na ang karamiha’y naglilingkod na sa hukbo hindi pa man siya kadete sa Philippine Military Academy. Idinagdag niya na ang institusyong-militar tulad ng Hukbong Katihan ay makapagmamalaki na mayroong mga sibilyang kawani na tunay na huwaran sa paglilingkod.

“Let us take the initiative in making positive changes in our respective workplaces, revisit the lapses, reexamine the gaps and see how we can do things better in our organization. Let us be hero that every public servant should be,” himok pa ng namumunong heneral.

20 Sibilyang Kawani ... mula sa pahina 1

4Army Troopers NewsmAgAziNe

OCS: Training Future Leaders of AFP Technical and Administrative Service

CAMP O’DONNELL, Capas, Tarlac - The training for future officers of Technical and Administrative Service (TAS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has found its new home in the hallowed grounds of the Officer Candidate School (OCS). The OCS under the Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Army based in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac conducts the two-month TAS Pre-entry Officer Training (TAS POT) for future leaders of the Technical Service (Medical Corps, Dental Service, Nurse Corps, Veterinary Corps and Judge Advocate General Service) and the Administrative Service (Chaplain Service, Women Auxiliary Corps, Medical Administrative Corps and Corps of Professors). The OCS started to handle the pre-commission and pre-entry training for TAS on 14 September 2010 with the TAS POT “Kasilayan” Class 9-2010 composed of 40 Probationary Second Lieutenants. The

conduct of training for the future officers of TAS was not new to OCS when it opened its doors to accommodate the Administrative Service (Women Auxiliary Corps and Medical Administrative Corps only) to undergo the 1-year Officer Candidate Course (OCC) starting with the AFPOCS “Mabilasik” Class 2-88. This was when the OCS was still under the former AFP Training Command (AFPTC), then based in Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal. Shortly after the AFPTC was activated in 1987, the Technical Service Officer School (TSOS) was also created under it to handle the six-month Technical Service Probationary Officer Course (TSPOC) and eventually produced its own graduates for the Technical Service. Its existence was cut short when it was deactivated along with the AFPTC in 1997 while the OCS and the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy continued to operate when it was absorbed by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

In 1994, five officer candidates from the Women Auxiliary Corps (WAC) graduated with the AFPOCS “Balikatan” Class 12-94 but was commissioned and ordered to duty as line officers. These five officer candidates from WAC became the first female line officers of the AFP wherein two joined the Army, two in the Air Force and one in the Navy. They were also the first female line officers to use “O” in their AFP Serial Numbers. In 1995, the Medical Administrative Corps had its last graduates who took the OCC when its officer candidates graduated with the AFPOCS “Makabayan” Class 13-95. Since the deactivation of TSOS, the TAS officers were commissioned and directly called-to-active duty without any pre-commission and pre-entry training. Although some underwent the week-long military orientation seminars from their respective Corps or Services, it didn’t prepare the TAS officers to acquire the broad military knowledge and skills needed by AFP

A TAS POT class during their Reception Rites at OCS compound in Camp O’Donnell. (Photo: Maj Servito RT)

With the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP), one of the main roles of the military is to bridge the gap between the people and the government to include the various stakeholders in the area. The soldiers on the ground act as the peacekeeping representatives of the government, especially in areas far from reach of the government. Every soldier must therefore understand that in most conflict affected

areas in this country, the army is the only known government entity. This is because the military is trained, equipped and suited to reach these far flung areas.

Essential to our task of bridging the gap, is to connect with the people, and make sure that the army is relevant and responsive to their needs. However, most often, the people in the barangays view the soldiers as strangers offering all sorts of services, goods and aid. As a result, the

barangay folks do not immediately feel comfortable to accept what the army has to offer, because the people do not easily breathe out all their concerns, problems and burden to someone whom they do not know and trust. This is where we fall short most of the time. We skip past the introduction and go straight to what we came for and this approach is proven to be counter-productive because at the end of the day, we do not achieve our objective of WINNINING THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF THE PEOPLE.

With this in mind, the 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion based in barangay Opong, Catubig, Northern Samar intends to address the problem by re-introducing the Battalion to the people through the Army Kaupayan Operation (AKO) sa Barangay Program. The aim is to bring out smiles and make the people realize that we are THEIR soldiers, and that the army is in their barangays to serve and protect the people. During AKO sa Barangay Program, the unit has lined up a wide range of activities that targets the men, women and especially the children in the selected barangays in Northern Samar. AKO sa Barangay Program is a weekly activity that includes free hair-cut, parlor games, film showing, information drive, send a message contest (the person who can answer a given question first by sending a message to

the 63IB Hotline wins a prize) and others. Advocacy drives regarding government’s program for peace such as Local Social Integration Program (LSIP), Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), Guns for Peace Program, and the IED Rewards Program will also be introduced as part of the army’s effort to reach out to insurgents and their supporters who want to join the peace and development programs of the government in the true spirit of “Bayanihan”. This will send a clear message that despite of the insurgents’ aggression and rejection, THERE IS ALWAYS AN OPEN ARM TO WELCOME THEM BACK TO THE FOLD OF THE GOVERNMENT. This will also prove that the army is sincere in offering help to our lost brothers and give them another hope and chance to have a better life.

With AKO sa Barangay Program, the Battalion hopes to provide the people in its area of responsibility the peace and security that they deserve. 63IB wishes to reach the deepest part of the people’s lives and be part of their aspirations to have a better life. The Battalion also hopes that through the weekly AKO sa Barangay Program, the Innovator Battalion can show that they are the people’s partner in peace and development in the area and that the men and women of 63IB are soldiers that the people in the community can truly be proud of.

63IB Re-introduces Itself to the People Through “AKO

sa Barangay Program”

officers and for them to internalize the basics of soldiery and fully appreciate the profession of arms. Transition from civilian to military life was somewhat addressed only during the time when they started to take up the Technical Service Officer Basic Course (TSOBC) at Combat Arms School (later transferred to Combat Service Support School) of TRADOC. The military phase or common module phase of TSOBC was designed to become a combination of basic military training and career course wherein they experienced for the first time to always move on the double, dress drills, close collar, and a little dose of “rot” like dumbguards, plebes or dodos before they are “recognized.” Every day they were made to love the sound of bugle calls, drill commands, chanting, drill and ceremonies, physical conditioning, road runs, ranks/barracks inspections, as well as experienced marches, bivouacs, water discipline, marksmanship, field training exercise, etc. The school ensured that when they graduate, they have a better appreciation of what the military profession is all about and fully understand the regimented military life of a soldier. Aside from the military orientation seminars, a pre-commission and pre-entry training was later designed and was called TAS Military Orientation Training (TAS MOT). The TAS MOT was also handled by the Philippine Navy wherein several batches graduated from The Basic School of the Philippine Marine Corps based in Ternate, Cavite. The TAS MOT was discontinued and was replaced by TAS POT in 2010. At present, the OCS not only conducts the OCC but also the six-month Officer Preparatory Course (OPC) for newly called-to-active duty Second Lieutenants, the Pre-Commission Training for civilian students taking up the Masters in National Security Administration, and lately, the TAS POT. Since 2010, the OCS has already graduated five TAS POT classes. The TAS POT “Masiglaya” Class 14-2013 had just reported in OCS and are now undergoing training. Guided by the School’s highly revered Honor System, they will soon carry on its noble tradition of Valor, Integrity and Duty.

• MAJ RICHARD T SERVITO (CAV) PA

5Army Troopers NewsmAgAziNe

Mainstreaming Innovation in the Military Arena:

Electrification of PA Detachments through Solar Power

• CRSS Branch, OG3, PA

Introduction While the use of solar energy has been gradually increasing over the past several years in private sectors, the same has not been generally true for public sectors. Military’s new implementation of any renewable energy source is a major show of faith in these rapidly increasing energy industries.

The supervision of CAFGU Active Auxiliaries was transferred from the Unified Command to the Philippine Army on 01 January 2005. Since then, the PA has instigated several programs to improve CAA administration including resources management, morale and welfare of CAAs, capability enhancements, and competence building and maintenance trainings for CAAs and cadres, yet, there are lingering problems that remain to be addressed.

The continued struggle to narrow the gap on the essentiality of capabilities in mission accomplishment has identified the lack of electricity to be one of the inadequacies in CAA Detachment degrading its capabilities for a robust defense posture extending to unsustainable communication. It is also contributory to higher risk exposure of personnel in the detachment when looking for sources to charge their electrical equipment like radios and cellphones.

At times, this situation has become the reason restricting effective command and control of higher echelon leadership or operationally controlling units engendering laxities of personnel in the detachment that have grave effects to both its administration and operations.

To date, there are 234 CAA Detachments with no electricity PA-wide. These detachments are located at the forefronts of the AFP IPSO yet far away from the controlling headquarters. Being at the frontiers, they are prone to enemy attacks with much vulnerability due to the lack of electricity.

Why Solar Power? Countries that switch from lamps, candles, flashlights and other traditional lighting systems to solar power can recover the costs in less than one year (Solar Lighting Can Deliver Major Development and Climate Benefits - UN Agency, 2013). Switching to solar power supports UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon’s “Sustainable Energy for All” initiative and its goal of achieving universal access to modern energy services by 2030. “Investing in the environment and a green economy is

not a cost but a sound insurance policy for the future we want” (Ban, 2013).

In 2011, the International Energy Agency said that “the development of affordable, inexhaustible and clean solar energy technologies will have huge longer-term benefits. It will increase countries’ energy security through reliance on an indigenous, inexhaustible and mostly import-independent resource, enhance sustainability, reduce pollution, lower the costs of mitigating climate change, and keep fossil fuel prices lower than otherwise. These advantages are global. Hence the additional costs of the incentives for early deployment should be considered learning investments; they must be wisely spent and need to be widely shared” (Adams, 2012, p. 2).

How It Works? Solar panels work through what is called a photovoltaic process – where radiation energy (photo) is absorbed and generates electricity (voltaic). Radiation energy is absorbed by semi-conductor cells and transformed from photo energy (light) into voltaic (electric current). When the sun’s radiation hits a silicon atom, a photon of light energy is absorbed, ‘knocking off’ an electron. These released electrons create an electric current. The electric current then goes to an inverter, which converts the current from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current). The system is then connected to the mains power or electricity grid (Whitburn, 2012).

The basic requirement for the equipment is that it should be able to power at least five bulbs and the issued radios of the CAA detachment.

There are already units using the technology like 72IB CAFGU, 10ID, ASR and Intelligence Units of the PA. The 72IB CAFGU has the existing design which satisfies the requirement. To ensure sustainability of the equipment, the spare parts should be locally available so that the maintenance would not be a problem in the long run.

Therefore the proposed design will be patterned from the 72IB CAFGU model but is subject to some refinements based on the comparison with existing models from intelligence units’ equipment. Upon determination of the final design, a prototype will be assembled for testing. This prototype will also be the model for the seminar that will be conducted to select personnel from different CAA administering battalions and signal battalions.The selected personnel will become the pioneers with technical know-how about the equipment and shall lead the construction of replicas in their own units.

LTGEN NOEL A COBALLES, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, together with COL MELQUIADES L FELICIANO, G3, PA and the TWG closely monitors the operational testing of final design of the Solar Power prototype.

Initial Breakthroughs Recently, a Solar Power Source of Electricity Project by OG3, PA was installed to the 5th Infantry Battalion CAFGU of the 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army at 12th ZS CAAD based at Sitio Maglatin, Brgy. Pulang Bato, Bayog, Zamboanga Del Sur on 04 June 2013. The said detachment is more or less nine kilometers from

Poblacion, Bayog, Zamboanga Del Sur and has no electricity.

The one unit Solar Power 100W Project in the detachment caters to one unit of television, five pieces of 12VDC5W each led bulb and one piece 220VAC 3W led bulb. A Motorola handheld radio has been operational 24 hours utilizing the Solar Power Source. (COL TAMPARONG, 2013)

The same is true with 59th Infantry Battalion of 2nd Infantry Division in the Philippine Army which also installed their respective Solar Power Source on 08 June 2013 at Sta. Inez Detachment, 3rd Rizal CAA Coy, Echo Coy, 59IB, 2ID, PA Brgy. Sta. Inez, Tanay Rizal. (LTC PERCOL, 2013)

The Solar Powered Source of Electricity Project is of significant help to the CAA detachments, especially in those areas where supply of electricity is unavailable. This development boosted the morale of personnel assigned in far-flung areas of the country and more importantly it addressed the needs on perimeter lights to deter enemy attack.

The Philippine Army aims at electrifying all detachments across the country especially in far-flung areas to boosts their defense capabilities by equipping them with low maintenance solar-powered source of electricity, through perimeter lights, sustaining radio and basic electrical devices that detachments need, lessening the risk exposure of personnel when looking for sources to charge their radios and other electrical devices, and minimizing security risks.

Recommendations The cost of the traditional sources of energy, like that of the fossil fuels, continues to be on the rise. Hence there is a dire need to find the alternative sources to power the military devices and vehicles. In military applications, the cost of fuel these days run to tens and thousands of millions of pesos and hence it is very unfeasible to rely on such sources to continue powering military applications. The solar panel applications

Seminar conducted for pioneers from CAA administering and signal battalions to enhance their technical know-how for the construction of replicas in their own respective units

Towards a Brighter Future. Selected pioneers spearheaded the construction of their own Solar Power Source in their respective detachments

* Turn to page 6

6Army Troopers NewsmAgAziNe

as an alternative to sources of energy in military have been proven to be very much useful and of prime importance when it comes to the seeking of cost-effective as well as reliable solutions for energy needs. The solar panels can be used in order to make way for effective mobile communications on a remote basis as well as the operations hub of military. These solar panels at a given time could provide power supply in the remotest locations. With the use of solar panels in the military installations, communication devices have started with heavy battery packs’ which has been successfully eliminated as it was exactly planned for the purpose. The solar panels are also equipped in order to power the sensors which work on the infrared technology. There is also a possibility of innovation in terms of military applications by making use of the solar panels as and when needed. To reduce the sky-high rocketing price involving solar power technology there is a need to make good research and policy decisions, these decisions will shape the future of solar power. To make intelligent choices, there is a need to comprehend present-day solar energy technology, how will it progress, and then make the best possible judgment. One way to bring down the cost of it is to do more basic technology research – better solar cell materials and more efficient designs decrease costs. Inputs coming from the research center of the Philippine Army serve as harbinger for plausible out-of-the-box ideas that could greatly help in the success of Solar Powered Lighting for the Army Detachments that is manageable and conducive even to the remotest area of the country.

Way-Ahead With proper allocation of natural and intellectual resources, what is costly now may no longer be so in the future. What is ground-breaking now may later be exactly what the market is waiting for. It is our role and responsibility to look ahead, to take risks to pioneer and spearhead research and development investments in the very long term so that future generations may benefit from these energy investments that will protect and preserve the environment, and help secure a sustainable energy future for our organization. As the Philippine Army manifests faith in burgeoning energy sources like the solar power, the organization looks forward at aiming to become an innovative Army that helps on preserving the environment while also enhancing their capabilities for conduct of operations in lieu of the Army’s mission of serving the people and securing the land.

Works CitedAdams, B. (2012). Mapping Solar Energy Potential Through Lidar Fea-ture Extraction. Woolpert White Paper, 1-5.Ban, K. M. (2013). UNEP’s Governing Council and Global Ministerial Environment Forum. Nairobi.COL TAMPARONG, C. R.-C. (2013). After Installation of Solar Power Source Report. Camp Major L Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboan-ga Del Sur: 5th Infantry (Duty-Bound) Battalion (CAFGU) of 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division Philippine Army.LTC PERCOL, R. P.-C. (2013). After Installation of Solar Power Source Report. Camp General Mateo Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal: 59th Infantry (Protector) Battalion (CAFGU) of 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, Philippine Army.Nations, U. (2013, February 20). Solar Lighting Can Deliver Major De-velopment and Climate Benefits - UN Agency. UN News Centre .Whitburn, G. (2012, January 10). Exploring Green Technology. Re-trieved April 16, 2013, from ExploringGreenTechnology.com: http://ex-ploringgreentechnology.com/solar-energy/how-solar-panels-work/

informed us about his death in Sulu, I didn’t know what to do or how to react. “Confusion” could not exactly encapsulate what I felt and thought then. Should I be mad, should I cry, or should I be quiet and go on with my Friday periodic exams? That was so difficult. I was the eldest in a brood of three and the only girl, and I knew that I had to be strong for my mom and for my family. Underlying these questions, of course, is that hollowness of feeling, that void left whenever someone dear to us departs as suddenly and as abruptly as a string severed by a sharp blade. To be left behind by the very first man of my life was indeed painful. Too painful that I thought I would not be able to handle it. It was my last year in high school then and I really felt my world trembling down. Various questions bedeviled me. Would I still be able to pursue college, provided that my mom will be the sole provider of our family? I am not from a wealthy family and these questions almost made me give up. It was so hurtful to see my father inside a coffin just a day after my birthday. My mom told me that I had to accept it. To this day her words clearly resound in my head, “kailangan mong tanggapin anak, lahat ng nangyari, ginampanan lang nya ang kanyang tungkulin sa bayan, masakit man pero wala ka ng magagawa.” While those words could not ease the pain I felt, they at least served as an anchor which I could cling to amidst the waves that fortune sent crashing against me. Those words helped me bring back to my senses, helped make me sober enough to look clearly at the situation I and my family were in. Yes, it took a lot of effort before I could truly cope up and accept everything that has happened but soon, I realized that losing someone important does not mean that I had to stop living as well. I realized that rather than mope, I should start my life’s new chapter with hope. While my mom and I were processing all the necessary documents for my father’s claims and benefits, we met her long-time friend in Fort Bonifacio. She informed us that the AFP has scholarship grants for the orphans of the soldiers who were killed in action. We went thus to the office to have my application processed, and without any unnecessary –bureaucratic, many would say- delays it was approved. I was an AFPEBSO (AFP Educational Benefit System Office) RA6963 scholar since my first year in college. I took up BS Psychology at the University of the East-Manila thinking that it was a good preparation in the pursuit of my dream to become a doctor or a lawyer. The term “scholar” in our country is heavy with meaning. Being a scholar meant that you are intelligent, and not only the public demands high grades but most donors. Good thing, the AFPEBSO never demanded that from us. All we had to do is to submit all the necessary documents such as grade cards and registration forms plus the bonus that you just had to get a passing mark. Studying far from my comfort zone was not easy. I grew up in the province and I experienced immense shock as I found myself in a place so different to where I was used to. In Palawan where I came from, the sprawling green greets your eyes everywhere you look. I had to accustom myself to crowded places, noisy streets, heavy traffic and people whose values differed from mine. It took me three months to get used to a dorm-type setting. My daily routine became school, study and be at home immediately after class. At school, I can say that I was competitive. I set high standards for myself, as well as sought approval to make a good first impression with those I met. I also learned how to manage my time well. I devoted most of my time to studying. I told myself that I don’t want to fail my mom; my family and those people who helped me come here and pursue my studies. It came to a point where I had set my standards too high and I would cry and be frustrated with myself when I didn’t meet them. I felt this need to prove my worth, to excel in a place where no one knows who I am, and to give my best in every endeavor, bearing in mind that this will propel a bright future for me. The Lord had been so good to me that right after my first semester I received the University President’s Scholarship to add to the AFPEBSO which granted me P35,000.00 for tuition plus P8,000.00 stipend per year. These two scholarships inspired me to aim for more. They paved the way for me not to get scared of financial issues. Both also helped my mom a lot, since she was a widow who had to raise three children all at the same time.

About the AuthorJennylyn Joy Bajao graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of the East last 2010 with a BS Psychology degree. She is the eldest of three (3) siblings and her family currently resides at Brgy. San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. She is the daughter of Mrs. Helen F Bajao and the late TSg Benjamin R Bajao PN(M), who was killed-in-action last 19 January 2006 in an encounter in Brgy Maubo, Patikul, Sulu. Ms. Bajao is currently employed as a private staff at the Office of the Vice-President.

I became a consistent scholar during my college days even though I had to juggle the workloads of being an active student leader in our organization with my studies. I was the Psychological Society President during my senior year and I had conducted a series of activities for my fellow psychology students. I even held various positions outside the university such as the Junior Management Association of the Philippines. Funny, but I even represented my school in Ms. Psychological Federation 2006 and I won the first runner-up title and bagged some of the minor awards. In April 2010 I received my diploma with Magna Cum Laude honors. I was so overwhelmed when I saw my name posted on the wall of our college. I knew that all my hardships, all the efforts I put in were not in vain. I felt vindicated, and up to this day I offer this achievement as a gift for all of my educational sponsors. For AFPEBSO which had been so generous to me and my siblings - words are not enough to express how grateful I am. If not for AFPEBSO, I would not have been able to develop myself and pursue my interests. When I thought my dreams of going to college would end upon my father’s death, the AFPEBSO was there to help me and my family to get back on track. AFPEBSO was there to help me succeed in the face of seemingly impossible challenges. I was able to go to school, graduate and find fulfilling work. And here I am now, confident that I have not failed the trust the AFPEBSO gave me. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to be part of a second family – the AFPEBSO family. I will never forget the friendships I have forged and continue to strengthen with my fellow scholars. The memories, the travels, seminars and laughter will forever be treasured in my heart. To the late Col. Alexander Ambal who was not just a General Manager of EBSO, but a second father to me, you will never be forgotten. He pushed me to my limits and helped me to explore more of what I can do as a grantee, a fellow scholar, and as a citizen of this nation. Yes, I am one of the products—beneficiaries if you will—of the AFPEBSO. At present, I am working at the Office of the Vice-President of the Republic of the Philippines as one of his private staff. I started working there since 2010; attaining gainful employment in a reputable and service-oriented organization, being able to give back to my fellow Filipinos. Seeing him everyday and knowing how he handles the problems of the country, made me say that one day I will pursue law school the same way this man did. There is an old saying that everything on earth goes through cycles, and that death always leads to life. Thus, while until today I still feel a tinge of sadness and loss at my father’s departure, I can say that I have truly learned to accept it, and to use the lessons that grief has taught me as a springboard to work for a better future. If before I might have thought that my father’s death was senseless, I know better now. My father died for a greater cause, and not many are given the chance to do so. Thus, as a tribute to my father, and all other soldiers who died in battle fighting for their people, I always strive to be the best, especially in my job in government. Despite the hectic and stressful schedule, I always find strength in my father’s death—I will always work hard to ensure, in my own way, the country he died for will realize its true potential. Throughout all of these experiences, I have learned one important thing. Never let your circumstances decide what will happen next in your life. Rather, use it to push yourself, persevere and succeed. Never lose the faith in the One who provides us with everything and always claim that you are the head and not the tail. Seeing you all through the trials and tribulations, victories and triumphs are the loving people in your lives: your parents, friends and other people who believe in you. And if you think there is no one out there who believes…why, then, you must always believe in yourself.

A Look at the life... from page1Mainstreaming ... from page 5

The proposed solar power design for PA-wide Electrification of CAA Detachments

7Army Troopers NewsmAgAziNe

How it all started?

The idea of coming up with such project was from two people who in their hearts value the less privileged children’s concerns on education. And like any unadulterated intentions and with God’s perfect time and purpose, despite some hitches on sides, the project took shape.

Preparing the Facilitators

At least 30 CMOG personnel were tasked to undergo the three-day Facilitators’ Training last May. Officers and enlisted personnel, who are most qualified, completed the pool of facilitators who will give lessons to some secondary students studying in Tuloy sa Don Bosco School for SY 2013-2014. Though some have experienced facilitating training of out-of-school-youth in a non-formal setting, this one requires greater commitment, not to mention thorough preparation, in order to live up to the almost excellent standards practiced by said school.

Would-be facilitators learned the basics on teaching from two competent professors and facilitators. Ms Imee Grajeda and Mr Jasper T Suquila are both college professors, each an expert on her/his respective field. Under these two educators, they worked while they learned, they learned while they played—never losing sight of the kids whom they haven’t met yet somehow they’ve felt responsible about, for when the school year opens, they would become their new kuyas and ates.

At a fast pace yet extending to late hours, the would-be facilitators prepared their initial lesson plans and had actual demonstrations before their ‘teacher.’

First Day of School

Between the time the idea was hatched and the real thing --which is the first day of school, was barely two months. After the formal training, facilitators took time to meet, discuss, brainstorm and iron out the smallest details. Many questions were asked – others were answered, some were hypothetically assumed, while some were left hanging—giving mixed feelings to the uniformed facilitators.

June 25, first day of school, in full force, the facilitators, in their best appearance and disposition, were all set to troop to their respective classrooms. Inside the van, on the way to Alabang, in Muntinlupa City, where the school is located, there was excitement in the air. It was the getting to know stage for both the students and facilitators- the most awaited moment has come.

Impressions

While on the way back to CMOG headquarters, the kuyas and ates could only sigh with relief after their first meeting with the kids. Almost everyone has a good thing to share about the class they handled and the positive impressions the kids had demonstrated in the two hours of interaction and the initial step in the ‘getting to know each other’ stage.

On that first day in school, the facilitators knew in their hearts that they have bridged the initial barrier with their new ‘students’, and in no time would make teaching and learning more effective and a more pleasurable experience especially to the kids.

…FOR THE LESS-PRIVILEGED CHILDREN THROUGH PBB

- (Civil-military operations activities aim to win the hearts and the minds. For CMO to do so, it must first have a sensitive heart – one that knows, understands and the willingness to act on what will best benefit the people it BEATS for. Kids are one of those people whom CMO’s heart beats for. And for that, the Pinoy Batang Bayan was born. It is one of the initial projects undertaken by the Philippine Army this year, through the Civil-Military Operations Group, the mission of which is to facilitate learning among the students of the Tuloy sa Don Bosco School, the values of discipline, love for country and nationalism among others –attributes that every Filipino should possess . Starting this issue, this column will try to feature some of the major projects spearheaded by the CMO Group as it transforms towards and in support of the Army’s vision of a world-class Army that is a source of national pride.)

cmo HeartBeats • Leng C. Pastrano

• Lydia V. Cabajar

Lead the Way

(Sa tinagal-tagal ko na pagharap sa computer at pagbrobrowse sa aking e-mail, Facebook at iba pa, marami akong naipon na mga lathalain na napaka-informative, may nakaka-aliw at may nakababaliw din. Sa pitak na ito, iba-iba ang matutunghayan ninyo wala mag direktang reperensiya, ito’y pasa-pasa lang mula sa internet. Kaya basa na…

Isang bagong-saltang kaluluwa ang umakyat sa langit ang ngayon ay nakaharap kay San Pedro. Namasyal silang dalawa sa langit. Magkahawak-kamay silang naglakad-lakad sa isang malaking silid doon na puno ng mga anghel.

Huminto si San Pedro sa harap ng isang lupon ng mga anghel at nagsalita, ‘Ito ang silid-tanggapan. Sa silid na ito, tinatanggap lahat ng mga kahilingan sa panalangin.’

Pinagmasdan ito ng kaluluwa, at nakita nitong abala ang lahat sa pag-uugnay-ugnay ng mga kahilingan na nakasulat sa bunton ng mga papel na galing sa buong mundo.

Nagpatuloy silang maglakad hanggang madaanan nila ang pangalawang lupon ng mga anghel. Ang wika ni San Pedro sa kaluluwa, ‘Ito naman ang ‘Packaging at Delivery Section’. Dito, ang biyaya at mga pagpapala na hiniling ng mga tao ay binabalot at dini-deliver sa mga tao na humingi noon.’

Nakitang muli ng kaluluwa kung gaano ito kaabala. Maraming anghel doon ang talagang subsob sa trabaho sa dami ng mga pagpapalang hiniling at dini-deliver araw-araw sa lupa.

Hanggang sa dumako sila sa huling lupon, sa pinakamalayong lupon. Huminto ang anghel doon sa isang maliit na lupon. Sa kanyang pagkamangha, iisang anghel lamang ang nakaupo doon, walang ginagawa.

‘Ito ang ‘Acknowledgement Section,’ sabi ni San Pedro.

‘Bakit tahimik? Wala ba silang ginagawa rito?’

‘Nakakalungkot, ‘sagot ni San Pedro,’ pagkatapos makatanggap ng sagot sa kanilang mga panalangin ang mga tao, kakaunti ang nagbibigay ng pasasalamat.’

‘Papaano ba magbibigay ng ‘acknowledgement’ ang mga tao sa Diyos?’

‘Simple lang. Sabihin mo lang na ‘Salamat po Panginoon.’

‘Ano bang pagpapala ang dapat nilang ipagpasalamat? ‘

‘Kung may pagkain ka sa iyong hapag-kainan, damit na sinusuot, may bahay na tinutuluyan at kamang tutulugan, ikaw ay mas mayaman sa 75% sa mundong ito.

‘Kung may salapi kang naiipon sa iyong pitaka at may natitira pang pambili ng pagkain, ikaw ay isa sa 8% na may mga kabuhayan sa mundo.

‘Kapag gumising ka sa umagang ito na walang sakit, mas pinagpala ka sa milyong tao sa mundong ito na hindi na makagising dahil sa hirap ng buhay.

‘Kung di mo nararanasan ang takot sa gitna ng giyera, ang kalungkutan sa loob ng piitan, ang pasakit ng mga pagsubok, at ang pangil ng pagkagutom, mas malayo ka nang milya-milya sa 700 milyong tao na nabubuhay sa mundo.

‘Kung buhay pa ang iyong mga magulang at nananatiling magkasama sa bisa ng kasal, kakaunti lang kayo.

‘Kung naititingala mo pa ang iyong ulo nang may ngiti sa iyong mga labi, hindi ka kasama sa karamihan. Naiiba ka kaysa sa kanila na puno ng kapighatian at mga kagulumihanan. ‘

Tanong ng kaluluwa, ‘Kung gano’n, papaano ako magsisimulang magpasalamat?’

‘Kung nababasa mo ang mensaheng ito, nakatanggap ka na naman ng dobleng pagpapala, dahil may isang nagpadala sa iyo na iniisip na espesyal kang nilalang, at mas pinagpala ka kaysa sa dalawang bilyong mga tao sa buong mundo na hindi marunong magbasa . . .

‘Pagpalain ang araw mo, bilangin mo ang iyong mga pagpapala, at kung ibig mo, pagpalain mo rin ang mga tao sa iyong paligid upang malaman din nila kung gaano sila pinagpala ng Panginoon.

ATTN: Acknowledgment Department: ‘Salamat po, Panginoon. Salamat po sa pagbibigay mo sa akin ng abilidad na ibahagi ang mensaheng ito at sa pagbibigay mo sa akin ng mabubuti at magagandang tao na babahaginan nito! ‘Salamat po !!!!’

Army extends reach as ATN ... from page1

The launching coincided with the Civil-Military Operations Group’s celebration of its 60th Founding Diamond Anniversary where the Army Chief was the keynote speaker.

Lt Gen Coballes said with the going on line of the armynews.ph, the Army troops assigned in different areas of the country as well as the great number of the people, who are part of the netizen population, will be kept abreast of what their Philippine Army is doing to pursue into fulfillment the goals of the Army Transformation Roadmap and the AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan.” He also said, “With the Army Troopers Newmagazine going on line, this will allow the troops to learn about what’s going on in the entire organization without waiting for the hard copy of the magazine.” He also extended his congratulatory greetings to all the officers, men and women of CMOG in their endless pursuit to win the hearts and minds of the people who led to the success of the Army mission. He even encouraged Army personnel to browse said website

for information sharing and to be updated for information on matters pertaining the security sector. The website shall also serve as an information tool of Army personnel and a prime source of news by different media outfits covering the defense beat. Browsers can get news the fastest, come across interesting feature articles that are military-related, and other features that would be beneficial to military personnel. Soldiers in the field, who rarely grab a hard copy of the ATN in the past, could easily access the ATN website with just a click of a button. They could also go over back issues for articles that hopefully they will find useful in the discharge of their daily tasks. Browsers could also give their comments, insights or react to certain issues that affect the military organization and the security sector. There will also be downloadable military forms like application to Philippine Military Academy, Officers Candidate School, Candidate Soldiers Training School, identification cards and the like.

8Army Troopers NewsmAgAziNe