Stormtroopers ignites media-military partnership

By DPAO, 8ID PA
June 9, 2016

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan,Samar – Recognizing the role of media in the society as one of the pillars of democracy, the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army ignited its partnership with the media practitioners all over the Region through fellowship and Boot Camp at 801st Brigade Headquarters, Camp Eugenio, Brgy. Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar from June 04 to 05.

The two-day activity was graced by Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, AFP, Commander 8ID as guest of honor and speaker together with his wife, Mrs. Imelda D. Velarmino, Col. Cesar M. Idio, Assistant Division Commander and other officers and men of the Stormtroopers family who intermingled with more than forty media practitioners.

Aside from the usual social gathering, 8ID facilitated the boot camp that allowed the media participants to experience a short, intensive, rigorous but fun-filled and exciting course of training. It includes basic marksmanship, obstacle and rope course challenge, unit run and other team-building activities which gave the participants a taste of military life.

According to Maj. Gen. Velarmino, the activity was an opportunity for the media and the military to strengthen their camaraderie. He emphasized that media should not be treated as an enemy but an ally in resolving conflict and a partner in accomplishing the Army's mandated mission and pursuit for genuine reform and transformation.

The 8th Infantry Stormtroopers Division, highly acknowledge the importance of their professionalism and their ability to show impartiality, fairness, and responsibility as media practitioners.