DND commends Gen. Chan for effective engagement with Civil Society Organizations in Samar

By EMY C. BONIFACIO, Samar News.com
October 13, 2011

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  The Department of National Defense, through Sec. Voltaire T. Gazmin, extends a congratulatory message to the 8ID leadership for an effective engagement with civil society organizations in Samar.

The personal message addressed to MGen. Mario F. Chan was signed by Sec. Gazmin on September 8, 2011.

“I take pride and honor in commending you for your exemplary performance, professionalism and leadership in nurturing social harmony, peace and development in the different provinces of Samar Island as acknowledged by the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD)”, the DND commendation states.

Gazmin acknowledges the SIPPAD’s recognition to be meticulously evaluated by the three Bishops of the three (3) provinces of Samar as conveners. He is convinced that the support extended by the SIPPAD is a concrete proof of the General’s dedication and zealousness in the fulfilment of the AFP’s constitutional mandates.

Likewise, the DND leadership is convinced that the IPSP Bayanihan is effectively implemented in the area.

“Your accomplishment symbolizes the AFP’s commitment to the President’s call for a transparent, accountable, and responsible governance that shall serve as an example for others to follow. Carry on the good work with unwavering fervor and enthusiasm”, were Gazmin’s encouraging words.

It was learned that on August 15, 2011, Most Rev. Emmanuel C. Trance (Bishop of Catarman), Most Rev. Isabelo T. Abarquez (Bishop of Calbayog) and Most. Rev. Crispin B. Varquez (Bishop of Borongan) brought to the President’s attention the effective partnership of the military contingent in Samar, headed by Gen. Chan, in nurturing social harmony, peace and development in their respective areas.

The letter specifically cited the exemplary performance of the 8th Infantry Division as the best performing division in the Philippine Army during the first six months of 2011. In 2009 and 2010, the best division in the army was the 4th Infantry Division. Both divisions have been headed by MGen. Mario F. Chan.

“Clearly, this is a clear indication and a tribute to the effective leadership and management style of Gen. Chan, who has succeeded in forging productive partnerships and teamwork with civil society, the church, and the LGUs of Cebu, Bohol, Biilran, Northern Samar, Western Samar and Eastern Samar. We, the Samarnons, have benefitted from the social and developmental services rendered by the military, which include medical/dental missions, literacy projects and road construction/rehabilitation projects, among others”, the Bishops explain.

Recently, Chan has been making noise and getting support in his desire to put in place a developmental roadmap for Samar which prioritizes the proposed construction of circumferential and radial roads that would interconnect the three provinces.

“These roads are expected to boost the economic development within the area. Hopefully, these prosperity roads (roads to war against poverty) will hasten development and will end the lingering poverty in Samar”, the Commanding General said.

The SIPPAD letter thanked the President for putting Samar Island among his priority provinces and for appointing and keeping Gen. Chan as head of the military contingent in Samar.

“Indeed, Gen. Chan’s troops have shown to us, Samarnons, that the military can have a humanitarian face, with accompanying bayanihan spirit and willing hands”, the Bishops add.