Army woos community pillars to strengthen peace and development advocacy

By PIA Samar
July 9, 2012

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  The Philippine Army through its civil affairs office sees the need to woo community pillars to strengthen its partnership with the community they serve.

In Friday’s subject matter exchanges at the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) Philippine Army, Catbalogan City, DPAO Chief invited the community pillars in media, women, religious group, Indigenous People (IP) and some government agencies representatives.

“We want to enhance the skills of the military in dealing with the different sectors of the society and to be familiar with the norms customs and traditions of the community,” Lt Col Arvin Lagamon told PIA.

Speakers from the general headquarters taught the different 8th ID army battalions, units and companies how to deal with these pillars in the community to ensure support in their peace and development efforts.

One official said that these sectors are influential in the communities and it is best to engage them but not to be overly familiar.

Jennifer Cabadonnga, leader of the Mamanwa tribe residing in Barangay Baclayon, San Jose de Buan narrated how her people scoured the jungles of Samar to find a peaceful place to stay as they were reportedly harassed by some soldiers.

“All we need is livelihood and we can exist peacefully,” she implored the army. Cabadongga admitted though that the encounter took place several years ago.

Deputy Division Commander Col. Virgilio Espeneli assured the Mamanwa leader that the army is different now.

The government personnel present promised Cabadongga that they will ‘bridge’ her requests to the different social services of the government.

The army also engaged the sector representative in a discussion as how best the army can secure their support in their peace and development efforts.