Army troops advocate IPSP Bayanihan through cultural presentation

By 20th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
July 25, 2012

BRGY. MAGSAYSAY, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar  –  In an effort to promote the current Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP Bayanihan) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion, under the leadership of LTC Noel A. Vestuir GSC (INF) PA has conceptualized a cultural presentation aimed to portray the true spirit of Bayanihan.

The presentation is in a form of a variety of folk, modern and cultural dance as well as the rendition of the 8ID original song entitled “Sundalong Pilipino” being performed by organic personnel of 20IB. The primary objective of the presentation is to promote the current activities of Army Units in the province in consonance with the IPSP Bayanihan in order to instill awareness among the stakeholders in the area of operations. The presentation also aims to generate the support of the stakeholders by performing during town, city or barangay fiesta celebration while the dance troupe provides entertainment to the audiences in a unique manner.

Patterned after the Philippine Army’s Guerilla Theater concept during the early 90’s, the presentation of 20IB Bayanihan Dance Troupe was crafted in order to advocate the IPSP “Bayanihan”, generate stakeholders’ support, promote peaceful solution to the conflict in the conflict-affected areas and showcase of the talents of our soldiers.

The 20IB Bayanihan Dance Troupe first performed during the Miss Teen Tinambacan Pageant in Tinambacan District, Calbayog City conducted last May 2, 2012. The said performance has earned praises and admiration from the organizers, spectators and the entire crowd of the audiences.

After that glaring performance, the 20IB Bayanihan dance troupe next performed during the annual town Fiesta celebration of Lope de Vega, Northern Samar last May 25, 2012. The people were amazed on the cultural performance presented by the 20IB since it is their common belief that soldiers are only doing activities related to combat.

With that outstanding performance, the dance troupe was again set to perform during the 47th Founding anniversary of the province of Northern Samar held last June 17, 2012 at Catarman Freedom Park. Emotions poured out from the spectators as they applaud the performers while they illustrate the military endeavor of pursuing peaceful resolution of conflict through “Bayanihan” in a genre of fabulous presentation.

The latest presentation of the dance troupe was held last July 24, 2012 during the annual fiesta celebration of the municipality of Allen, Northern Samar. The performance of the dance troupe was earlier arranged by Mayor Rod Laurean Suan where he himself has witnessed last May 2, 2012