By Jennifer P. Rendon
Academe plays a vital role in the country’s peace and development efforts.
In recognition of the academe’s importance, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division opened its home in Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz to forge deeper ties with presidents and extension directors of its partner State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Western Visayas.
Brigadier General Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander, personally welcomed officers of SUCs during a camp tour at the 3rd ID headquarters on April 3.
The 3ID visitors include presidents and extension directors of West Visayas State University, Guimaras State University, Antique University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, Central Philippine State University, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University; Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, Northern Iloilo State University, and Capiz State University.
The 3ID provided an information briefing to apprise the participants of the current thrust of the Division.
Former student leader and CPP-NPA cadre Jeffrey Celiz, who is now better known as Ka Eric, and Prosecutor Flosemir Chris Gonzales, Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) 6 spokesperson, served as resource persons during the open forum.
They shared their insights on the extent of the tactics used by the CPP-NPA-NDF in recruiting students and youth to join the group.
The visitors were also given a chance to have a glimpse of the Division’s capabilities through a Kinetic Display showcasing the Infantry Squad Operations, Artillery Squad Organization, and Mechanized Squad Organization held at the 3ID’s Known Distance Range (KDR).
Sison said the activity aims to have focused engagement with the SUCs president and extension directors to fortify the existing relationship with the academe sector and work together for collaborative projects and programs.
It was gathered that the visit of SUCs at the 3rd ID headquarters is one of the proposed activities of the 3ID Multi-Sectoral Advisory Body (MSAB) for 2023 and part of the best practices advocated by the Command.
Sison said the activity is more than just a visit of 10 SUCs but an act of solidifying the existing partnership with the Army.
He also recognized the support and cooperation of the SUCs to 3ID’s various endeavors, especially in its transformation program and different peace and development undertakings for the betterment of the youths, students, and the region.
“Our partner SUCs representing the academe sector have played a vital role in fulfilling our transformation roadmap to convert the organization into a more capable, responsive, reliable, and professional Army,” he said,
Sison also cited them with providing the military with significant advice and opinion to successfully attain its goals and perform its mandate of serving and securing the people of Western and Central Visayas.
Meanwhile, Sison underscored that true love for the country calls for nationalism to be shared and the responsibility to enlighten, empower, and encourage the youth to take up the banner of righteousness.
“We have in us the voice that could shape our children’s future, to empower and enlighten others to take part in this crusade, and we are all accountable in spreading the voice of uprightness,” he said.
