TARABANGAN SA BRGY PANDAN – A bayanihan experience

           “It is only by working together can we find creative solutions that work.” This is an excerpt from the message of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III as contained in the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan. “The IPSP acknowledges that the contribution of each and every government agency, civil society organization, and even local community, is vital in ensuring peace and security” he said further. The “Tarabangan sa Barangay Pandan” Project is inspired by the very message of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Background

Pandan is a remote barangay located in the southern part of Castilla, Sorsogon in the Bicol region. The place got its name from the herb plant called pandan that used to thrive abundantly in the olden days until the increasing population slowly converted the surrounding plains into rice paddies for economic reasons. Barangay Pandan is one of the 34 barangays of Castilla, now a 3rd class municipality.

     Just like other villages in the region, the people of Barangay Pandan used to be under the influence of the CPP-NPA-NDF (CNN) who formed revolutionary organization that usurped the authority of their elected officials. The armed rebels were free to operate in the area, collected revolutionary tax from the farmers, and recruited many of the youth to join the armed struggle against the government. There were two NPA camps that were established in the periphery of the barangay during the height of insurgency in the municipality under the former Komiteng Larangan Guerilla codenamed “Jaylo”.

                                                                                                        Geographical location of Brgy Pandan, Castilla, Sorsogon

Barangay Defense System (BDS)

After a series of combat and SOT operations from 2008 until 2009 by the 9^TH Infantry Division, KLG Jaylo was eventually dismantled. The barangays in Castilla were cleared of influence by the CNN. The Integrated Territorial Defense System was set-up in every barangay to prevent the CNN from regaining their lost ground. Part of this was the establishment of CAFGU detachments and the Barangay Defense System (BDS).

The BDS is composed of volunteer residents who guard their own barangay against outsiders who may want to do illegal activities in their area. Checkpoints are set up which they man for 24 hours. They also assist the barangay police in the maintenance of peace and order. They are also very much involved in community activities such environment protection, cleanliness of the area and even religious ceremonies. In some areas, the BDS have been trained in disaster relief operations.

 

It is, thus, understandable that the BDS has proven effective against efforts of the New People’s Army to recover their lost base. NPAs who try to infiltrate the barangay could easily be identified and reported to the soldiers.  And in areas where there are Cafgus, the outlaws never even try to go.

The work of the BDS has resulted to a relatively peaceful environment in the barangay which eventually enabled the community to improve. Development slowly came in, as the people were emboldened to engage in business. Others simply spent more time in their farm, happy that there were no NPAs to part with their produce. This was especially true in the case of Barangay Pandan and the neighboring communities.

With the relative peace now experienced by the people of Barangay Pandan and the surrounding localities, the area is now ripe for development. However, they face the usual problem of assistance from the outside, the same problem they faced when the NPAs came in. Like before, the people remain susceptible to the propaganda of the enemy.

It is with this in mind that the 903^rd Infantry Brigade has chosen Brgy Pandan as its focus area for its development efforts under IPSP “Bayanihan”. The people are united in choosing a better life. They vow never to be fooled again into supporting the NPAs. and they have the determination to succeed.

Brigade Focus Area

Rather than dissipate its efforts by working in several barangays, the 903^rd Infantry Brigade opted to focus in a certain area where its work will be concentrated. By introducing the needed projects in that barangay, development could more easily be attained.

The idea here is to produce a model barangay which will showcase our efforts in development. We have to show that development in such areas is indeed possible, if enough public and private organizations will pool their efforts towards the identified focus area. Through the convergence of their efforts, this is realistically attainable even in a much shorter period of time. And once development is attained, the effects are expected to be felt even by the surrounding communities (ripple effect). Other barangays would be motivated to unite towards the improvement of their livelihood.

It would the role of the Brigade to entice these well-meaning entities to contribute to the development of the focus area. There are many organizations, especially civil society organizations, which have regular programs that could benefit the barangays. Often times, they do not have the means through which these programs could be channeled to the intended or possible recipients. The Brigade would be their conduit to the barangays.

Brgy Pandan was considered by the Brigade as its first focus area.

Tarabangan sa Brgy Pandan

            It all started sometime in March 2011 when Col Felix J Castro Jr, 903^rd Brigade Commander, learned that ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. Sagip Kapamilya was donating schools as part of its commitment to the needy communities. He got in contact with LtCol Dennis Eclarin of the National Development Support Command (NADESCOM) and explored the possibility of a classroom being donated in one of the barangays in its area. He wanted a barangay previously influenced by the NPAs but has since been cleared. He was looking for a barangay that was ready for development. All these he found in Brgy Pandan.

Col Castro went to Brgy Pandan and saw for himself the badly maintained roads and the poor people. While a large part of the area was planted with rice, many relied on coconuts for their livelihood. He visited Pandan High School and was informed by the Teacher-in-charge Ms Lucia Villa that they only have one classroom building which they use for three classes. She said that she has already requested for additional classrooms but this was denied. Col Castro saw for himself how the students were cramped in the rooms. The teacher did not even have a space where they can do their lessons. He decided that he would recommend that Pandan High School be the recipient of the ABS-CBN classrooms.

And as the Brigade focus area, its efforts will now be concentrated in the barangay. Harnessing the assistance of other stakeholders inside and outside the community, Tarabangan sa Brgy Pandan was off to a good start.

Social preparation. Consultations with the residents of Brgy Pandan had to be undertaken as part of the social preparations for the two-classroom project. They were made to understand that they also have their own role in the project.  They would not be mere beneficiaries; they are our partners in this undertaking. And so the parents promised to help in the construction whenever they have free time.

During the dialogues, the residents also aired their concerns on livelihood, poor water system, the conditions of the road, water irrigation, and college scholarships for their children.

Gustong kong Mag-aral. The two-classroom building donated by ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya was eventually started last June 30, 2011 and was finished almost three months later. The materials were shouldered by ABS-CBN while the Local Government Unit of Castilla, Sorsogon headed by Mayor Olivia Bermillo paid for the labor. No less than AFP Chief of Staff Gen Eduardo SL Oban Jr and Ms Tina Monson Palma, Program Director of Sagip Kapamilya, led the inauguration of the completed school building on September 20. Other attendees included: Sorsogon Vice Governor Antonio Escudero, Castilla Mayor Olivia Bermillo, NADESCOM Commander MGen Carlos B Holganza, 9ID Commander MGen Josue S Gaverza Jr , Commander of the 1^st Air Division PAF MGen Ricardo Banayat, AFP Staff for Operations MGen Jose Z Mabanta,  SOLCOM Deputy Commander Commo Rosauro Arnel Gonzales, and Asst J7 Col Rodolfo Santiago.

The donation was actually part of the “Gusto kong Mag-aral” Program of Sagip Kapamilya. Acknowledging the importance of education for the children, the organization has been supporting the construction of school buildings in depressed areas nationwide. Part of the programs is the donation of books, cabinets and the E-Tv composed of a television set, VCD player and educational materials (CD). Bantay Bata 163 also has started a four month feeding program for the elementary school children.

“Gustong kong Mag-aral,” thus, became a byword of the students as they witnessed the efforts of those involved in the program. They also felt the excitement and happiness of their parents and teachers with the additional classrooms.

Sponsored  by  ABS-CBN, The Lewis College & 903rd Brigade

But the 2 classroom building would only be the start. Additional projects would follow.

Bayanihan iskolars. The Brigade was able to solicit six scholarship slots for deserving but poor students from Brgy Pandan.

The Lewis College in Sorsogon City through Sec Imelda Nicolas of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas has given four slots to the Brigade’s Bayanihan Iskolars Linylyn Alano, Lilly Ann Valle, Rhea Salbosa and Jose Arnel Mallete. Mallete, an amputee who used to move using two stools, also received a wheelchair.

Two slots were also given by the ABS-CBN to   Maybellene Bataller and Marjorie del Ayre who are both enrolled at Bicol University in Daraga, Albay

Other interventions. As a result of the efforts of ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya in Brgy Pandan, other organizations were encouraged to contribute to improve the condition of the barangay and even the neighboring communities. It would seem all that was needed was a “push” or a good example for others to follow. And so many other projects followed.

1.       One classroom building funded by Cong Salvador Escudero (completed)

2.       One classroom building funded by DepEd (completed)

3.       Two classroom building (2 story) funded by DepEd (under construction)

4.       Repair of the PTA building used as classroom (programmed next year)

5.       Re-gravelling of Pandan-Saclayan Road funded by the Provl govt (programmed next year)

6.       Repair of Pandan-Tomaltay Road and Pandan-Cogon Road (programmed next year)

7.       Repair of a portion of Pandan-Dinapa Road funded by Cong Escudero (ongoing)

Again, it should be worthy to note that these projects came after the approval of the ABS-CBN classroom. Col Castro made it a point to announce the classroom donation during every meetings and forums, even in radio interviews. This actually made it easier for the Brigade to solicit the help of other organizations. Other interventions to Brgy Pandan continued.

The Brigade was able to coordinate the conduct of medical mission in the barangay by the Spanish NGO Asociacion Valenciana de Asistencia Sanitaria y Social Voluntarios (AVASSV) on 01 August which benefited 367 persons. They also donated two laptop computers – one for the barangay and another for Pandan High School. The Office of Sec Nicolas also donated five refurbished desktop computers to the school.

    

      The Department of Agriculture has allocated P30mln for the concreting of the irrigation canals in Brgy Pandan. However, one of the requirements was the organization of a cooperative through which the funds were to be channeled. The Brigade was able to facilitate the organization of the Pandan Farmers Irrigators Cooperative which allowed the project to start. Surveys are now being undertaken prior to actual construction.

Col Castro has also coordinated with Dr Editha Lomerio Ph.D., the Regional Director of the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA), who agreed to introduce the planting of abaca in Brgy Pandan. A seminar has been scheduled by December. FIDA will support all the requirements for the seminar as well as the establishment of a one hectare nursery and maintenance for two years. They will also help in the training for abaca products.

            School of peace. The Brigade has been a partner of the Department of Peace Studies of the Bicol University in propagating peace in the province of Sorsogon. Its Chair, Dr Herbert Rosana Ph.D., is also the Director of the Bicol Consortium for Peace Education and Development (BCPED) which has been tapped by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) in the promotion of a culture of peace through peace education as an important part of peace building. One of its projects is the “School of Peace” Program which it has started with a pilot school in the municipality of Castilla since 2009 - the San Isidro Elementary School. 

            Col Castro has convinced Dr Rosana to prepare a proposal for the implementation of a Peace Education Program in public schools in the municipality of Castilla, encouraged by the progress experienced in San Isidro Elementary School. This will include Pandan High School. He has already explained the proposal to Dir Eileen Jose of Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) who has expressed interest in the proposal.

Creative solutions that work

The Pandan experience shows that it often needs creative solutions to successfully deal with a problem that has continued to persist. More often, people stick to tried and tested solutions, failing to realize that conditions change and maybe, so should solutions. This is especially true in problems involving peace and security.

 IPSP Bayanihan invites just that – to try new possibilities since old ways have not really been effective. And this time involve the stakeholders in the community. For they, more than the outsiders, have a greater stake in the outcome.

It is still too early to conclude that efforts in Brgy Pandan will lead to a better life for the people. Most projects will still be implemented. Results will come at a much later time. Nevertheless, the process has been started. More people are now involved. And more importantly, the people are convinced that they could improve their situation.

Indeed, it is not the lack of programs to assist the communities. For there so many government projects that are being implemented.  There are also many `civil society organizations that have the means to help but often lack the means to reach out. What is needed is an organization that will be the conduit of all these efforts, one that could be lobby for the needs of the barangay. 903^rd Infantry Brigade chose to be that organization.

It all started with the desire to have another classroom so that they could offer 4^th year class next school year. Pandan High School now has six new classrooms.  Transportation is expected to improve once the road repairs are completed. Fares will be lower. Livelihood programs will increase their income. Rice production will be better. Other projects will also come in.  Simply because somebody wanted to help. And others followed the example. For want of a classroom, development is now not far behind. ###

Masbate Rebels Suffer Double Whammy in Sorsogon Encounter

            Rebels who fled the relentless pursuit operations of the Army in the province of Masbate suffered another humiliating defeat in the hands of government forces in Sorsogon, a military official said.

            Lt. Col Teody Toribio, Commanding Officer of the 31st IB stationed in Juban town in Sorsogon said that his unit dealt a decisive blow against the Masbate-based rebels during an encounter at about 2:00pm yesterday, Nov 29, which yielded 8 high-powered rifles.
            He said that he sent a nine-man squad of soldiers together with some PNP officers to check on a report that an abandoned white maritime vessel was reportedly aground the coastal waters of Brgy Poblacion Norte in Barcelona, Sorsogon early in the morning yesterday.


            “A tipster saw armed men disembark the vessel early in the morning of Nov 29. This information was also validated by another villager who claimed to have seen the rebels boarding a motorcycle towards Juban town,” said Toribio.
            Two of the rifles, a 12-gauge shotgun and an M1 Carbine rifle was discovered inside the abandoned fishing vessel which ran aground in the sandbar.
            The group of soldiers who scoured the vicinity, were fired upon by the rebels who were hiding behind the thick mangrove trees. A 15-minute firefight ensued after which the rebels escaped with their casualties.
            “They mingled with the civilian fishermen who were also near the vicinity prompting my soldiers to hold their fire to prevent collateral damage,” added Toribio.
            The soldiers confiscated 6 more highpowered firearms including five (5) m16 rifles and one (1) cal.30 M1 Garand rifle who were left behind by the fleeing rebels.The soldiers also recovered various types of  ammunition, subversive documents and personal belongings.

Army Corporal Jeffrey N Balajadia, the squad leader, said that during the inspection, they found that the markings MAS15.0002.BA indicating that the vessel was registered in Masbate.

Col Felix Castro, 903rd Brigade Commander, who has operational jurisdiction in the provinces of Sorsogon and Masbate, directed 31is IB for pursuit operations against the NPA rebels. He also confirmed that the rebels belong to a group of communist rebels operating in Masbate.

“The recovered subversive documents indicated that the rebels who figured in this firefight came all the way from Masbate province. They suffered heavily in the recent clashes with the 9^th Infantry Battalion in that area, forcing them to flee towards mainland Bicol which is accessible by boat,” said Castro.

Castro also emphasized that the encounter is a perfect example of Oplan Bayanihan at work. He lauded the PNP and the civilians who provided the timely information regarding the rebels’ presence.

“Our healthy relationships with the various stakeholders in the province combined with our “Bayanihan” efforts in Sorsogon paid off leading to this accomplishment.” concluded Castro. (Harold Cabunoc)

903rd Brigade Participates in DepEd’s Reading Month

      Castilla, Sorsogon. The 903^rd Brigade of the Philippine Army participated in the observance of the Reading Month, one of the many programs of the Department of Education to instill in the young students the desire to seek knowledge. Conducted in the morning of November 25, the soldiers read short stories to the students of San Isidro Elementary School in Castilla, Sorsogon and afterwards asked questions to test their comprehension.

Mr Teddy Janola, the school principal, invited the soldiers as well as the college students from the Bicol University in Daraga, Albay who were taking up Bachelor of Science in Peace Studies. They were led by Dr. Herbert B. Rosana, Head of Peace Studies Department of BU and Director of Bicol Consortium for Peace Education and Development (BCPED) and Mrs Gina Oropesa, a department faculty member. Also present was the barangay chairwoman of San Isidro, Hon. Salome Jamores.

San Isidro Elementary School has been under the School of Peace Program of the BCPED as a pilot school since 2000. Dr Rosana explained that the program is supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). Under this program, the school incorporates peace concepts in their lessons in most of the subjects. Teachers inculcate the value of peace to ensure a brighter future for their young pupils as law-abiding citizens. Teachers, at the same time, are also trained on how to reach out to the families of students and other members of the community for a holistic approach to build a culture of peace. They were trained on how to mainstream peace perspectives into the basic education curriculum as well as into school policies, processes and relationships to make them conflict-sensitive and peace promoting.

During an interview with some teachers, they said that they noticed remarkable changes in the behavior of their pupils, who now refrain from saying bad and hurting words to fellow students. They also keep their composure and avoided retaliating when provoked by their classmates. The phrase “Peace Be with You” has also become the popular saying heard around the campus.

Col Felix J Castro Jr, 903^rd Brigade Commander, has promised to support all the activities of the School of Peace. In fact, he has already solicited several books for donation to the school on December 20 during their “Aklat para sa Kapayapaan” program.

Moreover, he plans to solicit the support of Mayor Olive Bermillo of Castilla, the BCPED and DepEd to enroll all public schools of the said municipality in the School of Peace Program as a pilot project in the province of Sorsogon. Dr Rosana has promised to support this and he is already preparing a concept paper. “We must plant the seeds of peace in the fertile minds of these children so that society could eventually reap lasting peace.”, Col Castro said.

Indeed, the youth is the hope of the fatherland.

Army KOs rebels in Masbate firefight

       CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur --- Early morning of the much-hyped Pacquiao – Marquez duel last Sunday, a 15-man group of soldiers engaged in a firefight 15 NPA rebels in Sitio Matagbac, Milagros, Masbate at about 6:00 a.m. of that day, drawing a big knockout victory for the Army in the area.

        “While your Army here in Masbate was busy with feeding programs in partnership with the local government, NPA rebels were also busy extorting money from the local villagers,” reported Lt. Col. Julian Pacatan, commanding officer of the 9th Infantry Battalion based in Milagros, Masbate.

        “They (the people) are tired of NPA extortion activities in the area,” Pacatan added.

        Recovered at the site of the encounter were an M16 rifle, one M653 (baby armalite) rifle, two cal.38 pistols, 25 pieces IEDs (improvised explosive device), one rifle grenade, one binocular, one cellular phone, and subversive documents. The soldiers suffered no casualty during the encounter.

        “Bloodstains are scattered everywhere in the encounter site,” said 2nd Lt. Francis Alfie C. Tuazon, the officer who led the 15-man group of soldiers. He added that local villagers pinpointed the location of the NPA extortionists and saw the rebels carrying their wounded or killed comrades.

        During Pacquiao vs Mosley in May last year, the 9th Infantry Battalion also scored knockout victories against NPA rebels in Aroroy when they killed a top rebel official and another rebel during an encounter there where several high-powered firearms were also seized from the retreating rebels.

        Col. Felix Castro Jr, commander of the 903rd Infantry Brigade, directed 9th IB, for pursuit operations. “We will just watch Lt.Col. Pacquiao’s fight later, we’ll do our job first,” referring to the boxing hero as a recently commissioned Army officer. (News)

Troops, communist rebels clash in Sorsogon

              MANILA - Government troops clashed with alleged New People's Army rebels in a remote village in Sorsogon Sunday morning, the Philippine Army said.

              Colonel Felix Castro, commander of the Army's 903rd Brigade based in Castilla town, said that the clash happened in Tinampo village of Bulusan town at around 7 a.m.

             Castro said soldiers responded to complaints from residents that the suspects were allegedly harassing and extorting locals. A seven-man team from the Army responded to the site but was fired upon by around 10 suspects, triggering a gunfight.

             After 10 minutes, the suspects fled. Troops recovered an M16 rifle, a Garand rifle, a carbine rifle, a cal. 45 pistol and improvised bombs.

           The NPA rebels have suffered a series of setbacks after the soldiers intensified their combat operations in answer to the complaints by the civilians that they are forced to give food and money to the NPAs.

          Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz has directed all Army units to remain vigilant for possible NPA attacks during the long weekend and on All Saints' Day. (News)