KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores appealed to Aklanons to be responsible constituents amidst the first recorded cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the province of Aklan.
In a press conference, April 14, Miraflores confirmed the first two cases of ASF in Aklan particularly in Barangay Arcangel in Balete. Out of the three blood samples of hogs that were sent to the Department of Agriculture Region 6 on April 11 , two tested positive of the deadly virus.
“Our main goal as of the moment is to contain the virus in the affected area. We must ensure that it will not spread to the other parts of the province that are still ASF-free,” he said.
He added that the provincial government also aims to prepare everyone as ASF is already in the province and 95 percent of hog raisers in Aklan are backyard raisers.
Based on the report of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian here, the confirmed two cases were simply raised in a backyard.
“Gaapela gid kita sa kapwa naton Aklanon nga mangin responsable pa gid kapin nga nakasueod eon sa probinsya ro ASF. (We appealed to our fellow Aklanons to be very responsible as ASF has already entered the province),” he said.
According to Miraflores, included in their action plans will be the stricter checkpoints in every border of the province. Thorough checkpoints are to be expected to ensure that entry of pork and pork products from other provinces as well as from Arcangel, Balete will be prevented.
However, he added that this step is not a 100% assurance but if every resident of Aklan will cooperate and be responsible enough in not allowing the entry of the prohibited products in the province, this will ensure the prevention of spreading of ASF in Aklan.
Further, OPVET-Aklan head Dr. Maria Cyrosa Leen Ma-
bel Siñel urged hog raisers especially backyard raisers to refrain from swill feeding, especially that this was the cause of infection of the first two ASF cases in Aklan.
Siñel said that such feeding has been long banned by the OPVET to hog raisers in Aklan to practice as this has already proven to cause ASF and other deadly diseases to the swine population in the country as well as overseas.
In line with the appeal of the governor, Siñel likewise called on for cooperation and support, as this is everyone’s responsibility to make the whole province of Aklan to be ASFfree once again. (AAL/SQP/PIA Aklan)
KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) The province of Aklan will be holding the first-ever “Hinuguran It Akeanon” trade fair on April 17-28, 2023 at the Trade Hall, Provincial Capitol Grounds, Kalibo, Aklan.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Aklan director Ma. Carmen Iturralde said the “Hinuguran” trade fair will showcase the different cultural events that highlight the Aklanon artisan’s ingenuity and craftmanship such as the Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival, Talibong Festival, and Ati-Atihan Festival.
“It summarizes the uniquely Aklanon traits of being hardworking, passionate and creative especially in the field of arts and crafts,” Iturralde said.
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The trade fair is one the highlights of Aklan’s 67th anniversary celebration, and will be showcasing loomwoven fabrics and wearables made of piña and other indigenous fibers, fashion accessories, gifts, furnishings, decorative crafts, and food products, among others.
The trade fair, spearheaded by DTI-Aklan, is in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Aklan, Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council, Aklan Wearables and Homestyle Industry Council, Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc., and Aklan PiñaMANTRA, Inc.
Meanwhile, at the opening program of this event, which
will be held at 5:00 p.m. on April 17 at the Capitol Grounds, a book launching dubbed Piña Futures of Habi Foundation, and a Fashion Show of Aklan Fashion Designers Association (AFDA) will be featured.
DTI 6 OIC Regional Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes, Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores, Vice Gov. Reynaldo Quimpo, Rep. Carlito S. Marquez of the 1st District, and Rep. Teodorico Haresco of the 2nd District will also be delivering messages.
A special message will also be delivered by former Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores.
It was under his stint on his first term as governor that the forerunner of the “Hinuguran” trade fair, the Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival, was launched and sustained, becoming one of the major attractions of the Aklan Day celebration. (JBG/VGV/PIA6 Aklan)
KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) The province of Aklan is still primarily an agricultural province with a vibrant tourism industry, according to Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores, when he welcomed the officers and members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) VI during its 1st Quarter Full Meeting in Boracay Island recently.
“Boracay Island is back in business. Through the combined efforts of the national and local governments, private sector, civil society and the media, Boracay Island is slowly recovering from the effects of the closure brought about by its rehabilitation and the pandemic,” Miraflores told the RDC members who came all the way from the provinces of Negros, Iloilo, Antique, Capiz and Guimaras to attend the meeting.
He also shared with the group that since its reopening, the island is regularly receiving accolades from the travel and tourism community, most recent of which is the recognition as the 5th Best Island Destination of the Destinanasian 2023 Readers Choice Awards.
Miraflores also said Boracay Island is back in the international cruise shipping map as it recently welcomed two cruise ships and expecting another 12 cruise ships for the rest of the year.
Meanwhile, as an agricultural province, he revealed that the provincial government has forged partnerships with Boracay Island establishments for a closer integration of Aklan mainland’s agricultural produce and Boracay’s food requirements by regularly supplying the island with harvests from the local farmers.
“In support to this, we are providing sustained assistance to our farmers for a more efficient and bountiful production. We have continued the Farmers and Fisherfolks Day; we provide trainings through our agri-aqua demonstration farm and training center in Barangay Nalook, Kalibo, which has just been certified as a learning site for agriculture (LSA) of the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI),” Miraflores said.
He added that currently, the Aklan Grains Processing Center, also located in Barangay Nalook, Kalibo, has started operating fully in September 2022, purchasing wet and dry palay from Aklan farmers at relatively high valuation and offering drying and rice milling services at reasonable rates, which help stabilize the price of palay in the province.
With Aklan as host, the RDC meeting was held at Hennan Palm Beach Resort in the island, and was presided by RDC
Also in attendance were Secretary Terence Calatrava of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, and USEC Mark Cristeo R. Gimenez of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS). (JBG/VGV/PIA6 Aklan)
KALIBO, Aklan (PIA)
Kalibo mayor Juris Bautista Sucro led the groundbreaking ceremony, March 30, to officially start the construction of the New Kalibo Public Market on its current location in Andagao, Kalibo.
According to him, the project, amounting to P300-million, is a three-storey building which offers stalls for meat, vegetables, fresh fruits, fish and poultry products, among others.
It also features a park or plazoleta and wide space for the parking area.
In his speech, Sucro shared his happiness and pride that the dream of every Kalibonhon of having a clean, beautiful, and modernized place as a center of commerce, business, and trade in Kalibo is now within reach.
“Ru rayang groundbreaking ceremony hay nagapatimaan nga matuod-tuod eon gid nga ipatukod naton ru handom it Kalibonhon. Ngani, sa makaron nga adlaw, ru atong handum hay paga-umpisahan eon naton nga abuton, sa makarong adlaw ru aton nga ginahueat-hueat nga bag-ong tindahan hay ipatindog eon naton iya sa Bagong Kalibo (This groundbreaking ceremony is a proof that the dream of Kalibonhons will be finally constructed. Today, we will start to achieve that dream of Kalibonhons. Today, our long wait for the New Kalibo Public Market, will be finally built),” Sucro said.
He also expressed confidence and optimism that with the New Public Market, the economy of Kalibo will be developed and the town’s trade and commerce will likewise be active and strong.
The mayor also appealed for the support and cooperation of the public to hasten the construction of the project as well to make it successful.
“The Local Government of Kalibo, with the support of our provincial government, and with the efforts of our constituents in public service are working hard for us to achieve our dream to have a modernized and progressive public market,” he added.
Meanwhile, Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores, who joined Sucro in the groundbreaking ceremony, commended Bagong Kalibo and assured that the Provincial Government is com-
KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently held its 26th Annual National Convention in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.
The convention, held at the La Carmela de Boracay Hotel and Convention Center, was attended by some 2,500 delegates from the Philippine League of Local Budget Officers (PHILLBO) Inc. from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
The three-day event had the theme “Digital Transformation to Strengthen LGU Public Financial Management” and was graced on Day 2 with the presence of DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, who was the Keynote Speaker.
In her speech, she shared that the 2023 National Budget was the fastest to be enacted in recent history, having been signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last December 16, 2022, or merely five months when she took her oath of office.
“Now we must carry the responsibility of efficiently implementing this budget for programs and projects that truly respond to every need of every Filipino and improve their
mitted in supporting all the development needed by the Municipality.
Miraflores likewise guaranteed that all the improvements being led by the Provincial Government such as the renovation of the ABL Sports Complex, establishment of a wellness center for all sports activities and launching of a Mental Health Program at the provincial level will complement all growth in the capital town of Kalibo.
Also present at the event were Vice Mayor Cynthia Dela Cruz, Uswag Ilonggo Partylist Rep. James "Jojo" Ang, Jr., Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan members, MEEDO Head Mary Gay Joel and OIC Market Supervisor Noe Pador.
The construction of the infrastructure will start in April 2023 and is targeted to be completed in May 2024. (AAL/ SQP/PIA-Aklan)
quality of life,” Secretary Pangandaman said.
The Secretary also stressed the important role of digital transformation as one of the top priorities of the Marcos Jr. administration and key strategy to achieve the government’s Agenda for Prosperity.
She also pointed out that in crafting the P5.268 trillion National Budget for 2023, digital transformation was established as one of the key government reforms as this translates to more efficient public service delivery, as well as more transparent credible, and clean governance.
She added that digital transformation will help the government build robust data systems that will create better programs such as targeted social protection and more efficient employment opportunity linking systems.
Meanwhile, the convention’s first day in the island was graced by local officials led by Aklan governor Jose Enrique Miraflores and Mayor Frolibar Bautista of Malay, Aklan, who both delivered welcome remarks at the opening program.
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As a side activity, Secretary Pangandaman met with the local media and where she was asked on various issues and concerns like the significance of the gathering of budget officers in the convention, on devolution, on the digital means of requesting government funds, and on the ongoing tourism-related projects in Boracay Island, which she all ably answered.
She also gave the assurance that all the tourism-related projects in Boracay, which was started by the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the height of the rehabilitation, will be continued by the Marcos, Jr. administration. (JBG/VGV/PIA6 Aklan)
2023 in order to buy the same 1000-peso worth of goods and services bought in 2018.
Meanwhile, among major commodity groups, the inflation was mainly contributed by the increases in price indices of Food and non-alcoholic beverages which inflated by 12.6 percent. This was followed by Transport commodities with 5.9 percent inflation, Furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance with 11.3 percent, and Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels with 1.7 percent.
Headline inflation in the province of Aklan drops from 8.1 percent to 6.9 percent this March. However, this is relatively higher by 4.1 percentage points compared to 2.8 percent inflation rate reported in March 2022.
The inflation rate is the year-on-year change in consumer price indices of various groups of goods and services across time relative to a base year (2018), according to Philippine Statistics Authority. It is one of the economic indicators used to measure the overall impact of price changes for a diversified group of commodities in the economy.
On the average, the consumer price index for all items in the province of Aklan pegged at 119.2 in March from 119.0 recorded in the past month. This further resulted to a decrease in the purchasing power of peso from 0.8403 centavos to 0.8389 centavos during the reference period.
The consumer price index and purchasing power of peso shows that an individual needed additional P192.00 in March
These commodity groups showed decreases in inflation from February to March 2023 which consequently, has primarily brought the downtrend of inflation from 8.1 percent to 6.9 percent: Food and non-alcoholic beverages, from 13.3 percent to 12.6 percent; Transport, from 10.3 percent to 5.9 percent; and Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, from 3.7 percent to 1.7 percent.
In addition, among food commodities, rice mainly brought the downtrend in food inflation from 7.8 percent last month to 3.3 percent during the reference period.
Furthermore, Vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses followed which dropped from 36.4 percent to 31.4 percent in a month, and fish and other seafoods went down from 21.5 percent to 21.2 percent.
Oils and fats also went down from 27.9 percent to 24.8 percent, while, Milk, other dairy products and eggs decreased by 8.8 percent from 9.0 percent last month. (Engr. Antonet B. Catubuan/PSA-Aklan)
Social Security System (SSS) President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet disclosed on Tuesday that the SSS plans to install solar panels in its offices to save on electricity expenses and promote the use of renewable energy.
Macasaet said the SSS aims to have the pilot implementation of the project in its Main Office in Quezon City where 445 solar panels with combined capacity of 200 kilowatt-peak (kWp) shall be installed.
“Upon the completion of this project, we estimate to generate an average of around 18,872 kilowatt-hours per month, equating to a monthly savings of P200,798.08; and to reduce our carbon footprint by 9.57 tons, equivalent to planting 57.4 trees,” he added.
The SSS is also contemplating to install solar panels in SSS-owned branches nationwide, especially in areas that experience frequent power outages and charge higher cost of electric power.
The plan is in response to Executive Order No. 14 issued by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on January 27, 2023, which approves and adopts the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2023-2028. Among the plans provided under the PDP, which incorporates the 8-point Socioeconomic
Agenda of President Marcos, is the lowering of energy costs and promoting renewable energy sources.
“As we continue to pursue the provision of meaningful social security protection to the current and future generations of SSS members and their families and the improvement of our services, we will also adopt and implement measures to strengthen the SSS fund through prudent spending and operational efficiency, while advocating for the protection of the environment,” Macasaet said.
The SSS is committed to managing and minimizing the environmental impact of its operations. It has initiated several eco-friendly and cost-effective efforts in the past such as digitalizing its processes through its online portals, My.SSS and SSS Mobile App, which not only provide members with simpler, faster, and more convenient modes of fulfilling their transactions but also reduce carbon footprint through paperless processing and strict compliance to green procurement.
From 2007 to 2009, the Department of Energy, under its National Energy Efficiency Program and Conservation Program in Government Buildings, recognized the SSS as one of the highest energy efficient government offices with a rating of 94%. (AMIEL GENOVA/SSS)
Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said that pension loan releases in 2022 reached P5.95 billion, the highest annual disbursement for the Pension Loan Program (PLP) since it started in 2018.
Macasaet said that pension loan releases in 2022 almost double the P3.08 billion recorded in 2021. “From January to December 2022, the SSS has disbursed a monthly average of P495.77 million pension loans benefitting 10,660 retireepensioners, which is 93% higher than its corresponding monthly average in 2021 of P257.01 million to 5,753 retireepensioners.”
“We are delighted that we have assisted many of our retiree-pensioners for their short-term and immediate financial needs. We also prevent them from becoming victims of private lending institutions that charge high interest rates and require them to surrender their ATM cards as collateral,” he explained.
Likewise, the number of PLP applicants grew after the national government ease up community quarantine restrictions in the country, which allowed retiree-pensioners to submit their pension loan applications in SSS branches. “Our records show that a total of 127,920 retiree-pensioners availed from the PLP in 2022, which is 85% higher than the 69,036 retiree-pensioners who availed of the program in 2021,” Macasaet said.
Luzon recorded the highest number of PLP applicants with 30,158 retiree-pensioners amounting to nearly P1.39 billion in pension loans. The National Capital Region (NCR) came in second with 28,239 borrowers amounting to P1.43 billion. Visayas follows it with 17,038 loan applicants amounting to P740 million, and Mindanao with 12,917 borrowers amounting to P590 million. Meanwhile, online application through My.SSS portal had 39,568 loan applicants amounting to P1.80 billion.
The SSS chief said that 69% of the borrowers filed their loan applications through SSS branches while 31% used their My.SSS account in filing their PLP applications.
Macasaet noted that PLP applications through its online
portal My.SSS also grew in 2022. “Starting May 2022, SSS enhanced PLP by allowing first-time applicants to file their loan applications using their My.SSS account, resulting in 39,568 approved pension loan applications in 2022, a 963% increase from only 3,721 in 2021,” he added.
“Opening an online facility for PLP borrowers paved the way for more retiree-pensioners to access this loan program. It also offered them convenience because they could submit their application even in the comfort of their homes. Once approved, the loan proceeds are directly credited to their disbursement accounts within five (5) working days,” Macasaet said.
SSS launched PLP to assist SSS retiree-pensioners in their immediate financial needs by offering a loan program with a low-interest rate of 10% per annum.
Macasaet further explained that PLP offers its borrowers flexible installment payment terms ranging from six (6) to 24 months. “We also ensure that the pensioners will still have a net take-home pension of at least 47.25% of their monthly pensions.”
Qualified retiree-pensioners can avail themselves of a loan equivalent to three, six, nine, or 12 times their basic monthly pension plus the P1,000 additional benefit granted in 2017, but not exceeding P200,000.00. (AMIEL GENOVA/SSS)
Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said today that the total member savings collection from the Workers’ Investment and Savings Program (WISP) reached P35.84 billion from 4.9 million SSS members in its second year of implementation.
Macasaet said savings collection under the WISP has more than doubled since the start of the program in 2021.
“From January to December 2021, we initially collected P15.48 billion. In 2022, the savings collection grew by 31% to P20.4 billion which brought the total WISP contributions to P35.84 billion,” Macasaet explained.
Moreover, members contributing to the WISP also grew to 4.9 million contributing members, up by 33% from 3.7 million members in 2021.
WISP is a mandatory provident fund scheme managed by SSS that serves as another savings for private-sector workers and other individual paying members which was launched in January 2021. It promotes the principle of Work, Save, Invest and Prosper so that members can have a better retirement package aside from their regular SSS benefit.
WISP is one of the key provisions under Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018. It is a safe, convenient, principal-protected, and tax-free individual retirement savings plan which will supplement a member’s savings from their regular Social Security program.
“Under the WISP, each contributing member will have an account wherein SSS will place their contributions and investment earnings. Not only are they saving for their retirement, but their contributions are also earning through the pro-
gram,” Macasaet added.
Qualified are those private-sector employees, selfemployed individuals, OFWs, and voluntary members who have no final claim and have contributions in the regular SSS program, and have a Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) that exceeds P20,000.
Members pay their WISP contributions together with their regular SSS contributions.
Aside from serving as a savings scheme, the SSS Chief elaborated that the program also functions as an investment vehicle for SSS members. The SSS pools the contributions collected from the program and invests them in the capital markets. Earnings realized from the WISP will be distributed proportionately based on the member’s contributions.
Members can check their WISP contribution online through their My.SSS account. They can log in on their online account. Go to the Inquiry tab and click on Contributions to view their contributions in the WISP as well as their contributions in the regular Social Security program and WISP Plus.
“The program had a good start with a 6.39% return on investment (ROI) in 2021 and an estimated 3.4% ROI in 2022. It outperformed the balance fund market benchmarks, which were 0.15% and -1.25% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. This indicates that members’ savings invested in WISP will generate decent earnings, which will be added to their total contributions. Consequently, when they retire, they will receive higher benefits from the program,” Macasaet concluded. (
AMIEL GENOVA/SSS)CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – A member of the CPP-NPA Terrorist was killed in an encounter with the troops of the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion at the vicinity of Sitio Lower Tiyos, Barangay Quintin Remo in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental at about 5:30 in the morning of April 18, 2023.
The encounter happened while the troops were responding to the complaints of the local populace about the presence of more or less five armed CPP-NPA terrorists in the area conducting extortion activities.
The firefight ensued for about five minutes. After which, the communist terrorists scampered leaving their dead comrade behind. No one was hurt on the government side.
Aside from the dead body of an unidentified NPA, the troops also seized one (1) KG9 assault pistol, a hand grenade, and personal belongings from the encounter site. Pursuit operation against the escaping NPAs is still ongoing.
3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division Commander MGen Marion R Sison commended the 62IB for its relentless antiinsurgency effort that resulted in the successful combat operation against the NPAs in Negros Occidental.
As he lauded the troops, MGen Sison also attributed the said successful operation to the cooperation and vigilance of the local populace in giving reliable information to the operating soldiers. Moreover, MGen Sison reiterated his persistent call to the remaining NPAs to lay down their arms and give
peace a chance, for government forces are more than willing to help them start a new and productive life.
“Waging futile armed struggle will bring nothing but death. Come and join us in creating a harmonious and progressive environment where everyone can be your friend. We can be friends if you embrace peace, but we can be your worst enemy if you continue casting terror against our people,” MGen Sison said. (LTC VICEL JAN C GARSUTA GSC (INF) PA/Phil. Army)
Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said today that the total member savings collection from the Workers’ Investment and Savings Program (WISP) reached P35.84 billion from 4.9 million SSS members in its second year of implementation.
Macasaet said savings collection under the WISP has more than doubled since the start of the program in 2021.
“From January to December 2021, we initially collected P15.48 billion. In 2022, the savings collection grew by 31% to P20.4 billion which brought the total WISP contributions to P35.84 billion,” Macasaet explained.
Moreover, members contributing to the WISP also grew to 4.9 million contributing members, up by 33% from 3.7 million members in 2021.
WISP is a mandatory provident fund scheme managed by SSS that serves as another savings for private-sector workers and other individual paying members which was launched in January 2021. It promotes the principle of Work, Save, Invest and Prosper so that members can have a better retirement package aside from their regular SSS benefit.
WISP is one of the key provisions under Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018. It is a safe, convenient, principal-protected, and tax-free individual retirement savings plan which will supplement a member’s savings from their regular Social Security program.
“Under the WISP, each contributing member will have an account wherein SSS will place their contributions and investment earnings. Not only are they saving for their retirement, but their contributions are also earning through the pro-
gram,” Macasaet added.
Qualified are those private-sector employees, selfemployed individuals, OFWs, and voluntary members who have no final claim and have contributions in the regular SSS program, and have a Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) that exceeds P20,000.
Members pay their WISP contributions together with their regular SSS contributions.
Aside from serving as a savings scheme, the SSS Chief elaborated that the program also functions as an investment vehicle for SSS members. The SSS pools the contributions collected from the program and invests them in the capital markets. Earnings realized from the WISP will be distributed proportionately based on the member’s contributions.
Members can check their WISP contribution online through their My.SSS account. They can log in on their online account. Go to the Inquiry tab and click on Contributions to view their contributions in the WISP as well as their contributions in the regular Social Security program and WISP Plus.
“The program had a good start with a 6.39% return on investment (ROI) in 2021 and an estimated 3.4% ROI in 2022. It outperformed the balance fund market benchmarks, which were 0.15% and -1.25% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. This indicates that members’ savings invested in WISP will generate decent earnings, which will be added to their total contributions. Consequently, when they retire, they will receive higher benefits from the program,” Macasaet concluded. (
AMIEL GENOVA/SSS)CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division honored its Commander and two top officers of the infantry brigades who were promoted to their next higher rank on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
Promoted to the rank of Major General is 3ID Commander BGen Marion R Sison. On the other hand, promoted to the rank of Brigadier General were 301st Infantry Brigade Commander Michael Samson and 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander Orlando Edralin.
The three Army generals received arrival honors from the Spearhead Troopers at Headquarters, 3ID in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz.
The Commanding General Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., donned new ranks to the newly promoted
military officers, including 3ID top officials, in a ceremony on Wednesday at the Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.
In his message, MGen Sison said their promotion comes with great responsibility; a responsibility to the Spearhead Troopers who served as the backbone of the Division in accomplishing its mission and to the people of Western and Central Visayas whom they oath to serve.
“With your support and cooperation, rest assured that we will put this great responsibility given to us into action by attending to the needs of every Spearhead Trooper and fulfilling the people’s fervent desire for genuine peace and progress in Western and Central Visayas,” said MGen Sison. (LTC VICEL JAN C GARSUTA GSC (INF) PA/Phil. Army)
CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division under the leadership of Major General Marion R Sison, Commander, hosted the opening ceremony of Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) Training of Balikatan 38-23 on April 10, 2023 at Sandiwa Event Center, Camp General Macario B Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz.
The event marked the start of a 5-day CBRN training program that will be part of the Balikatan 38-23 joint military
exercise. The CBRN training program is designed to enhance the capabilities of the Philippine military and its allied forces in responding to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. The training program will include classroom lectures, hands-on exercises, and simulations.
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23 joint military exercise, which aims to improve the interoperability and readiness of the Philippine and US armed forces in responding to various threats and disasters, including natural calamities and terrorist attacks
"We are confident that this CBRN training program will enhance the capabilities of our military and allied forces to respond better and allows us to learn from each other, share best practices, and strengthen our readiness to respond to CBRN-related incidents." MGen Sison said.
This year's exercise will focus on enhancing the interoperability and readiness of the Philippine and US armed forces in responding to a wide range of security challenges.
The CBRN training program is just one of the many activities that will take place during the Balikatan 38-23 joint military exercise. Other activities include humanitarian and civic assistance projects, joint combat training exercises, and cultural exchange programs.
The Balikatan 38-23 joint military exercise is a testament to the strong partnership and friendship between the Philippines and the United States. It is an opportunity for the two countries to work together toward promoting peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. (LTC VICEL JAN C GARSUTA GSC (INF) PA/Phil. Army)
CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz –The Army's 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion encountered more or less ten members of the New People's Army (NPA) that lasted for about 20 minutes on April 6, 2023, at Sitio Seraje, Brgy San Isidro, Toboso, Negros Occidental.
The troops immediately responds to the tip-off of the local populace on the presence of the NPAs in the area conducting extortion and other illegal activities.
Recovered from the encounter site were two (2) homemade shotguns; two (2) magazines and two (2) ammos for shotgun; six (6) packs of medicine kits; six (6) hammocks; two (2) pairs of rainboots; one (1) cellphone battery; personal belongings and subversive documents with high intelligence value.
The personnel wounded in the clash has been transported to one of the medical facilities in Negros Occidental and is already in stable condition. On the other hand, civilian witnesses had reported that several wounded NPAs were fleeing the encounter site following the gunfight.
In his message, Major General Marion R Sison, the Commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, lauded the support and cooperation of the local populace to the Army by giving timely and noteworthy information on the whereabouts of the NPAs.
"The people of Negros Occidental have had enough of the extortion and deception tactics of the NPA. They are committed to working with the government to ensure their communi-
ty is safe and secure. They are ready to cooperate with the authorities to provide information and support to help end the NPA's illegal activities." Said MGen Sison.
Likewise, MGen Sison commended the soldiers for their immediate response to the reports of the local populace and persistently ensuring the safety and security of the people not only in Negros Island but also in all areas of Western and Central Visayas.
MGen Sison once again called on the remaining NPAs to lay down their arms, join mainstream society with their family, and avail themselves of the government's reintegration programs like E-CLIP. (LTC VICEL JAN C GARSUTA GSC (INF) PA/Phil. Army)
CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – In line with its aim to forge deeper ties with the academe, the Army's 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division opened its home to presidents and extension directors of its partner State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Region 6 through a camp visit on April 3, 2023, at Camp General Macario B Peralta Jr., Jamindan Capiz.
Spearhead Troopers, led by its Commander BGen Marion R Sison, warmly welcomed the visitors from 10 SUCs in Western Visayas.
Among them were the 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.
3ID provided an information briefing to apprise the participants on the current thrust of the Division.
Mr. Jeffrey "KA ERIC" Celiz, a former student leader and a cadre of the CPP-NPA-NDF in Western Visayas and Prosecutor Flosemir Chris I Gonzales, Spokesperson of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) 6 served as resource persons during the open forum. They shared their insights on the extent of the tactics used by the CPP-NPANDF in recruiting students and youth to join the terrorist 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).
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.
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Moreover, the visit of SUCs at the Division's Headquarters is one of the proposed activities of 3ID MSAB for 2023 and the best practices advocated by the Command.
BGen Sison thanked the officials of 10 SUCs for visiting the camp and 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. They provided us with significant advice and opinion to successfully attain our goals and perform our mandate of serving and securing the people of Western and Central Visayas," the 3ID Commander said.
Likewise, BGen Sison iterated in his message that true love for the country calls for nationalism to be shared and responsibil-
ity 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," BGen Sison added. (LTC VICEL JAN C GARSUTA GSC (INF) PA/Phil. Army)