DAVAO ORIENTAL – As tough and hard as the “Iron Wood” Kamagong, the soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 28th Infantry Kamagong Battalion continues to live by their durable strength of which their unit embodies.
“The word Kamagong itself speaks so much about the battalion of getting strong and stronger. And since I assumed last April, we adopted that mantra,” said 28th IB Commander Lt. Col. Miguel Ramon as his unit marked another glorious year of achievements on peace and development during the battalion’s 46th Founding Anniversary on Wednesday, October 31.
Strength in Forged Linkages
With this year’s theme “Kamagong at 46: Enhancing connectivity in achieving peaceful and progressive communities”, the celebration highlighted the army’s strengthened linkages not only with development partners but also with the people in the communities.
“We have always maintained strong collaboration with local government units and government agencies. However, we are also even more focusing on improving the relationship of our soldiers with the people who are our primary stakeholders,” he said.
Programs such as the Philippine Army-led Community Support Program, which integrates various development programs that strengthens barangay-based institutions and introduces good governance, has apparently improved the military’s relationship with the communities said Lt. Col. Ramon.
Citing the recent encounter wherein soldiers, through the help of the community and barangay officials, were able to rescue a wounded New People’s Army rebel abandoned by his comrades, only proves the high trust of the people towards the military. He said this only means that by building mutual trust and confidence with the community, a lot can be achieved.
Strength in Partnership and Collaboration
Moreover, Lt. Col. Ramon lauded the strong support extended by the Provincial Government as well as the Municipal Government Units to his battalion, noting that strengthened collaboration and partnership with peace and development stakeholders became the primary key to the battalion’s sterling achievements.
10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Noel Clement lauded the accomplishments of the battalion.
“This battalion has made remarkable accomplishments and contributions to peace and development that are significant to the unit’s mission. To name a few: the conduct of clearing operations that has led to the discovery of enemy encampments, focused military operations that have resulted to the arrest and numerous voluntary surrenders of NPA regular members and mass supporters and the recovery of high-powered firearms and other war paraphernalia. All these accomplishments were achieved through the fortified partnership of the Kamagong troopers and the contributions of its previous commanders,” he said.
“Your achievements have also inspired other Agila units to also level up in their quest for peace and development in their areas of responsibility,” he added.
He further cited the battalion’s cohesive partnership with the local government units. “This manifest our strengthened connectivity in achieving peace and progressive communities. We have indeed established esteemed and harmonious relationships with them, making everyone key players and active partners in our paramount endeavor in establishing a peaceful, conducive and sustainable areas.”
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, who was the guest honor and speaker, extended his congratulations to the battalion as he lauded its efforts that led to the significant reduction of enemy forces in the area. “Collaboration, indeed, has played a huge part of our successes. “The Philippine Army and the province have undoubtingly been significant partners for real change, peace and development.
While the battalion continues to strengthen, Lt. Col. Ramon said he hopes “to continue on with the tradition and the pride, the accomplishments of the previous personnel, officers, and commanders of the 28th IB who have done so much honor for this battalion.”
He further vowed to also strengthen their services to the people by being staunch advocates of peace not only marked by strength but with subtle gentleness in winning the hearts and mind of the people. Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan
