november-december 2013 1

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013

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PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013

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Defense planning constraints are not merely about financial re-sources--the very context where planning activities are undertaken should likewise be considered. This was stressed by Undersecretary of National Defense Honorio S. Azcueta. Speaking at the 2nd Seoul Defense Dialogue on November 13, USEC Azcueta discussed the context of defense planning in the Philippines emphasizing that the Philippine Constitution mandates that allocation for education is al-ways the biggest, a manifestation of the Philippines’ thrust to invest in building the capacity of its people. As a developing country, 1% of GDP allocated as the defense budget for the Philippines remains modest compared to its neighbors.

Following the inaugural SDD in 2012, this year’s dialogue orga-nized by the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense saw more delegations participating, totaling 23, which included regional organizations such as the Organization of Security Cooperation in Europe and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Academics and subject matter experts also participated, serving as moderators

and discussants in the various sessions where national delegates shared their views on various topics to include peace and security in the Northeast Asia, global nuclear non-proliferation, governance and future directions of international rule in regard to cyber security and defense planning amidst budgetary constraints.

Also held before the main dialogue was a meeting of the cy-ber security working group, which was proposed during last year’s SDD, wherein working level officials from 15 countries specializing in cyber security discussed and explored the viability, challenges and prospects of organizing the said working group.

On the sidelines of the SDD, USEC Azcueta met with fellow vice-ministers where the support of their respective governments and contributions to the on-going rescue and relief operations re-sulting from Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) was conveyed by the Philippines’ friends and partners. It was confirmed that the contribu-tions have arrived in the Philippines.

NEWS

BRP Ramon Alcaraz Embarks on First Mission: Assistance to Yolanda Victims

The Christening, Commissioning and Send-off Ceremonies for the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF16) were held on November 22, 2013, at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila, with Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin as Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker. It will be recalled that BRP Ra-mon Alcaraz, a former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutter, was welcomed by His Excellency President Benigno S. Aqui-no III in a traditional arrival ceremony on August 6, 2013, at Alava Wharf, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Olongapo City.

This Philippine Navy’s second “Gre-gorio Del Pilar”-class frigate was named after World War II hero and officer of the Philippine Navy, Commodore Ramon “Monching” Alcaraz, who commanded one of the Philippine Offshore Patrol’s Q-boat Q-112 Abra during World War II.

According to the Official Gazette Brief-er on Ramon Alcaraz, his most famous exploit was when the Q-112 shot down three low-flying Japanese bomber planes off Bataan on January 17, 1942. As a re-sult of his skillful feat, the Japanese planes were unable to bomb their targets.

BRP Alcaraz first served as the US Coast Guard Cutter Dallas before it was transferred to the Philippines as an Ex-cess Defense Article through the Foreign Assistance Act. PF16 is a 3,250-ton frig-ate equipped with two 3,000 horsepower diesel engines that could attain longer sus-tainable speeds of more than 15 knots and two 18,000 horsepower gas turbines that can propel the ship at a speed of more than 25 knots for urgent situations. It has also a retractable/rotatable bow propulsion unit that enhances maneuverability in rigid sit-uations.

Arriving in the Philippines after two months of steaming from the coast of South Carolina, with an 87-man crew headed by Captain Ernesto Baldovino, BRP Alcaraz underwent three months of dry-docking, refurbishing and repainting.

According to Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, BRP Alcaraz successfully concluded its sea trials on October 23. Fabic added that all items, including additional weapons, communica-tions and sensor equipment were installed during the dry-dock period.

FIRST MISSIONAfter the Christening, Commissioning

and Send-off Ceremonies, BRP Alcaraz embarked on her first mission--Humani-tarian Assistance and Disaster Response operations for the victims of super typhoon “Yolanda” in Eastern Visayas, which saw her transport relief items from different government agencies, NGOs and private organizations. BRP Alcaraz also ferried PN personnel consisting of builders and engineers who provided assistance in clearing operations, repair and rehabilita-tion and relief goods distribution,

With some 200 tons of assorted relief goods, equipment and 12 PN personnel as augmentation troops for the Naval Task Group “Tulong Visayas”, PF 16 arrived in Tacloban on November 24, 2013.

BRP Alcaraz provided command and control for the AFP Humanitarian Assis-tance and Disaster Response operations in Samar-Leyte area and assisted in moni-toring relief and rehabilitation efforts of foreign armed forces in the typhoon-strick-en areas.

OUR COVER

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Philippines Takes Part in Seoul Defense DialogueOFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT

PDN


3EDITOR’S DESK

Responding to the Demands of the Times

Office for Public Affairs (OPA) Department of National DefenseOPA Building, Natividad Avenue

Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City 1110Tel: (+632) 982-5679 Fax: (+632) 911-7113

Email: [email protected]

USEC EDUARDO G. BATACDIR. PAUL PETER R.G. GALVEZ, MD,MNSA,CESE

MR. ARSENIO ANDOLONG, MNSAADVISERS

MIRIAM G. ALBAOEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Marina M. Agustin Anthon A. Cayaco Managing Editor Associate Editor Nelson L. Gallarde Tiffany Jane Pery Buena Finance Layout Artist

Prime S. Berunia Noriza Atienza Media Relations News Editor

Ruferick Somera Carmelita L. Briones Renato C. Alba ResearchFred A. Abuda, Jr. Photographers Sgt Isidro R Areja Administrative Services

ContributorsLTC Ramon P Zagala (AFP)Dianne M. Gammad (DND)

Hiyasmin O. Karunungan (GA)Marilyn Manicsic (NDCP)

Romina R. M arasigan (OCD)Ma. Juanita S. Fajardo-Rivera (PVAO)

Support Services Assistance & Support by Gloria A. Bantaotao AFP-PAO SSgt Anthony B Cadiz OJ7Cpl Celso P Castromayor CRS-AFP

Public Affairs Offices ofPhilippine Army

Philippine Navy/Philippine Marine CorpsPhilippine Air Force

The ongoing negotiations between the Philippines and the United States for a framework agreement on enhanced defense cooperation and the US troops’ increased rotational presence in the Philippines will update current military and defense arrangements between the two countries and make the two nation’s alliance more responsive to the demands of the times.

The projected enhanced cooperation between the two allies will boost the nation’s defense and security capabilities. This will enable the conduct of bilateral exercises and development of Philippine facilities. Another expected outcome of the framework agreement is the prepositioning of equipment and strengthening of combined capabilities in disaster re-sponse.

There are numerous benefits from this furtherance of the engage-ment with the United States. But in light of the increasing frequency of natural calamities and extreme weather events in the country, the Philip-pines stands to gain most from the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) support that the framework agreement will afford the country.

The onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda, which struck with such un-believable and unequalled magnitude that it kept the eyes and helping hands of the international community focused on the Philippines for the past several weeks, is a glaring reality that our country needs to beef up its disaster preparedness.

We have to prepare for the possibility that extreme weather conditions due to climate change will be a regular occurrence in the country. When natural calamities hit, the most valuable resources are from the military. During evacuations and rescue operations, soldiers are the most capa-ble. In the early hours of a disaster’s aftermath, there is no substitute for air force, army and navy personnel with their helicopters, cargo planes and multipurpose naval vessels. The job of aviation and technical experts trained to operate in exceptionally challenging conditions becomes most crucial in rescue and relief operations.

We may have gained ground in our modernization efforts towards the strength and credibility of our military forces but we do need more in terms of rapid reaction and deployment. And to speed up relief and rescue op-eration, numbers are important, as they could spell a big difference in the number of lives that can be saved.

It is great news that the acquisition of more modernization equipment and air force and naval assets is in the works. But while we wait for these to materialize, the boost that the enhanced defense cooperation and in-creased rotational presence of the US military will come in handy. PDN


4 NEWS

President Benigno S Aquino III con-ferred awards upon the officers and men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) whose courage and gallantry in action made possible the successful conduct of op-erations against the rogue elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga City in September 2013. The president was assisted by Defense Secre-tary Voltaire Gazmin and AFP Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista during the awarding ceremony held in Camp Aguinaldo on November 4.

Navy Corporal Eduardo C. Saquing, Nicolas’ father, died for his countrymen dur-ing the Zamboanga crisis. Nicolas received the posthumous Gold Cross Medal award from the President in honor of his father. His mother, Angelita Agustin, watched quietly as President Aquino presented him the medal. It must have been a moment that the wife and son of the fallen hero will remember for the rest of their lives. Interviewed by the media after the ceremonies, Nicolas said he missed his father and that he was proud of him. He wants to be a soldier like him someday.

Another posthumous award was hand-ed by the President that morning, this one, to a wife who is also in uniform – Lt.Jg. Aemy Leslie Damian who received the Gold Cross Medal in honor of her husband, Army Lieu-

tenant Francis Damian. Lieutenant Damian of the 3rd Light Reaction Company, Light Reaction Battalion died after being wounded in an encounter with rogue MNLF rebels in Santa Barbara, Zamboanga on September 24.

In his speech, the President lauded the professionalism and dedication of the sol-diers, saying “they will serve as examples not only of this generation but of generations to come.”

Leading the awardees were Lieutenant Colonel Oriel L Pangcog, Commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Group Arrow; and Captain Reynir S Nirza, Operations Of-ficer of the AFP Joint Special Operations Group, who both received the Distinguished Conduct Star for their conspicuous acts of courage and gallantry in the face of the en-emy.

Lieutenant General Rey C Ardo, Commander of the Western Mindanao Com-mand; Brigadier General Rodelio V Santos, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, AFP; and Lieutenant Colonel Ramon P Za-gala, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief received the Distinguished Service Star for rendering meritorious and valuable service during the Zamboanga siege.

Gold Cross Medal awardees included Lieutenant Jerson A Jurilla, Platoon Leader of

the 15th Scout Ranger Company, Marine 1Lt Dexter R Carin and Navy LtJg Joey B Cayao, Army Sergeant Larry C Lopez of the 1st Light Reaction Company, Navy F1MR Abelardo E. Angelo, Air Force Sgt. Salvador B Codon Jr ., and Army SSergeant Allan S Adap.

Major Caezar Almer E Candelaria, Medical Team Leader of the Special Opera-tions Task Group was likewise awarded the Bronze Cross Medal.

Air Force Major Renie N Aureo and Army Captain Dranreb E Lansang were awarded the Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Devise for gallantry in action; while Private First Class Eduardo A Jose re-ceived the Wounded Personnel Medal.

According to General Bautista, “this se-lection of awardees manifests the bravery, heroism and excellence of our soldiers who continue to be a source of pride for the coun-try.” He also extended the AFP leadership’s undying gratitude to all its personnel who continue to risk their lives to achieve just and lasting peace and stability for the country.

More than 2,000 soldiers were deployed during the three-week Zamboanga City crisis either in administrative or combat capacity.

“As of this awarding, 550 officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP have been awarded,” Gen Bautista said.

President Aquino Awards Soldiers for HeroismActs of courage and gallantry in securing Zamboanga City hailed

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Intermittent rain showered the field of green facing the AFP General Headquarters Canopy where the awarding ceremonies took place while seven-year-old Nicolas Saquing waited for the arrival of the President. The rain must have added to the melancholy

he was feeling. He was the lone child in that gathering of government officials, DND employees, soldiers and reporters. Amidst the strange mix of unfamiliar faces and the familiar sight of uniformed men, the boy couldn’t help but think of his father.


5NEWS

“This is the fruit of our labor. Ito yung pinaghi-rapan natin sa ating modernization,” Department of National Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin said during the Armed Forces of the Philippines 78th Anniversary Thanksgiving Day with the theme, “Tagumpay Noon, Bayanihan Ngayon, Karangalan Nating Lahat Bukas” held at AFP Grandstand, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo on December 19, 2013.

Secretary Gazmin commis-sioned the three newly-acquired Agusta Westland AW-109 heli-copters for the Navy. The AW-109 helicopters will be deployed in the West Philippine Sea, where they will accompany the BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Gregorio del Pilar in patrolling and guarding the Philip-pine territorial waters.

The AW-109 helicopters will perform naval operations such as economic zone protection, surface surveillance, search and rescue, and maritime security operations.

Two more helicopters are ex-pected to arrive next year. A total of Php 1.35 billion was allotted for the purchase of the five helicopters from the Anglo-Italian firm.

Gazmin said that the mod-ernization program will “definitely improve the capability of the Armed Forces”.

Apart from the commissioning of the newly-acquired helicop-ters, an awarding ceremony also took place during the anniversary celebration. A total of 168 military officers and civilians were awarded for the support and assistance they rendered in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda and Bohol earth-quake, as well as the Zamboanga armed confrontation between the government forces and the Misuari faction of the Moro National Libera-tion Front.

A total of 115 civilians and military personnel were awarded during the AFP Thanksgiving Day on December 19, 2013, while the remaining 53 awardees were con-ferred awards during AFP Day on December 20, 2013.

On AFP Day’s simple anniver-sary commemoration, President Benigno S. Aquino III led the award-ing of 49 soldiers, two civilian employees, and two ROTC cadets for their invaluable contributions to the fulfillment of the AFP’s mandate. Their roles in the successful defense of Zamboanga City, humanitarian

assistance and disaster response operations during typhoon Yolanda, Bohol earthquake and other non-combative operations were cited during the awarding.

The Medal of Valor award, the highest decoration given to mem-bers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and allied mili-tary personnel, was posthumously awarded to PFC Ian O. Paquit of the 3rd Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Regiment.

His courage, dedication and sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty, when he returned to re-join the operations even after being wounded and hospitalized earlier, contributed to 15 enemy casualties and the capture of 41 MNLF fighters. During his selfless act of heroism, a bullet hit his left neck, resulting in his death. His father, Eduardo Pacquit, received the award.

The second highest military award, the Distinguished Conduct Star, was awarded to 14 soldiers for their conspicuous acts of gallantry; while ten other soldiers, two of them posthumously, received the Gold Cross Medal.

Nine other soldiers were awarded for successfully defending Zamboanga City from the MNLF, while 10 soldiers were awarded for taking part in the successful conduct of Humanitarian Assistance and Di-saster Relief (HADR) operations during typhoon Yolanda and Bohol earthquake and other non-combat operations.

AFP was also awarded the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Badge for the excep-tional accomplishments in support of national government agencies, local government units, and law en-forcement bureaus in the conduct of law enforcement and security op-erations, humanitarian and disaster relief operations and socio-econom-ic advancement.

Also, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar re-ceived the AFP Command Plaque during the AFP Thanksgiving Day on December 19, 2013, at the AFP GHQ Canopy Area.

“Soldiery is one of the noblest and honorable professions. For, in-deed, the test of nobility and honor can be best measured by one’s willingness to offer the supreme sacrifice of his life for his country and people. This is the core ser-vice principle of every soldier in the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Secretary Gazmin said. PDN

Awards and New Helicopters Highlight AFP’s 78th Anniversary


6 SPECIAL REPORT

In the Eye of the StormOn November 8, super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) ravaged the Visayas, leaving behind massive destruction beyond any Filipino’s imagination. In the typhoon’s aftermath,

the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) played a crucial role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response. At ground zero during the darkest days, laying the groundwork for the immediate relief and rescue operations in the disaster stricken areas was most crucial.

DAY 1: LANDFALL. Yolanda’s 300 kph winds paralyzed all power, communication and transportation.Even our own troops did not escape the storm’s wrath. 3 enlisted personnel were killed, 12 were missing, and 31 were wounded. Establishing communication was the AFP’s top priority, to quickly mobilize assets and manpower where needed.

DAY 2: TOUCHDOWN. The Tacloban City airport opened for military-grade aircraft. Philippine Air Force heli-copters assessed the condition of Tacloban airport, conducted aerial surveys, and ferried the first relief goods.The first C-130 arrived with DSWD Sec Dinky Soliman; NDRRMC Director Eduardo Del Rosario; an AFP medi-cal team and members of GHQ Crisis Action Team; 2 generator sets; 7000 lbs. of DSWD relief goods and other forms of relief. Much-needed fuel was transported from Zamboanga for ongoing aerial surveys, rescue and relief operations with the SOKOL and Huey fleet of the Philippine Air Force.Major supply and relief hubs were established in Iloilo and Roxas Cities by the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) to oversee the relief efforts in accessible barangays. The 3ID’s 845-strong personnel commenced clearing operations in Panay, targeting areas isolated by the damage. 250 additional reservists from the different branches of service assist in ongoing operations.The communities of Carles and Estancia in Northern Iloilo received aid and relief goods via two Philippine Navy (PN) ships.

DAY 3: COMMUNICATIONS IMPROVE. The makeshift communications center in Tacloban City improved as an AFP communications van, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) personnel, cadaver bags and a generator set arrive at the airport.The AFP transported the PNP Special Action Force(PNP SAF) to Tacloban to conduct law enforcement opera-tions while two PN vessels departed for Palawan and Tacloban, bearing more than 300,000 lbs of relief goods.The Mammoth Medical Mission Team arrived via C-130 in Tacloban, capable of orthopaedic, surgical, and anesthetic medicine.Utilizing military radio, more communications centers were quickly established in Panay: Estancia, Roxas, Kalibo airport in Aklan, and San Jose in Antique.

DAY 4: COMMUNICATIONS AND POWER. Department of Energy personnel, additional PNP SAF, Smart Com-munications personnel and equipment, and more cadaver bags arrived in Tacloban via C-130. AFP aerial surveys assessed typhoon damage in Calicaocan and Manicani Islands, Guiuan, Eastern Samar; Northern Panay, Northern Palawan and Coron; Negros; Masbate, and Cebu City.PN vessels continued transportation of relief goods from Masbate City to Burias Island and Tacloban City; while troops, land and aerial assets were deployed to other severely damaged areas in Panay Island to deliver aid.

DAY -1: ADVANCE PARTY. On the President’s instruction, Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Secretary Mar Roxas landed in Tacloban City to check on the disaster preparedness of the LGUs.

Sources: AFP Deployment in Yolanda-affected Areas, Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines The Truth That Many Didn’t Know, CDR Gilbert O Pacio, PN


7SPECIAL REPORT

In the Eye of the StormOn November 8, super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) ravaged the Visayas, leaving behind massive destruction beyond any Filipino’s imagination. In the typhoon’s aftermath,

the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) played a crucial role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response. At ground zero during the darkest days, laying the groundwork for the immediate relief and rescue operations in the disaster stricken areas was most crucial.

DAY 5&6: REINFORCEMENTS. Two battalions of Mil-itary Engineers along with a battalion of the Army’s 1st Special Forces arrived in Tacloban to augment existing military and police forces, and conducted road clearing, humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations. 11 Army trucks also arrived to transport goods and aid from the two major supply drop-off points in Tacloban and Guiuan.

DAY 7: RELIEF IN FULL SWING. The Philippine Navy conducted relief operations in Tacloban, Ormoc, Isabel, Leyte; Bantayan Island and Panay Island. C-130s from Cebu arrived with aid in Tacloban and Guiuan. Helicop-ters also delivered relief goods in Carles and Estancia.The Bayanihan Express Project of the AFP established various relief centers in military HQs in Metro Manila to support ongoing relief efforts, repacking and loading relief onto Army trucks to transport to Tacloban.Self-sustaining troops composed of security elements, maintenance personnel, and communication personnel with equipment assembled in Tacloban and redeployed from there to continue ground relief op-erations in Iloilo, Antique, and Capiz.

DAY 8: HADR OPERATIONS. 12,000 troops under Central Command were on the ground in various areas in the Visayas, conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disas-ter Response (HADR) operations; along with 3,400 external troops, including follow-on forces. The AFP established its own Repacking Centers in the different HQs in Metro Manila in coordination with the DSWD. Troops were also deployed to assist in the DSWD Re-packing Centers. The AFP also facilitated the transport, processing and turnover to the DSWD of dis-placed civilians from Tacloban arriving in Manila and Cebu via different air and naval assets.

TOTAL ASSETSDEPLOYED (units)

34

570

47

REGIONVIII

REGIONVII

REGIONVI

REGIONV

REGIONIV-B

VIA OTHER

A/C

TOTALWEIGHT(in lbs.)

3,828,431 10,000 457,500 0 20,824 1,347,343 5,664,098

1,641,252 20,000 100,000 - 40,000 1,801,252

17,886,016 184,140 63,140 40,500 466,400 - 18,640,196

RELIEF GOODS FERRIED BY AFP ASSETS (as of Dec. 11, 2013)

SINCE DAY ONE: Four out of eight SOKOL choppers and 10 out of the 22 Huey helicopters conducting HADR operations. 81 trucks are continuing transport of relief goods in affected areas. 15 Navy vessels were also deployed to conduct HADR in all three incident areas.

The AFP’s strategic deployment of its land, air, and naval assets to assist in ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response operations shows that ongoing relief efforts are prioritized while maintaining sufficient equipment and support to Internal Security Operations.


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November 7, 2013, day before super typhoon Yolanda made its first landfall, both Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas and their teams were already in Tacloban, upon the orders of President Benigno S. Aquino III, to check on the prep-arations and prepositioning for typhoon Yolanda’s landfall.

Prepositioned were equipment and ma-terials needed for possible disaster rescue and relief operations. Most were wiped out by the storm surges. Many of the rescue and relief operations personnel from the LGU, PNP, and the military also perished while on standby for disaster response and while se-curing government facilities, work stations and critical infrastructures.

Tacloban City suffered extreme, un-imaginable devastation. Thankfully, the other areas where Yolanda made its landfall were

not hit as bad and the number of casualties are much lower. But still, in the 44 provinces, 591 municipalities, and 57 cities of Regions 4-A, 4-B, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and Caraga that were hit by the catastrophe, more than 16 million individuals suffered from the tragedy and over four million have been displaced with more than 101,000 persons staying at 381 evacuation centers.

In the days that followed the most crucial days after the catastrophe, Yolanda’s vic-tims saw the outpouring of aid and support of their fellow Filipinos as well as the inter-national community. Local and foreign aid came in the form of relief goods, monetary aid, volunteers, medical and engineering fa-cilities, military troops and technical experts from countries such as Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Israel, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Arab Emir-ates, United Kingdom, United States, and

Vietnam, among others.Their helping hand and the joint efforts

of the government’s line agencies such as the DILG, DSWD, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH); DND’s NDRRMC, AFP, the Metro Manila Development Authority and the LGUs, all contributed to the allevia-tion of the pain and suffering of the victims of super typhoon Yolanda.

Fast forward to the task ahead – the work and the resources needed for rehabili-tation and recovery of the affected areas are still monumental and may appear daunting but the government is committed to see the victims of Yolanda through their ordeal up until they are ready and equipped for a new beginning.

(Based on reports from AFP Public Affairs Office and National Disaster Risk Re-duction and Management Council)

FEATURE

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THESILENTWORKERS


9NEWS

The Department of National Defense celebrates its 74th Founding Anniversary with a Thanksgiving Mass and a simple awarding ceremony held on November 19, 2013 at the DND Lobby, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The 2013 DND Proper Best Employ-ees, DND-Wide Model Supervisors, and DND-Wide Model Employees from the DND Proper, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, the National Defense College of the Philippines, the Government Arsenal, the Veterans Me-morial Medical Center, and the Office of Civil Defense were conferred with awards during the ceremony.

The following are the 2013 DND Awardees:

DND-Wide Model SupervisorsRolando M. Fuentes, DND ProperJosephine Rhodora C. Amores, AFPOfelia M. Pascua, PVAOMarlo A. Cabral, NDCPFlorencio R. Cruz, GARemedios V. Buenafe, VMMCRomina B. Marasigan, OCD

DND-Wide Model EmployeesMarites G. Celeste, DND ProperLydia A. Caponpon, AFPLilian G. Aquitania, PVAOCaesar O. Gale, Jr., NDCPAlfredo A. Lerios, VMMCMarcelino L. Quicho, GALorene S. Catedral, OCD

DND Proper Best Employee in De-fense Strategic Planning System

Emily B. Amores, OASSAAngelita R. Bernardez, OUSLLASC

DND Proper Best Employee in Defense Capability Assessment and Planning System

Anna Liza C. Arde, OASPPTomas C. Danao, OASPP

DND Proper Best Employee in De-fense Resource Management System

Dionisia R. Cabreros, OASCOMMarlene R. Fernandez, OASCOM

DND Proper Best Employee in De-fense Acquisition System

Juvyra D. Ariles, DND Bids and Awards Committee

Lyra R. Merdegia, DND Proper Bids and Awards Committee

DND Proper Best Employee in Per-sonnel Administration

Johnny A. Bulseco, OASPERMargarita L. De Guzman, OASPER

DND Proper Best Employee in Tech-nical Services

Wahab Sherwin S. Surian, IMORamon B. Nieves, OAS

DND Proper Best Employee in Op-erations

Renato P. Alba, OPADND Proper Best Employee in Sup-

port to Command, Control & Supervision Activities

Leah B. Zafra, Protocol OfficeMelita Z. Anog, OSEC

In his Anniversary Message, Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin enjoined the officials and employees of the DND Proper and its bureaus to observe austerity mea-sures in light of the recent calamities that hit the country and reach out to help the survi-vors of the recent national disasters.

DND Commemorates 74th Anniversary, Honors Model Employees

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The Department of National Defense formally launched the book Defense and Security: Challenges and Prospects on Novem-ber 29, 2013 at the DND Social Hall.

Defense and Security: Challenges and Prospects is a compila-tion of the essays and presentations of Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin in international and local engagements.

Produced by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Strategic

Assessment and edited by Asec Raymund Jose G. Quilop, the book covers different areas such as the evolving defense and security ar-chitecture.

The book also expounded on the topics of management of se-curity challenges, reducing the risks of disasters, as well as remarks on global peace, ASEAN, and institutional development reforms of the Department of National Defense.

NEWS

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Defense and Security: Challenges and Prospects Launched

Educating the Public Towards Safety and Resiliency

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) launched the Disaster In-formation for Nationwide Awareness Project or Project DINA on November 6, 2013 at the AFP Theater in Camp Aguinaldo.

Project DINA is the Philippines’ proof of commitment to the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA). The HFA was crafted at the World Conference for Disaster Reduction held in Kobe, Hyogo, Ja-pan from January 18 to 22, 2005 to help nations achieve disaster resilience.

DINA launch Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the Department of National Defense, in his re-marks said that “Project DINA is the evidence of the commitment of the Philippines to use knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels, as prescribed by the Hyogo Framework of Action.”

He added that the project “ would educate our general public on disaster preparedness through these visual aids, our people would be able to know what to do, before, during and after the advent of every hazard or emergency.”

The audio-video presentations of Project DINA, which were produced by UBE Media, can be accessed online, and will soon be shown in cinemas, buses televisions, train stations, inter-island vessels, schools and other venues. Through this system, the public can gain disaster preparedness knowledge on what to do before, during and after the hazards such as earthquakes, tsunami, tropical cyclones, landslides, floods, volcanic eruptions and fires.

The AVPs were produced with the participation of experts from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHI-VOLCS), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administra-tion (PAG-ASA), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). PDN

The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) is the first plan to explain, describe and detail the work that is required from all different sectors and actors to reduce disaster losses. It was developed and agreed on with the many partners needed to reduce disaster risk - governments, international agencies, disaster experts and many others - bringing them into a common system of coordination. The HFA outlines five priorities for action, and offers guiding principles and practical means for achieving disaster resilience. Its goal is to substantially reduce disaster losses by 2015 by building the resilience of nations and com-munities to disasters. This means reducing loss of lives and social, economic, and environmental assets when hazards strike.

-The United Nations Office for Disaster Reduction

OCD Launches Project DINA


11NEWS

One hundred and forty second lieuten-ants from the Army, Air Force, and Navy were formally welcomed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as they graduated from their respective Officer Candidate Courses (OCC) during the ceremony held at the AFP Theater on November 25, 2013.

Leading the graduates for this year were female officers from the three major services of the military organization. A total of 55 graduates from the Army, 40 from the Navy, and 45 from the Air Force received their diplomas and took their oath as military officers during the joint graduation ceremony of the OCCs.

Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin and AFP Chief of Staff General Emmanuel T Bautista assisted the President and AFP Commander-in-Chief Benigno S. Aquino III

in the distribution of diplomas and the con-ferment of awards.

Gracing the occasion as Guest of Honor and Speaker, President Aquino awarded the Presidential Saber Awards to Probationary 2nd Lt (P/2LT) Mary Jean B Cabillete, Philip-pine Army (PA); P/2LT Kristyl May Beatingo, Philippine Air Force (PAF); and Probationary Ensign (P/ENS) Vanessa Katrina J Tulang, Philippine Navy (PN).

The Secretary of National Defense Saber was awarded to P/2LT Shiela Mae T Enderez, PA; P/2LT John Red A Honrales, PAF; and P/ENS Tiffany Ann P Palmares, PN.

Meanwhile, P/2LT Mike Vergel L Con-ception, PA; P/2LT Janna B Ontog, PAF; and P/ENS Eunice Fe M Sabado, PN were

awarded with the Chief of Staff Saber. “Take pride in the uniform that you wear,

and in the patriotic duty that you will perform as protector of the people and of the State, in the attainment of our vision of being a world-class armed forces, source of national pride; and in our commitment to winning just and lasting peace for our nation,” General Bau-tista addressed the newly-inducted officers.

Training civilian and enlisted person-nel with baccalaureate degrees, the officer candidate schools prepare candidates in be-coming future members of the AFP regular force. With a rank of Probationary Second Lieutenant and Probationary Ensign, the candidates undergo the one-year course that will prove their physical, emotional, and mental capacity for commission in the Army, Air Force, and Navy. PDN

140 New AFP Officers Take Oath

The first batch of Strategic Communications (STRATCOM) trainors graduated from the STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS train-or’s training course under the Strategic Communications Program of the Department of National Defense.

The graduates from the DND proper and its bureaus completed a month of intensive training, which started on November 4, 2013, at the AFP Command and General Staff College and the Civil Relations Service, AFP.

“Ours is a story of victory against a multitude of odds, of divided time and focus, of tough challenges and of almost insane circum-stances,” said one graduate, Ms. Maria Juanita “Jet” Fajardo- Rivera from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.

“But we prevailed because we leveraged not on the strength of one but of all. The resulting force was simply greater than the sum of its parts,” she said.

The Strategic Communication Trainor’s Training course aims to provide training for military officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees to enable them to perform as STRATCOM support team leaders, operators and specialists.

Captains to Colonels who are presently assigned or earmarked for Civil Military Operations (CMO) command and staff positions, Technical Sergeants to Master Sergeants assigned or earmarked for CMO staff positions and civilian employees with Salary Grade 18 to Salary Grade 24 holding or earmarked for public affairs positions are eligible to take the course.

BGen Eliseo C Posadas, Chief of the Office for Defense Re-form, was the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the graduation ceremony held at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club (AFPCOC) on December 2, 2013. PDN

STRATCOM Trainors Graduate


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