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SMILE and Philippine Army; aid to fisherman's children

The havoc of the Typhoon Glenda is not as tragic compared to the previous flooding here in Manila but still caused inconvenience to our fellowmen residing in the coastal area. 

Reports were made prompt that some floating houses detached itself from the coast and  then submerged into the open water, thus increasing the number of homeless families in the area; living alongside the survived shelter of their neighbors' house, they live with scarce food and clothes. Little by little they are putting things back together, recovering to put their normal lives back into the tracks. Thankfully and with such an honor to serve, we've heard of their need and the Search and Rescue Unit, 15ID Ready Reserve, ARESCOM along with SMILE for the Youth responded to the heed of call last 26th of July, 2014. 

Beautiful smiles greeted the group to deliver help and assistance they longed for. They handed out relief aid such as food, clothing and other necessities. 

It didn't take too long that the kids were also eager to return back the happiness they have in their hearts. As a matter of fact, we were entertained by their talent of playing a air-operated organ with some great singing and dancing. 

 It was such a short time but what matters most is that we delivered the important needs. The Philippine Army and SMILE is always ready to serve. 

© iamreservist

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The first AFP Social Media Summit


It was an amazing day to begin with the first AFP Social Media Summit which aims members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other security and defense agencies to partake into the knowledge of social usefulness and responsibility by tapping into one of the most credible personalities in the field.

 Graced by the AFP Chief of Staff GEN EMMANUEL T BAUTISTA, he stressed the importance of social media usage as it creates a transparency between our organization and the people without failing to perform our duty. 
One of the first people to speak on stage was Mr. Rafael Alunan III, in case you're wondering, the social media keynote speaker was a former DILG Secretary and highlighted the importance of Facebook for National Interest where it can be of great use for philanthropy and charitable purposes. This means that everyone on social media can take part of an advocacy run similar to the Typhoon Yolanda movement last year where most netizens rose up to help their fellowmen. 

Also, one of his most stressed talks specifically targeted amongst Public Information Officers of an agency is to never take the chance of discussing confidential matters on the net. "Cybersecurity begins with self and what not to say or reveal is vital to our national well-being."
The second person to speak was Ms. Ana Pista discussing about public relations in social media. I felt like she's talking to a crowd of business-centered professionals rather than a defense agency, yet she still emphasized that social media is a necessity for every organization in terms of public relations. 


"It is not a matter of choice, social media is a necessity."In this modern world, one of the most effective PR tools is the use of social media, it gives the corporate world the link to its real world customers with face-to-face interaction or personal relationships. Having this skill in our people in the government gives us trust whenever they are easy to reach. 

The third speaker in the name of Mr. Ben Francia taught us to take advantage of social media as a trend. We may never know how social media will evolve ten years from now but it is clear to us that we need to become proactive when using it as it gives us the ability to keep in touch with the youth, which later would become the future leaders of the country. He also talked about the long term impact of social media within the organization. 
One of his highlighted points to take home was the 5 "S"of Digital Marketing.
  1. Sell - Meeting the brand or organization objectives. 
  2. Speak - Connecting through dialogue
  3. Serve - Adding value by listening (to the people)
  4. Save - It gives huge cost savings when using social media to connect with people
  5. Sizzle - It gives us positive results and image of the organization
In order for us to garner some "social" speed and hitting the correct personality when it comes to the social media, Mr. Raffy Pekson II gave us that important pointers to implement. 

He cited that just like the name patches marked in our uniforms, our identity as public servants is a representation of the organization we work for. Just as he also stressed that we must be the same person in the real world just as we are online, otherwise, people can get confused and will never give you the trust they deserve.
He also shared the Top 5 Positive Personality Adjectives one must have as social media contributor.
  1. Be Practical
  2. Be Passionate
  3. Be Creative
  4. Be Protective
  5. Be Honest

The fifth to speak on the floor, Mr. Giancarlo Viterbo has shown us that we must build communities to share upon the circles of social media and not just platforms (or tools of exchange). 

Our minds went in for a challenge and digested this hard-pressing thought to stop fueling conversations (probably stuff of gossip) instead fuel the people with discussions that can stimulate their minds to contribute for the better half of the problem or give them an opportunity to act upon the problem as a community. I thought Bayanihan can still be evident in the realm of social media and it has proven very well to be so. The 'Together' mindset should be one of the core objectives of a social media contributor. 

A follow-up talk from the first speaker, the sixth man to speak on stage, Mr. Jose "Wo" Rosete, got a bit "tactical" and showed us the simple rule when online, that is to preserve operations security.


It has been clear to him that some families on social media post photos of their husbands or wives in uniform (often because of pride) not realizing the damage it could affect to the safety of their family and the unit. It is something that must not be taken for granted regardless of how privatized an account can be. 

He may seem to have presented an oversimplified way on how social media managers should respond on the internet but he surely has his points crossed. "We need to respond as if we are also human; we can make jokes, we can make interactions that acknowledge our visitors."

He is probably the most surprising speaker in the lot that day, often asked if he was a former active personnel in the Armed Forces of the Philippines considering his portable computer is wearing Scout Ranger and SOCOM stickers. 

Then one of the last two speakers on stage went up, Ms. Hana Abello, stoked every soldier on stage discussing about Twitter.


She also stressed that being social means being human.

Lasty, the speaker who rocked the stage was Gang Badoy who talked about uplifting the AFP's image in social media.


She was the most credible person to speak with this matter as she had ignited the popularity of "Manny Sundalo" some years back. She said that simplicity and always being ready to serve marked a standard in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and in the Philippine National Police.

She also talked about the responsibility of being active online as every eye is set on you (or the organization). The most important takeaway I had with her was that social media is just a tool or a microphone, it is no use if there are no good soldiers (or police officers) to talk about.

Below is a video of her keynote speech thanks to Wazzup PH


The AFP Social Media Summit was held last July 11, 2014 at the AFP Theater in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City and was attended by a thousand public information personnel from all divisions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and other government agencies.

The summit was formed to equip social media responsibility while taking advantage of its use as a form of a link between our forces for the Filipino people. It was organized by the Civil Military Operations School, Media & Civil Affairs Group, Civil Relations Service, AFP and ArdentComm.

© iamreservist

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AFP's Civil-Military Operations School holds first Social Media Summit


The internet age has been a blessing to the majority of the population in the Philippines as study claims that 41 million Filipinos are expected to utilize the internet by the years' end'. Filipinos use this tool as their means of  nourishing relationships, build networks, and share news and information. It gave us the ability to share data within seconds as it spreads like wildfire that can influence users all the while letting them stay informed. 

However, like any mode of communication, it follows a powerful responsibility that holds accountability to the thought of what people are saying. As such “Words—so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.” —Nathaniel Hawthorne

Surprisingly, our people at the Armed Forces of the Philippines, spearheaded by Media and Civil Affairs Group and Civil-Military Operations School of the Civil Relations Service would like to establish a mode of engagement while educating our fellow stakeholders about this powerful tool that can boost and synergize AFP’s online initiatives. The one-day conference aspires to strengthen the nationalism and public service awareness in order to create a hand-to-hand connection between the government defense force and its people realizing that social media is an important subject when doing public service. 

The 1st AFP Social Media Summit aims to provide insights on:
  1. Maximizing engagement and conversions with followers;
  2. Fine-tuning social media campaigns;
  3. Understanding social media channels beyond Twitter and Facebook;
  4. Managing online communities;
  5. Understanding that social media networks are critical in today’s public service;
  6. Using tools to leverage and maximize social media management efforts; and
  7. Measuring the effectiveness of social media initiatives.
The said groundbreaking event will be addressed by the AFP Chief of Staff GEN EMMANUEL T BAUTISTA as the welcoming keynote speaker for the 1,200 participants from various institutions and government agencies including the Philippine National Police. It will take place on July 11, 2014 from 8AM to 6PM at the AFP Theater in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

 For more information about the 1st AFP Social Media Summit, please visit http://afpsocialmediasummit.dwdd.com.ph/

 © iamreservist

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The PMA Linggo



If you happen to meet someone in the Academy, you'll normally here some 'linggo' they often use inside, to become less ignorant, all the while, give you extra knowledge of the life of a cadet common terms which can't be found in any dictionary.
  • ANITA: an expression of disappointment
  • BANAT: meaning go ahead
  • BE SURE: short term for "Are you sure?"
  • BOOGA-BOOGA: a woman
  • BOODLEFIGHT: food is served free for all
  • BY THE LOOKS: as you see it
  • CHINITA: a girl with long chin
  • COW: Second Class Cadet
  • DRAG: a cadet’s date in a Hop
  • FEMME: a cadet’s sweetheart
  • GO AHEAD: "Its just a joke"
  • HOP: a party or night ball
  • HUGOT: to try
  • KAYDET GIRL: a cadet’s girl
  • KEVIN: a cadet who loves cadet of the opposite sex
  • KILABOT: a cadet who loves someone who's a senior of the opposite sex
  • LIKE HELL: expresses gravity of situation
  • MISTAH: classmate
  • NO AMOUNT: easy
  • O.A.M.: One Among Many
  • O.A.O.: One And Only
  • PARASITE: a cadet who goes to hop without drag
  • SCRAM: to leave immediately
  • SLUG: offense
  • SLUGGABLE: a grave offense, can also be an ugly person
  • SUICIDE SQUAD: a group of cadets without drags, and would dare to have sluggable partners
  • THE WORST: very bad
  • TUYO: no attempt to carry orders
  • VAULT FILES: same thing or a drag that is always present in a hop but with different partners
  • WIFE: a bunkmate (bongki) or the rifle

The cadet linggo, like any other language is also evolving every time a new class commences. This tradition dates back post world war and some terms may not be applicable to some senior classes. Its usage was even questioned by the media asking if it's unnecessary and may ruin their English development, still, it makes a cadet life unique . It is being shared by the few chosen young people to be leaders of the military upon graduation from their respective classes. A kaydet girl will also feel some electric hearing these phrases and terms every time as testified by a blogger here.

If you have contributions, please let us know by writing in the comment box below.

Photo copyright from Col. Juny P. La Putt, Philippine Army (Ret)

 © iamreservist

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Moments of Bayanihan: SARU & SMILE joins DSWD relief packing drive



It was a heartbreaking moment to hear thousands of people who suffered when Typhoon Yolanda crossed Central Visayas last November 8, 2013. 

Yet distressing as this may be, thousands' had responded the call to help at mobilizing relief centers around the country. The heart of Bayanihan authored by the Chief of Staff GEN EMMANUEL T. BAUTISTA, AFP continues to shine on.


In order to convey Bayanihan, Smile for the Youth and the Search and Rescue Unit, 15 Infantry Division Ready Reserve, NCRRCDG, ARESCOM under the command of CPT ROCKY H MARQUEZ (INF) PA (Res) is one of the many reserve units of the Philippine Army who responded the call for service in their own little way last November 14, 2013. They found in great need for volunteers at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) located at Chapel Road, NAIA, Pasay City.





Altogether, the team participated by volunteers from SARU, SMILE for the Youth, SWAG (Soldiers, Wives, and Girlfriends) group, Proud to be Soldiers, and Laang Kawal Pilipino packed and lifted no less than two hundred relief packs in less than two hours while showing the might of volunteerism and selfless service even outside the lens of a camera.

This was just the start of their ongoing aid for our countrymen in the Visayas region. 

Hooyah for the team!

 © iamreservist

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Moments of Bayanihan: Helping Hands for Tacloban

I read that it was a long dawn for the whole Visayas last November 9, 2013 as people felt the gust of wind coming towards each home. People feeling a bit nervous, the region is known to experience a lot of storms annually, but this time Typhoon Haiyan (Local name Yolanda) impressed fear as waves came toward coastal homes as high as 20 feet pummelled through with anger. 

There was a presence of swirling clouds in the area, as light broke through from the skies, every eye caught witness of devastation; they saw how the wind was tearing away iron roofs and waves swallow every single infrastructure around their beloved city. This must have been the strongest of storms ever recorded by history.

When people went down from roofs and posts the next day, they saw was a show of mother nature turning man-made structures into scrap, even finding their main evacuation centres as mere death trap.
In Bogo, northern Cebu, thousands of residents had taken refuge in the blue-roofed sports complex, where they set themselves up a few days before the storm’s planned arrival with catering and card games.

“But the wind started howling and the rain started coming, and soon the babies and the children were screaming that the roof was going to blow off,” said the mayor, Celestino Martinez. “I was trying to tell people to be calm. I had to shout over the noise, saying: ‘No don’t worry, the roof won’t blow off, the panels are too big.’ But they did blow off, piece by piece. (Source: The Guardian)

 Those unfortunate ones were swept away by the tidal wave, displaced far away from their original place, lying as if they were oversized dolls. Some even had arms that positioned as shields for protection. It was an ugly scene.

 To make things worse, communications and electricity was down; posts bowed down, powerless to withstand. Airports especially in Tacloban was swept flat and clear while harbours were filled with rubble. Many people unaffected by the storm had no reliable source of how bad the damage was yet everyone was still hoping for the best. If the need arise, many are here to help including the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Force just waiting for that snap of order for deployment.

 It was initially estimated that about 10,000 lives were lost. Families were looking for their love ones. Thousands hurt and wounded. Many grieved while aide came with a critic. When I was tucked in Manila; me and my fellow reserves participated in relief packing and loading and transferring goods. Volunteers worked round the clock. The 'Bayanihan' spirit was born again yet we were never deployed given that the government already spent money to train us for emergency response. While waiting we packed, carried relief goods in our backs, and gave out instructions as to how other people could help. 

 A week passed after Yolanda tore Visayas into devastation and tears. A group of five Philippine Air Force reserves with Nurse and EMT certification decided to fly out to Tacloban for three days leaving our snappiest BDA's behind. Staying home was never our call after hearing out that nurses and doctors were already aplenty in those stricken areas. We never agreed. We still hear people calling for help. 

 On November 16, 2013 the group started a humanitarian mission entitled 'Helping Hands for Tacloban'. Initially planning to leave Manila via PAF C-130 Hercules, it never materialised. Thankful with Air Asia Zest who gave out free seats a day after. The twenty of us arrived safely but in teary-awe at Tacloban Airport last November 17, 2013.

The HHCL (Helping Hand Central Luzon) group headed by President Ivy Tejada. A Philippine Air Force reserve assigned at 2nd ARCEN, Clark Air Base, Pampanga.

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SOL, the solar laptop for military use

Computer technology has always proved itself useful in the military over the years and a product that's about to be unveiled marks a great asset for both value and professional work.

Meet the SOL.


The SOL by WeWi Telecommunications Inc. was designed as a laptop for education for developing countries wherein the demands for computer mobility are high. If you are wondering why they named it SOL, it prides itself having to run on solar power, a world's first. 

The laptop has a built-in foldable Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on its back lid which can be charge the unit in under 2 hours. Along with that, the laptop has the endurance of up to 8-10 hours depending on the workload. 

The SOL comes with other impressive 'practical' technology for military use as well. Take for example a GPS chip where locating grid coordinates is now possible. A 3G/LTE chipset for easy internet access and connectivity anywhere in the world. It also supports 1080p HD bringing the 'wow' in the already impressive civil military operation visual aids and activities. It is really becoming a good deal. 


Here is a complete set of specs on paper.
CPU: Intel Atom D2500 1.86 GHz Duo Core, Intel 945GSE + ICH7M
HDD: Seagate 2.5" SATA HDD 320GB
RAM: Kingston 2-4GB DDRIII SDRAM 
Graphics: 1080p HD Vide, Built-In Intel GMA3600 Graphics
Display: 13.3" LCD, WXGA, 1366 x 768
Camera: 3MP
Audio: Realtek ALC661 HD Audio, Built-in 2 Speakers | Internal mic + 1/8" input
3 USB2.0, Headphone jack, HDMI, LAN(10/100), Card reader (SD/MS/MMC)
Modem: 3G/4G World/multimode LTE
GPS: gpsOne Gen8A
Wi-Fi: MIMO 802.11b/gn (2.4/5GHz)
Bluetooth: Integrated Digital Core BT4.0

Other than it's solar charging capability, SOL also boasts a rugged design and a the durability to withstand harsh elements. They are even planning on releasing a submersible version termed as the SOL Marine. 

Set to release first in some parts in Africa, it's worldwide release is set to be the next step. 

Photo source from: SOL

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Video Streaming: Front Row's Maestro Sundalo, GMA 7


Last July 2013, a program from GMA named Front Row explored the Army Literacy Patrol System (ALPS) with the 61st Infantry 'Hunter' Battalion in Negros. It features the life of soldiers serving as literacy facilitators to a group of villagers where areas are threatened by bandits. 

Maestro Sundalo is a short-documentary masterpiece that will truly speak about the versatility of our Filipino soldiers delivered by one humble Cpl Leo Castor. His mission is to eradicate illiteracy amongst our fellow men residing in areas controlled by armed groups, hence, they didn't receive the chance to learn how to read and write. 

Along with their typical ration for a week tucked inside a backpack weighing no less than 30 kilos, our brave peacekeepers' soldiers on with flashcards, a white chalk, pencils, and writing materials while trekking towards steep-mountainous parts of their area of responsibility. 

Join Cpl Castor and his colleagues on a wonderful documentary about the beauty of ALPS. 

 

© iamreservist

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Review: InCase Canvas Maki Jacket for iPad Mini


I've always wanted to protect every equipment I've got since devices such as my iPad Mini needs tender loving care since my work requires lying it down into rough, uneven surfaces. Thankfully while shopping around JB HiFi, I stumbled upon a product from InCase that would make my iPad turn into incognito mode.
The case features a durable cotton canvas with individual ports for easy access into the iPad Mini's physical buttons as well as its charging port and speakers. 
While inside sports 'soft-felt' finish that impresses the hands while preventing your iDevice from any scratches. It is also quite secure, given that velcro flaps hold it tight and an orange elasticated strap keeps it closed when unused.
Unfortunately, only one camo texture will be available for purchase and will sit perfectly with the Philippine Navy's battle dress attire. When I got it off from the store in Melbourne, Australia. I found out that the texture is too faded to match the Army and Air Force BDA, even with any Australian Defense Force uniform.

Last Words. I just wish that there is an option for a black strap to keep things in real camo. Yet I can honestly vouch that InCase has done an incredible product that individualizes every iPad Mini out there, especially those who work in the military.

The product retails for AUD 34.99-39.99 at any JB HiFi store located in Melbourne and Sydney. Filipino buyers may opt to order one online, just click here. 

© iamreservist

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Front Row: Maestro Sundalo, Saturday at 9:45pm

One of GMA News TV's most awarded programs, "Front Row" will be featuring a documentary about soldier's who provides free basic education to a group of people living at far-flung areas where graduate/licensed teacher's are not normally found or would dare to tread. 

 It is proud to say that a soldier does not always need guns to combat war. His tools mark the use of words, his professional knowledge and wisdom to share and change the mindset of the people on leading the right path...

 Better meet and know a soldier before you judge. It is one noble profession.

So mark your Saturday, 6th of July at 9:45p.m. GMA network.

 © iamreservist

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Laang Kawal Magazine Vol 1 Issue 4 released

Laang Kawal News Magazine volume 1 issue 4 has just been released. It is the official publication of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, J9.

Check your reserve centers if you have it now.

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JOKE TIME: Ang colonel at ang airman

Isang araw, ng matapos mag-lipat sa kanyang bagong opisina, may isang colonel na nakaupo sa kanyang desk habang kumakatok sa pintuan ang isang airman.  

Conscious sa bago nyang posisyon, mabilis na kinuha ng colonel ang telepono malapit sa kanya. Sinabihan ang Airman na pumasok at may sinabi sa telepono.

"...Yes, General, magkikita kami mamayang hapon at makaka-asa ka na darating sa kanya ang iyong mensahe... Sa ngayon Sir, maraming salamat sa iyong magagandang salita."

Sa pakiramdam nyang naimpress ang isang airman. Tinanong niya ito, "Ano kailangan mo?"

"Nothing important Sir," sabi ng airman, "Kailangan ko lang po i-install yung telepono."

He... He... He...


© iamreservist.blogspot.com

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Guns for Peace Program

In the hope of making peace with our lost brothers, the Armed Forces of the Philippine's Gun For Peace Program (GFPP) shall offer cash incentives to NPA members who will surrender with their firearms to the government and grab the big opportunity to start a new life away from the dangers of the armed conflict. 




The program is a transition mechanism and an avenue that will truly facilitate NPA rebels and other armed threat groups who wish to lay down their arms and surrender. 

Aside from the firearms remuneration package which will go as high as P200,000 for light machine guns, surrenderees can also benefit from other government programs instituted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and scholarships to the children of the victims.

Thanks for the program, it is exciting to learn that more rebels have decided to surrender and live a normal life. It is adamant that supporting armed conflict will never be the solution to our country's problem. 

We should all look forward to working together for peace and prosperity. 


© iamreservist.blogspot.com

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Photo Files: Happy Father's Day!

"By profession, I am a soldier and take pride in that fact. But I am prouder – infinitely prouder – to be a father. A soldier destroys in order to build; the father only builds, never destroys. The one has the potentiality of death; the other embodies creation and life. And while the hordes of death are mighty, the battalions of life are mightier still. It is my hope that my son, when I am gone, will remember me not from the battle field but in the home repeating with him our simple daily prayer, 'Our Father who art in Heaven."
- Douglas MacArthur

© iamreservist.blogspot.com

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JOKE TIME:

Isang umaga bago umakyat ng bundok ang mga sundalong Pinoy at mga sundalong Amerikano para sa BALIKATAN TRAINING may instruction ang Opisyal ng mga sundalong Pinoy sa tropa:

OPISYAL: Ok to all Filipino soldiers we must all speak in ENGLISH!

Habang naglalakad na sa bundok ang tropa. Nang biglang nakita ng Pinoy na sundalo ang Bag ng Amerikano na nakabukas:

PINOY: Sir yung Bag mo bukas.

AMERIKANO: What?

PINOY: Sir your bag is tomorrow!


he he he

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Photo/Files: Happy 115th Independence Day Philippines!

Araw ng Kasarinlan, the Day of Freedom

If you can possibly use the power of your imagination to take part of that special afternoon of June 12, 1898 when General Emilio F. Aguinaldo officially announced the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of the Philippines at the balcony of his house in Kawit, Cavite. 

Imagine that scene of the people proudly seeing a waved Philippine flag. 

On top of their lungs shouting "Mabuhay ang Kalayaan ng Pilipinas!"

While listening to the Marcha Filipina, the tune of our now called Lupang Hinirang.

You can just imagine.

Fact is, it's a wonderful time to be a Filipino every month of June as it will the month to celebrate a day of freedom. A time to celebrate the greatest right we have as Filipinos. It constantly reminds us that our nation is as great as it can be. And ultimately it proves that we are brave, sacrificing, and united in love.

Yet at this present time, I wish that every person of this nation may try asking themselves what freedom means to them today. Some may say freedom from NPA bandit oppression, freedom from poverty, freedom from bullying, freedom in equality, but in reality, the general populace are more concerned with the issues of AiAi and the sexual preference of Charice or whoever. 

Kalayaan is a term taken for granted by many; it may come in different forms and served in different ways. Kalayaan should also be protected, informed to the many, and must be practiced justly. It is time to be more aware of the things that should be us and for us. A lot of people already sacrificed their lives to protect this freedom; from internal threats that we make press that soon become forgotten. If we fail to act and love this country, it may not just be our sovereignty over some areas be taken away, it can also be our identity. 

So free yourself on that day and feel the air of freedom once again. 

Our dar President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the celebration of the Philippine’s 115th Independence Day at the Liwasang Bonifacio in the city of Manila.

Be there. Don't forget to wear the flag.

Trivia about our flag:

  1. General Emilio Aguinaldo, a prominent leader in the Philippine revolution against Spanish colonial rule, designed what was to become the Philippine flag during his exile in Hongkong in 1897.
  2. The original Philippine flag, was first sewn in Hong Kong in 1898, was made of silk.
  3. It was hand-sewn by three Filipino women by the name of Dona Marcela Marino de Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza, and Mrs. Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, the niece of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
  4. The Philippine flag was formally unfurled during the Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite.
  5. The golden sun of our flag is not exactly in the center of the triangle but shifted slightly to the right. It represents the original eight provinces that started the Philippine revolution against Spanish rule.
  6. Along with Bulgaria, the Philippine flag can be turned upside down. If the Philippines is under a state of war, the red stripe is flown upwards, while blue at times of peace. 
  7. Computer colors or HEX are Blue (#0038A8) Red (#CE1126) White (#FFFFFF) Yellow (#FCD116) based on the Republic Act 8491 in terms of their cable number in the system developed by the Color Association of the United States.
  8. Eight rays of the yellow sun represent the eight provinces as Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Laguna, and Batangas.
  9. In 2009, a Senate Bill was introduced to add an additional ray to represent the Moro people in Mindanao who also fought the Spanish and was never occupied by the Spanish colonial government. As of September 24, 2009, it is in the process of bill reconciliation in Congress.
  10. Symbolism of our flag:

    BLUE FIELD - stands for peace, truth, and justice
    RED FIELD - stands for patriotism and valor
    WHITE TRIANGLE - stands for equality and fraternity
    EIGHT RAYS OF THE YELLOW SUN - represents the original eight provinces that started the Philippine revolution against Spanish rule
    THREE YELLOW STAR - represents Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the three geographical division of the country.
Some phrases are taken from Timawa with revision.

 © iamreservist.blogspot.com

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PHOTO/FILES: Preparation Freedom

Preparation Freedom

Civil Military Operations Group, Philippine Army showed their dedicated team in the preparation of this years' independence day that will take place on June 12, 2013 at Luneta Park. Regardless of the sun's passing, they used their own truck to light up areas where tents need to be properly set. And with the constant thunderstorms and lightnings' coming, these dedicated soldiers shows no reason to stop their days' work for the freedom day. 

#preparationfreedom #kalayaan 2013

© iamreservist

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Batang Mandirigma: Cpl Jelyn Dayong - Cadorna


Fourteen years have passed since a young guerilla fighter named Jelyn Dayong surrendered to the Philippine Army. Her previous life with the New People's Army may have slid through tough moments for a cause she can't grasp to understand but her wise decision to surrender gave her the most meaningful life she now has today.

She was thirteen years old at the time when she ran away from home in order to escape marriage. Too young and with a fragile mind, rebels took advantage of her weakness and recruited her to adapt their cause.

It was sometime February 1999 when resting somewhere in the mountain along with 19 other NPA comrades, a group of Scout Rangers engaged and surrounded them in Sitio Baglamag, Barangay Perdida, Alegria, Surigao del Norte. In the middle of the fireflight, Dayong was wounded while her comrades left her hopeless, fleeing away from the hot zone.

Meeting government troops in the area, it gave her the most scariest experience of her life having thoughts of her last breathe be taken away. To her surprise, our soldiers gave her the appropriate care in return.
It was not easy winning this young girl's heart full of left ideologies. A year of support and therapeutic help was given under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development by letting her attend bible study sessions, rebel returnee testimonials, and one-on-one sessions to name a few.

The new Dayong she now chooses to be granted her the future. After being able to finish high school, she decided to join the Philippine Army serving as a public servant and a true soldier for the masses. Others may not be as fortunate as she is but she is doing all her best to inspire the youth for choosing the right path.

A news clipping from the paper named Inquirer dated January 10, 2000 said, "The recruitment of child rebels started to swell after the surrender of Jelyn Dayong." While initially thought to be an isolated case, it was soon found that the NPA has recruited a staggering 86 child rebels in Mindanao alone. This is a clear violation in the international Convention on the Rights of the Child. 


It has always been the goal of this blog to promote peace and condemn the people who promote armed struggle, especially those who recruit minors just for the success of their laughable cause. I am for peace, no to armed struggle!

Read more: 74 NPA members surrender recorded since January
References:

  1. http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2479&dat=20001010&id=u1g1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=gSUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1554,35129739
  2. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-153478874/child-rebel-now-army.html


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