Army 3ID: Working 40 years for peace in Visayas

CEBU, Philippines - Forty years of  dedicated service for peace in the Visayas. And soldiers, civilian employees, and partners of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division vowed to sustain, if not surpass, such act, as they celebrate the 40th founding anniversary on May 20.

The celebration's highlight will be held at Camp General Macario Peralta Jr., in Jamindan, Capiz, the home  of  the 3ID,  with the theme "Dagyaw  Para  sa  Kalinaw."

"As the Army here in Western Visayas embarks into another significant milestone of true and dedicated service to the people, it will continue to stand as vanguard of peace, security and development and remains committed to its mandate to serve the people and secure the region towards sustainable development," said 3ID commander Major General Aurelio Baladad.

Just like any peace-loving citizen, 3ID's commitment is to work for a just and lasting peace, he added.

Baladad also enjoined all the stakeholders to celebrate with the 3ID, as they continue to collaborate towards sustained partnerships in "winning the peace" in this part of  the country.

As part of  the celebration, 3ID already undertook an will undertake various activities.

Starting May 10 until today, May 12, the 3ID had an Information Caravan at Robinson's Place Iloilo City through the outdoor and indoor static displays of  3ID capabilities.

Shoppers were treated to sights of light to heavy armaments.

They were also informed about squad organization and functions of personnel and their capabilities.

There were booths for photo ops, free T-shirt printing, and recruitment information.

The 3ID Marching Band also showed their performance while the 3ID combo held a mini-concert.

"This is our way or honoring our soldiers, who all through the years, have stand guard for peace," Baladad said.

On May 14 and 15, the caravan will be welcomed by Honorable Mayor Rosemarie Gardose in Tapaz, Capiz.

The caravan will also cover the municipalities of  Jamindan, Mambusao, Sigma and Ivisan on May 16; while on May 17, Mayor Angel Alan Celino of Roxas City and Governor  Victor Tanco of Capiz will welcome the caravan at Capiz Provincial Capitol in Roxas City.

On May 19, the caravan will be at the Robinson's Place Roxas City.

Meanwhile, the annual Squad Challenge, or the competition between the basic fighting units of the Army, will be held on May 17-18 at Camp Peralta. Pre-anniversary activities  started April 21 wherein 3ID embarked on bloodletting activity and launching of the National Greening Program. —/JMD (FREEMAN)