CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) - The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) - Regional Office 2 recently led the launching of the “Pilipinas Bayang Banal" movement at the Isabela State University (ISU)-Cauayan City campus.

The activity was participated in by various religious groups and college student leaders, Reserve Officer Training Corps officers and some members of the Philippine Marines.

NICA Director Phlormelinda Olet said the movement aims to contribute change and development in the country through spiritual and moral strength of the citizens.

The first launching of the said movement in Cagayan Valley was held recently in Cagayan province.

NICA Deputy-Director General for Special Concerns Police B/Gen. Abelardo P. Villacorta (Ret), who served as guest during the activity, shared his experiences as a young lieutenant after graduating from the Philippine Military Academy when he was deployed in Kalinga in 1983. 

He said he survived gunshot wounds in an the encounter in Kalinga, saying that his faith led him to become a preacher after the incident. 

“We are all Filipinos kaya kailangang magkaisa tayo. Iisa ang bansa natin, iisa lang ang lahi natin, lahing Pilipino. Kaya kailangan magkaisa tayong lahat. Iyon lang ang pinangarap ko,” Villacorta said.

“Sa paglulunsad ng “Pilipinas Bayang Banal Movement” kailangan natin ang pagmamahal sa ating Diyos. Kailangang maipadama natin at maipakita natin sa pamamagitan ng pagmamahal natin sa ating bansa. Kaya nga tayo maka-Diyos, maka-tao, maka-kalikasan at maka-bansa,” he further said.

He said that to be able to live a Christlike life, one should possess the seven degrees of brotherhood namely Sincerity, Justice, Faith, Charity, Courage, Divine love, and Christhood. (MGE/PIA Isabela)