TANAY, Rizal (PIA) –The 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) of the Philippine Army has opened its doors to the public for the launch of October Peace 2023, as it continues to establish stronger ties with the civilian community.
Launched by the 2ID and its Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board (MSAB), which comprises representatives from the private and government sectors, October Peace highlights the importance of unity between the Armed Forces and the community in maintaining peace and prosperity.
“It was the members of the 2ID Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board who pushed us to have this [October Peace] to promote the 2nd Infantry Division, not just as a camp but also a home for the people of Tanay and its nearby provinces.” said Major General Roberto Capulong, Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division.
(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) 2nd Infantry Division Commander, Major General Roberto Capulong, Philippine Information Agency Calabarzon Director Maria Cristina Arzadon, 2ID Multi Sectoral Advisory Board (MSAB) Chair Agustiniana Avelino, Rizal Second District Board Member Hector Robles, and MSAB Resource Generation Committee chair Elmer Espiritu led the opening of the Octoberpeace at the Camp General Mateo Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal. (MBL/PIA4A)
The 20-day celebration puts together activities showcasing the products and talents found in the communities within their respective areas of responsibility, particularly in Laguna, Quezon province, and Mindoro provinces.
Former rebels were also given a chance by the 2ID to partake in the event as an exhibitor for the Peace Trade Fair as a way to provide additional livelihood for their everyday needs.
“The Peace Fair empowers the People’s Organizations in the different municipalities, former rebel groups, and Indigenous Peoples groups to showcase their livelihood products that are sold.” said Major Michael Malacad, the unit’s Deputy G7.
Other events and attractions staged are PeaceTahan sa Kampo Capinpin, a motor show, evening peace entertainment, and an exhibit where visitors can enter and take photos with Army equipment and vehicles.
Agustiniana Avelino, MSAB chairperson, believes that October Peace allows the Philippine Army to highlight its genuine peacekeeping efforts at the grassroots level.
“Since the Army needs engagement with the community to make them more loveable to the public, we created activities like October Peace. Initially we named it Octoberfest, but later on changed it into October Peace since promoting peace is the main objective of our Army.”
“As the Philippine Army continues to find ways to make their services more meaningful to the public, we as a board wanted to help. We wanted to launch activities and projects where people can be engaged to see that we [civilians] can also work with the soldiers towards peace,” Avelino said. (PB/PIA-4A)
The 2nd Infantry Division Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board (MSAB) believes that October Peace serves as an avenue for the Philippine Army to highlight its genuine peacekeeping efforts at the grassroots level. (MBL/PIA-4A)
