53IB SUSTAINING PEACE: Zamboanga del Sur’s Launching of Youth Resiliency Program on Preventing Violent Extremism and Launching of Book Title “BIHAG” and Christmas Village Ceremonial Lighting.
The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) and stakeholders successfully launched the Zamboanga del Sur’s Youth Resiliency Program on Preventing Violent Extremism and Launching of Book Titled “BIHAG”:Chronicles of the actual experiences of our Friends Rescued (FRs). They also conducted Ceremonial Lighting of the Matapat Christmas Village with Honorable Jeyzel Victoria C Yu, 2nd District Representative Zamboanga del Sur, as Guest of Honor and Speaker on 07 December 2022 held at Headquarters 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion Camp Major David P Sabido Ltc Villanueva Rd Poblacion Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.
The 53IB Civil-Military Operations Officer 1Lt George V Yu Jr present the Youth Resiliency Program as an information and education campaign to unmask the deceptive recruitment of the CPP-NPA-NDF in order to create social awareness among the youth.
Ms Agonoy, who is one of the three authors, said “I am pleased to see that our soldiers, the government initiates programs and give importance to our Friends Rescued. It is overwhelming that our province is insurgency free and still sustaining its peace. By neutralizing the enemy, the youth will now stand firm of what is right and not being trapped by wrong ideologies of the CPP-NPA.”
“This book may serve as an inspiration and guide against CPP-NPA. I am happy that we have a lot of friends who have been rescued from the ideology of CPP- NPA and come back to the folds of law and fight for the government against the enemies.” said Professor Marlon Magtira, co-author, and the publisher of the book.
Another message was given by the former Commanding Officer of 53IB Ltc Herrera through an audio-visual presentation, “Lets continue to dominate, disseminate information and express narrative against CPP-NPA. We also thank the stakeholders for helping us and be one of our partners in sustaining peace and harmony in our area of operations.”
“The purpose of why we gathered here tonight is to presents the umbrella program that aims to insulate and protect the youth of Zamboanga del Sur against CPP-NPA-NDF recruitment” said Ltc Ylanan, the incumbent 53IB Commander.
Meanwhile, the Army’s 102nd Infantry “Igsoon” Acting Brigade Commander Col Eddie Pilapil congratulated 53IB and all the people behind the publication of book BIHAG. He said “The realization of this book surely the future generation will be benefited from wonderful and fruitful resource materials.
Representative from Department of Education also commits its support, “that we are one on this noble endeavor for progressive Zamboanga del Sur” said Mr Salem Uyag.
In her message, Congresswoman Victoria Yu imparted her experience to the youth that “I encourage the youths to trust our government as well as their programs that aims to provide better life. Meanwhile, thank you Philippine Army for your efforts in the province.”
The activity was capped by a Ceremonial Lighting of the Matapat Christmas Village inspired by the theme “Christmas All Around the World” led by Hon Victoria Yu and Col Pilapil,
Mayors of Lakewood, Tigbao, Dimataling, San Miguel, Mahayag, Molave, and Sominot as well as representatives of Mayor from Dumingag, and Aurora; Partners from the DILG, DEPED, 901CDC, 1ID, 9FSSU, the media, Friends Rescued, and youth leaders from all over ZamboSur graced the momentous occasion.
