8ID Renews Commitment to Pursue Path to Peace and Development in Eastern Visayas

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City - “Let me assure everyone that the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) ‘Bayanihan’ programs implemented by my predecessor shall be pursued”, said Brigadier General Gerardo T Layug AFP, the incumbent Commander of the 8^th Infantry Division. He stated his commitment as he assumes the task of sustaining the momentum of support to the development of Eastern Visayas.

Since the start of the year 2011, with the launching of IPSP “Bayanihan”, the 8^th Infantry Division has embarked on programs to promote human security, good governance, and development in the Region. The command was able to realize these programs with the partnership of stakeholders from both the public and the private sectors.

Having recognized the gains in the Region, Brigadier General Layug, with his experience in both local and international peace endeavors as community developer in the country and peace builder in war ravaged nations aided by the United Nations, made sure that everyone under his leadership understand his intention to enable the Region’s stakeholders to steam ahead with their gains in development.

In his first Command conference, Brigadier General Layug made his point clear as he issued these guidance to all units under his Command:

·        Internalize the Internal Peace and Security Plan to support development;

·        Strengthen Partnerships to enable all stakeholders to do their share;

·        Continuously train to develop professionalism;

·        Adhere to Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, and the Rule of Law to promote human security; and

·        Build disaster mitigation capability to help people in disaster-prone areas in their time of need in disaster prone areas in the Region;

After issuing his specific guidance, he followed this up with Command visits to line units to ensure that his message would be understood by all personnel of the Division.

With BGEN LAYUG AFP, who is committed to pursue the path to peace and development at the helm of 8ID providing sterling leadership to the Command,   the people of Eastern Visayas are assured of Team 8ID’s is commitment to secure the region and serve its people onward to “Winning The Peace”.###

Newly installed 8ID Commander joins Samar Island development forum

L-R: BGen Layug, Bishop Abarquez, and Bishop Trance

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – Newly installed Commander of 8ID, BGEN GERARDO T LAYUG AFP joined the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) Conference on 13 April 2012 in Borongan, Eastern Samar. The Diocese of Borongan with His Grace, Bishop Most Rev Crispin B. Varquez, D.D. hosted the SIPPAD.

The SIPPAD is a multi-sectoral convergence group involving the religious, government and private sectors of society which hosts a quarterly assembly to advocate on Samar Islands’ peace and order, good governance and environmental issues. The theme of this quarter is, “Uplifting Samar Island: Addressing Poverty and Environmental Issues through Good and Responsible Governance”.

In his remarks, BGen Layug cited the 8ID’s support to peace and development through the implementation of Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” in Region VIII. He assured the members of SIPPAD of the Division’s commitment to provide security and monitoring assistance as commonly required to ensure the completion of development projects.

During the conference, Undersecretary Ferdinand Cui of the Presidential Management Staff presented an update on approved development projects for Samar Island; Director Rogelio Trinidad of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources talked about the status of his agency’s operations; Undersecretary Rafael C Yabut of the Department of Public Works and Highways discussed on the development of the circumferential road projects; Director Rogelio de Dios of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau tackled mining concerns in the Region; while Atty. Mario Maderazo of the Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc. (PMPI) informed the group of his advocacy on the passage of a bill on mining.###

Change of Command at 8th Infantry Division

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – A Testimonial Review in honor of MGEN MARIO F CHAN AFP and change of command ceremony was held today at the Headquarters of the 8th Infantry Division. Brigadier General Gerardo T Layug AFP took over the command of the Division from Major General Mario F Chan AFP who officially retired today after serving the Armed Forces of the Philippines for about 38 years. The Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lieutenant General Emmanuel T Bautista AFP, was the Guest of Honor and Presiding officer during the ceremony.

The Commander of the Central Command Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lieutenant General Ralph A Villanueva AFP witnessed the ceremony along with other distinguished guests from the public and the private sector.

In his farewell speech, Major General Chan acknowledged the professionalism and commitment of the soldiers of the 8th Infantry Division and the support and cooperation of the public and the private sector partners, and the challenges from threat groups that he had faced in his entire career.

The newly designated 8ID Commander, Brigadier General Layug called on the personnel of the Division and the partners in the civilian sector to work with him to sustain the gains that were already achieved in the region. “As I take over the leadership of the 8th Infantry Division I am bound to continue the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” Program started by MGen Chan”, BGen Layug said.

Lieutenant General Bautista, Commanding General of the PA, in his message, commended and congratulated MGen Chan for the successful declaration of Southern Leyte as Insurgency Free and Leyte as Manageable-Conflict Affected and Development Ready Province. He then urged Brigadier General Layug, the new Commander of 8ID to continue on with the mission, and further propel the unit to greater heights. ###