It’s April and soon this year’s first quarter comes to a close. Incidentally, it is April this year when Catholics remember the passion of the Christ. In the Philippines, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are declared national holidays intended for the predominantly Catholic population. In fact, all industrial and other activities ground to a halt and cities come to a standstill as Filipinos take to the Holy Week rituals. Verily, the Holy Week, and especially Good Friday, is a good time to reflect on life in general and Jesus Christ in particular.

Fr. Jerry Orbos puts it this way “the gift of Easter is not only the gift of salvation; it is also the gift of hope. Easter brings with it the promise of fresh start and new beginnings. What a consolation to know that life does not end in death, and that eternity awaits. All our sufferings, deprivations and persecutions lead to something beautiful and enduring. All the goodness we have done will not come to nothing.

***

In line with sharing the promise of new beginnings, Mistah Foundation sponsored a school outreach project here in Calaccad Elementary School – Banneng Elementary School Annex, a public school located in Tabuk, Kalinga, Philippines last March 2012.

The project which aimed to supplement the educational necessities of the pupils was well-received by the community.

***

Corollary, President Aquino in his Easter message compared what he called the “resuscitation” of the Philippine economy under his watch to the resurrection of Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago.

Taken with a grain a salt, I hope such “resuscitation” translates to more job opportunities, better education and health care services, among others in the Philippines.

Verily, the Philippines remains a resilient community. May we work together to aid this virtue linger and initiate in facilitating the means to aid a sustained development for each of our Filipino brothers and sisters.

THE CAVALIER VOLUME 46 NO. 3
A Publication of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc.
Date of Release: Sept-Oct 2006
By: Alex Cabales

A soldier is a servant of the people. It is because of this that he is expected to exhibit the highest order of excellence not just for his own personal benefit but also to give justice to the responsibility that the people has vested on him. Although soldiers are expected to lay down their lives if necessary, the harder tasks is really to live a life that is committed to service and love for country. Every year, the Civil Service Commission has recognized various public servants to honor their contribution to the country. It has conferred the Dangal ng Bayan award as a symbol of recognition to exemplary public servants. This year the award was conferred to Cpt. Jo-Ar Herrera, a member of PMA class 1999 and the first soldier to be given such distinction.

As a soldier then 1LT Herrera led several combat operations that led to the neutralization of various enemies of the state. On 28 November 2001 during the Cabatangan crisis, he led a daring rescue operation that resulted to the recovery of the 15 civilian hostages. This event earned him the monicker “Hero of Cabatangan” among the people of Zamboanga City. As Company Commander of Charlie Company, 57th IB, 6th ID, he conducted several combat operations to stop the Kidnap for Ransom Group (KFRG) operating in his area from continuously terrorizing the residents of Central Mindanao. His superb combat leadership skills led to the capture of the enemy’s satellite camp at Sapalan, Maguindanao.

The waterborne and riverine operations the he orchestrated in Kabuntalan, Maguindanao eventually led to neutralization of the KFRG. He also conducted intelligence operations that led to successful implementation COPLANs “Love Birds” and “Parrot” which neutralized various communist insurgents operating in South Cotabato. Cpt Herrera was involved in civic military campaigns including the Balik Baril program to which his efforts resulted to the surrender of 51 Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels who have lost their will to fight. He also worked side by side with other government agencies like DENR and the Bureau of Customs in implementing laws that allowed the government to recover items that would have cost the country million of pesos.

His accomplishments are not only in the conduct of the activities that he led but also reflects the kind of units he was given command of more than personal achievements, the mark of true leader is not on what he has achieved but what is subordinates have achieved as a result of his leadership. As Company Commander, his unit was recognized as the Best Company and even had a soldier who was adjudged as the Best Enlisted Personnel up to the Southern Command Level.

His peers particularly those within the Armed Forces have also recognized him in various capabilities. After spearheading a successful fund raising campaign for his class, he was conferred the PMA Masikhay Class of 1999 award. He also received a Cavalier Award for outstanding performance as a military professional in the field of army operations.

This award is an award conferred by PMA Alumni Association to recognize outstanding performance among its graduates. With all this achievements, he did not only espouse the highest level of excellence expected of a Filipino soldier but a kind of public service that is truly worth emulating. Gaining recognition from no less than the Civil Service Commission is truly a feat upon which every servant of the people should strive for. This is a manifestation that a person’s commitment to excellence is the key to helping this country move forward and brings it closer to its destination of being progressive.

Presently, Cpt Herrera is assigned at the Philippine Military Academy where he shares his expertise as an excellent military officer. He teaches the cadets the values that he has espoused in the hope that the same values will be imbued by these cadets when they themselves graduate and lead the Armed Forces and this nation. Cpt Herrera is truly the epitome of cavalier and soldier of the people.

The Mistah Foundation thru its Director for Strategic Partnership recently partnered with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil Military Operations (CMO) School (http://www.afpcmos.ph/), in the conduct of Lecture Series for its students. The theme of the series is “Bayanihan: Isulong para sa Kapayapaan” which is slated from 05 March to 20 June 2012 at the CMO School, Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines. Student officers of the Information Support Operation Course, invited guests from the Civil Relations Service and CMO practitioners in the AFP are the participants in the activity. According to Major Oliver Banaria, the Commandant of the School, “Partnership with Mistah Foundation, a US-based NGO, is a manifestation of strong recognition of our quest for an inter agency convergence allowing two institutions to grow and pursuit mutual interest.”

The program strategy of this lecture aimed to develop a multi-stakeholder approach to peace and security., “The AFP CMO School will invite distinguished and eminent individuals to deliver lectures on the following concepts: good governance; peace; human rights and international human rights law; social development; conflict resolution and management; inter-agency and public diplomacy; ethical leadership; mass movements and role of the civil society; public and intercultural communication; culture and indigenous peoples; and other concepts related to peace and security. “ says Major Jo-ar Herrera, Project Director.

Among the guests lecturers include Atty Arnel Casanova, President/CEO of Bases Conversion and Development Authority; Dr Fermin De leon, Phd., President National Defense College of the Philippines; Atty Lesley Jeanne Y Cordero, Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, Presidential Communication Operation Office; Dr Apple Santiago Oreta of Ateneo De Manila University; and Dr Raymund Rovillos, Dean of the College of Social Sciences, University of the Philippines-Baguio. The speakers will integrate concepts and best practices in strengthening the AFP Internal Peace and Security Program “Bayanihan” and how it would instill awareness and involvement among all stakeholders in addressing the issue of peace and security.

The AFP security strategy was crafted with the strong participation of civil society groups, government agencies and various sectors of society. No less than the US-based Peace Institute and Conflict Facilitators lauded the program for its commitment to human rights, community-based focus, and people center approach to achieve lasting peace.

The lecture series, a platform of knowledge building, will certainly boost the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” particularly the involvement and participation of other agencies and partners in bringing the vigorous initiatives of the AFP towards “Winning the Peace.”

In his investiture as New PNP Chief, led by President Benigno Aquino III, at the PNP Multi Purpose Center, Camp Crame, Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome promised to forge a formidable team between the community and the cops in maintaining peace and order as he took over the leadership of the Philippine National Police.

“They will be the conduit between the community and their unit,” he said, adding that the PNP’s new slogan is: “Pulis Ako, Pulis Nyo Po!”

Bartolome was the chief of the PNP Directorial Staff prior to his appointment. He served as spokesperson to three PNP chiefs from 1999 to 2001. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1980. He traces his roots in Gerona, Tarlac and married to pathologist Dr. Noemia Bartolome and blessed with two children.

Also during the event, Bartolome said that when he leaves his post in March 2013 he would want to see the PNP imbued with the virtue of “serbisyong may pagkukusa” (voluntary service).

In line with this, Bless our Cops-Rizal and Mistah Foundation represented by Superintendents Sidney Hernia, Eric Noble and Bernie Banac of PMA Class 1992 with rookie cops from Rizal Provincial Police Office (Taytay, Rizal, Philippines) in the afternoon of February 6, 2012 emphasized the ideals of the “Pulis Ako, Pulis Nyo Po!” slogan as espoused by the current PNP Chief, Director General Nicanor Bartolome.

Going back to home to a beloved Alma Mater after graduation is always a momentous event. Moreso for soldiers who have made a niche in their chosen calling. Such momentous undertaking is always seen in the lives of the graduates of the Philippine Military Academy. It is the time to rekindle the spirit of brotherhood. For the young and old should be one in spirit… the PMA spirit with Courage, Integrity and Loyalty as the bedrock of their lives. It is the time for going back to where it all began.

The tradition to visit the snappy cadets, old barracks, and the holy ground of Borromeo field renews the spirit of oneness, idealism, and excellence. Last February 18, 2012, Mistah, Cavaliers, Bok and Bonky reminisced about days as plebes, yearlings, cows, and firstie and at the same time enjoyed the favourite spots of the Academy. They were teasing and prodding as they always did. Never ending jokes and romantic recollections were part of the menu of a nostalgic homecoming.

February is the time of the year to unleash the “bloods of love”, where gallantry, idealism, and love for family and country attune to the significance of valentines and PMA alumni homecoming. Every homecoming is expected to enrich friendship and sense of family. This includes wives, children and siblings gathered together and had share of fun with the Baguio’s fresh air, green mountains, and chilly atmosphere.

The Mistahs never forget to organize fellowship meetings and to participate in sports activities such as marathon, golf and basketball. The fortitude of homing together after all these years is worth unforgettable. It’s more than fun in PMA homecoming.

It is praiseworthy to note that Mistah Foundation extended a proposal for a partnership with the PMA Class of 1999 to conduct people-oriented program in the near future. Richard Gubatan, the Chairman of the foundation, expressed his optimism that Mistah Foundation would become a major partner of the Philippine Armed Forces and its affiliates in promoting nation building.

“The Foundation remains committed to our promise of helping the country by partnering with different organizations in the Philippines to promote their causes. Moreover, partnership like this fosters camaraderie and established bonds of the betterment of the country,” Mr Gubatan said.

Jo-ar Herrera, who is a member of PMA Class of 1999, started to initiate strategic partnerships in the Philippines. He is now establishing links with different people organizations as part of the goals of the foundation.

Mistah Foundation congratulates the members of PMA Class of 1992 on their China anniversary for serving the nation and people for twenty illustrious and faithful years. During the homecoming, the Class of 1992 paraded with snappy uniform while showcasing their outstanding members coming from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

I was watching today’s broadcast and figured out how commercial Valentine’s Day has been. That L.O.V.E is a four letter word has at this time and age become sugar coated excessively. But nobody is to be blamed, after all, love has been depicted as transcending both time and space, so why not include our wallets in the picture.

In the Philippines, I heard Filipinos who have the knack on anything romantic have this day celebrated with much anticipation. In fact it comes next to Christmas as ‘the’ holiday to look forward to.

Conchita Razon in her column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer said “the legend behind Valentine’s Day is a little dubious, but it has gone down in history as gospel truth. It tells about Valentine, a priest in third century Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II.  One day, the emperor decides that single men make better soldiers than those with wives and families.  In his desire to build a strong and mighty army, he outlaws marriage for young men. Valentine bravely defies the outrageous order. He performs weddings for young lovers in secret.  Claudius discovers Valentine’s treachery. He is caught and put to death. There is a romantic twist to the legend. They say that while he was in prison, Valentine fell in love with a young girl, supposedly the daughter of his jailer. On the night before he was put to death, Valentine wrote her a love letter and signed it, “From Your Valentine.”

I find Valentine’s Day one of the idiosyncratic holidays in the year. Red flowers and chocolates may remain staples but personalizing one’s take on how to show love in all its gradations is owned by one’s persona. So how would you declare your love this year?

American fiction writer Robert Heinlein says about love: “It is a condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” This is well said. As I see it the aforementioned shows the spectrum of our character as loving creatures. While Valentine’s Day is associated with persons in a relationship, may it remind us that our love is indeed boundless, that it may be asserted not only to our better-half, our parents, our children but also to those who are alien to the concept of Valentine’s Day such as the orphans, the out of school youth and similar sectors in society who are needing of our attention, concern, love. This Valentine’s let’s widen our perspective and show that L.O.V.E can indeed make our world a better place.

Camp Bagong Diwa,Bicutan (January 8, 2012).

Police Superintendent Sidney Hernia launched Police Recruit Got Talent at the National Capital Region (NCR) Training School yesterday.  More than 500 recruits from A to K companies attended the meeting and received copies of the CD which featured the ‘Pulis Ako, Pulis Nyo Po single.  This is the official song or jingle of the Chief of Philippine National Police’s 10-point reform agenda.  PSUPT Hernia as Director of Grants of the Mistah Foundation commissioned the composition of this song with the assistance of the Mt Asher BC Company and Bless Our Land to Shine (BOLTS) Police Ministry.

‘Pulis Ako, Pulis Nyo Po’ drew inspiration from the inaugural speech of Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome last September 2011.  “The campaign calls for active community engagement in police work given the honest realization that the police cannot do all of crime resolution and prevention work just by himself, explains PSUPT Hernia.   This new single is part of the Pulis ng Panginoon CD album, the third in the series of God Bless Our Cops albums for a cause initially produced by the CORPS Movement Foundation in 2001.  It has reached the entire country with its inspirational songs ever since and this tradition continues with a boost from Mistah Foundation.

PSUPT Hernia, together with another mistah from PMA Class ‘92, PSUPT Eric Noble, explained the mechanics and cash prizes at stake courtesy of Mistah Foundation, Mt Asher BC, Mang Inasal Baclaran, FR Sevilla Corporation, and other donors. Each of the 11 companies will prepare a rendering of the Pulis Ako song either solo, duet, trio, chorale or with matching dance performances.  The winner in NCRTS will compete with other Regional Training Schools in Luzon.  “The grand finale in May  2012 (before graduation of recruits) will be adjudged by members of the Mistah Foundation and the grand questor will perform for the CPNP at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, adds PSUPT Hernia.”  Prizes at stake include cash, goodies and gift certificates, plus the chance to officially record Pulis Ako in the next God Bless Our Cops album slated for this year.

Mistah Foundation is a US-based non-profit organization works to promote camaraderie, servant leadership and nation-building through its network of police, military and other public safety workers, in collaboration its friends and supporters in the Philippines and abroad.  It was founded by LTC Richard Gubatan, a reservist of the Philippine Army and honorary member of PMA Class ’92 and. For more information, visit http://www.mistahfoundation.org/mission/.

Last holiday season I was rushing to one affair after another, some of the most notable took place in Dagupan City,Philippines.

The day after Christmas, December 26, 2011, I was handed down an award as recognition for my initiative as founder of Mistah Foundation. The awarding ceremony was the culminating event of this year’s Dagupan City Fiesta dubbed as Pawil Dagupan (Return to Dagupan). At the outset, I was hesitant to accept the award as I thought such shall be recognizing only the rich, affluent individuals who had no linkages towards social responsibility but the Committee reassured me that the awardees are those that have brought pride to Dagupan in their respective fields.

The honor was a great jump-start for the year but I share the laurel to the donors, the people who believe in the foundation and even those who are curious with the foundation’s mission. All of you deserve a pat on the back for giving the foundation your precious vote of confidence and prized recognition.

***

As postscript to 2011, Mistah Foundation conducted a feeding program in Bonuan Boquig, Dagupan City.

May I take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who helped make the event successful. True to the Department of Tourism’s campaign “more fun in the Philippines,” my kababayans in the Philippines are the real treasure of my country as they do not fail to applaud you a lot whenever you show them compassion.

Verily, I ended last year on note of hope and started 2012 on a similar note. May all of us find hope in ourselves and disseminate hope across the corners of our homes and to as many persons as we can this New Year!

Nature’s wrath comes at a time when nobody hardly expects it.  Although there were already warnings to other countries including the Philippines that typhoon “Sendong” or Washi (international name) was strong and that those in its path should take the necessary precautions, the Philippines Southern front was badly hit and scores were killed, homeless, wet and hungry.  Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City cities had no experiences with typhoons and floods.  Hence, they were confident that it would just bring in the rains, and not destruction.

And in times like this, we also see the Bayanihan Spirit in each other.  Help was immediately on the way especially coming from the defense sector, civil society organizations, non government organizations, private sectors, volunteers and many more kind-hearted souls who continue to pour in their help in either cash or in-kind.

The joint effort of Mistah Foundation represented by Jo-ar Herrera and PMA “Masikhay” Class of 1999 thru its President, Michael Aquino brought in some help to augment the needs of hundreds of thousands who experienced the wrath of typhoon “Sendong”. In these challenging times, the spirit of heroism emerges to mitigate the sufferings and pain of fellow “kababayans”. The likes of Michael Aquino, who gave up Christmas party celebration in the camp and a traditional family reunion festivity (who just ate a cup of noodles during noche buena), manifested sacrifices with a delegate of soldiers that cruised raging waves of the seas just to bring in significant help to boost the spirit of Filipinos dampened by a fury of a turbulent time.

Cagayan de Oro City, the hardest hit province will have to start with their rehabilitation and recovery efforts similarly with Iligan City.  The death toll in the December 17, 2011 flash floods in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan had by evening risen to 327, most of them children.

As of 20 December 2011 data submitted by National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), families/victims affected in Iligan City is 279 while in Cagayan de Oro City, the total is 579.  And as of 25 December 2011, 1,100 were dead while 1,079 still missing.

Much of the heavy loads were done by our soldiers, police forces and volunteers who braved the rains, floods and murky waters during and in the aftermath of typhoon “Sendong” are principal witnesses to the devastation wrought by the typhoon.  The victims, numbering 108,798 were in a situation nobody would ever wish to be.  But with the help of kind-hearted individuals and organizations, their sufferings were eased, their loss and pain greatly relieved.  They held on to hope that their kith and kins would be able to survive, with heroes “mga bayani” working day and night to look for survivors.

We thank our soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and police who were called upon to save lives and were not able to celebrate Christmas or New Year with their families.  But to them, it doesn’t matter.  It is how selfless and heroic they are when duty calls. They are our heroes during turbulent times, which help protect and preserve our freedoms.  We recognize their sacrifices, who today not only fights in the battlefield but likewise take the brunt of taking care of our people, and assuming new roles in helping build communities out of the frontlines, out of tragedies and calamities.

In a few days, I’m home bound to what has been referred to as the pearl of the orient, my country, the Philippines.

Yes, the pearl of the orient that was, as some would lament but mind you Filipinos are one of the most resilient, a trait that has made them outlive, outlast and survive each of the dark chapters that civilization has come to a point to throw at them.

As proud as I am of my roots, reality knocks at our doors as a form of self-evaluation, I believe Filipinos have to cut down on excesses that have permeated the minds of the tambay (by- stander), the neighbor, even the educated.

The crabbed notion of empowerment

The crab varieties in the Philippines are one of the most sought after delicacies by foreign transients. But one specie, the idea, the ugali (the mind-set) has enveloped its clutches among Pinoys, consciously or unconsciously.

The so-called defect in Filipinos known as crab mentality may be summed as the attitude that whenever someone gets ahead or does good, everyone else pulls him down.

Anthropologist Michael L. Tan of the University of the Philippines in his column Pinoy Kasi explains the relationship between ‘depleted resources’ and crab mentality and goes “Much has been written about this crab mentality, to the point where we almost accept it as innate, a dark and mean side to the Filipino. But then the crab mentality is not unique to the Philippines. Anthropologists have documented this in many cultures, sometimes referring to the “image of limited good.” In societies where resources are limited, and this can be an impoverished community or an office where there are limited opportunities for promotion or advancement, anyone who rises above the others, even through honest effort and merit, will immediately be suspected of having done so through “connections,” corruption, seduction of the boss, even using the occult (ginayuma ang boss).”

As I see it, crab mentality also touches on the false notion of empowerment. The neighbor may satisfy himself/herself with his malicious retort of his/her neighbor’s advancement. It is the tampered idea of the ability to wield the power to criticize.

The idea of ‘depleted resources’ brings us to another realization that more of us are greed of this limited resource but abundant of the malicious effort to embarrass others.

Siguro, kelangan lang ipa-alala sa bawat isa sa atin na tayo ay mga Pilipino, iisa ang kwento, kelangan mag-sama-sama para sa mga darating na layunin. (I think all of us have to be reminded that we are Filipinos, we share the same history and together we should shape our destiny.)

This is a reminder for all of us that we should help each other to advance. Helping does not necessarily mean financial contribution but also mentoring for those who lack knowledge, counseling for the depressed, among others.

It’s time to show the world that Filipinos are remarkable; that all of us have our ways of mending improving ourselves, for God, our families and our country.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!