Volume No. 20 September 2014

PF16 Arrives after Participating in Aussie’s

Biggest War Games page 6-7

PHIBLEX15 Kicks Off in Palawan page 8page 8

AFP Chief Sends-Off All-Navy Peacekeepers to Haiti page 12

Tawi-Tawi: The Rivendell of the South page 22

22

EDITORIAL BOARDVADM JESUS C MILLAN AFP

RADM ISABELO H GADOR AFP

COL DANTE M HIDALGO PN(M)(GSC)

LCDR MARINETH R DOMINGO PN

LT ENRICO T PAYONGAYONG PNLTJG REY S TIBAY PN

ENS JOHN WINDY G ABING PNENS MAIVI B NERI PN

ENS HERLIJK F GREGORIO PN

Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy

Vice Commander, Philippine Navy

Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Civil Military Operations, N7

RADM CAESAR C TACCAD AFPChief of Naval Staff

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor-In- Chief

Editorial Assistants

Technical Assistants

PH1 Hansen V Ebreo PNS1PH Siegfred A Nuñal PNCpl Wenly M Ortega PN (M)S2JO Maezel B Talatag PNS2DC Jefrey G Ybañez PN

DP3 Jason D Estacion PNS1DK Jonathan L Buhia PN

S1YN Jayson A Delos Santos PNS2JO Ariel B Francisco PNS2BM Jessie D Cerenio PN

NNNNNNNNNNNssss PNPNPPNPPPNPPNPNNPNPN

D photo from:IPADtproduct.combuyit

D (note screenshot)IPADto from:photnearena.comphon

“ The Navy:

Moving Forward to Serve and to Succeed the Right and Honorable Way”

PPP

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Morale and Welfare News Stories Featured Articles

IPSP Bayanihan

Facebook Comments

The Barber

Hand Refl exology

NBC Conducts Bloodletting: “Save Lives by Giving Blood”

MBLT-4 Marines and their Billboards… making a

difference

NFNL Female Shooters

Marines Give Smile to People of Sultan Kudarat and

Maguidanao

Tawi-Tawi: The Rivendell of the South

FMRF Engages LGA/LGEs of Noveleta, Cavite for Smooth Conduct of HADR operations

NAVY BAND

ANCHORS AWEIGH

Announcements

Best Article Contribution for the Month of August 2014

Best Photo for the Month of August 2014

The Naval Leader

Navy launches Sail Plan Book 2, e-PGRS

Be in the Know: The Sail Plan Book 2 and the e-PGRS

Team Navy pledges Good Governance commitment

through the Sail Plan

PF16 Arrives after Participating in Aussie’s Biggest War Games

PHIBLEX15 Kicks Off in Palawan

Navy Supports the Observance of the National Peace Consciousness

Month

NAVY JOINS ALAY LAKAD 2014

PH-AU Joint Training Exercise Opens

2nd SRC/AFPOCSAAI Alumni Homecoming

NAVAL BASE CAVITE on thirty seven

AFP Chief Sends-Off All-Navy Peacekeepers to Haiti

Navy Helps Rescue Survivors of Typhoon Luis

AFP Chief Welcomes Navy Peacekeepers

Navy Rescue Passengers of Capsized Motorized Boat M/V Cruiser Sam

What’s Inside

Sports

2014 Admiral’s Cup 2014 concludes

Need to Know

Rough Deck LogRough Deck LogSeptember 2014 Issue

PLEDGE OF PEACE

Policy Reminder

Philippine Navy Command and Control(C2) Messenger

Turn-overs

Vice Commander, Philippine Navy

Chief of Naval Staff

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-- Author unknown(http://www.inspire21.com/

stories/christianstories/TheBarber)

man went to

a barbershop

to have his hair cut and

his beard trimmed. As

the barber began to work,

they began to have a good

conversation. They talked

about so many things and

various subjects. When they

eventually touched on the

subject of God, the barber

said: “I don’t believe that

God exists.”

“Why do you say

that?” asked the customer.

“Well, you just

have to go out in the street

to realize that God doesn’t

exist. Tell me, if God exists,

would there be so many sick

people? Would there be

abandoned children? If God

existed, there would be neither suffering

nor pain. I can’t imagine loving a God who

would allow all of these things.”

The customer thought for a

moment, but didn’t respond because he

didn’t want to start an argument. The barber

finished his job and the customer left the

shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he

saw a man in the street with long, stringy,

dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He

looked dirty and un-kept. The customer

turned back and entered the barber shop

again and he said to the barber: “You

know what? Barbers do not exist.”

“How can you say that?” asked

the surprised barber. “I am here, and I am

a barber. And I just worked on you!”

“No!” the customer exclaimed. “Barbers

don’t exist because if they did, there would

be no people with dirty long hair and

untrimmed beards, like that man outside.”

“Ah, but barbers DO exist! What

happens is, people do not come to me.”

“Exactly!” affirmed the customer. “That’s

the point! God, too, DOES exist! What

happens is, people don’t go to Him.”

photo from: www.lookfordiagnosis.com

A

photo from: www.meveda.ee

The Barber

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his Chart and Techniques for Hand Reflexology and Massage of Meridian points shows us

where and how to use our own personal power and take charge of our health.

Meridians are a set of pathways in the body along which vital energy is said to flow.. and massage and pressure to these points can open the flow of energy throughout our bodies.. and allow for healing and maintaining a healthy physical.. mental and energetic body.

You may use all these techniques in one session, or just one technique, e.g. Pressing, or two techniques, e.g. Rubbing and Pressing.

1. Rubbing: Begin by briskly rubbing your hands (palms) together to warm them up and generate energy (qi) in them. Also rub the back of each hand (including fingers) with the palm of the other hand.

2. Squeezing: Use your thumbpad and outside edge of your index finger to squeeze each finger and thumb on the other hand, one by one, from base to tip. Use firm but not painful pressure. Do this 2-3 times per finger/thumb.

3. Pulling: Use your thumbpad and the outside edge of your index finger to grasp the base of each finger and thumb on the other hand, one by one, then

quickly pull down towards the tip while maintaining firm but not painful pressure. Do this 2-3 times per finger/thumb.

4. Pressing: Use the tip of your thumbnail to press and stimulate points on the opposite hand. Use this printable hand reflexology chart to locate common hand pressure points. Apply vertical pressure to each point with your thumbnail (or sometimes your fingernail). Press until you feel no more than a comfortable pain. Hold the pressure and knead the point with very small circular movements. Do this for 1-2 minutes per point. Repeat 1-2 times a day.

Choosing Points for Pressing

All hand pressure points are bilateral, i.e. they’re located on both hands. Generally, you would massage 3 or 4 points (on both hands), 1-2 times a day. Hand pressure points do adapt to stimulation though, so after 7 days stop for 3 or 4 days. If your condition and symptoms persist, continue for another week (or more), OR choose new points to press and rub.

We haven’t personally tested the theory… but if it’s something we can do for ourselves… even during our lunch hour… We say why not give it a try?

Sources: www.ideadigeZt.comChinese Holistic Health Exercises

T photo from: s668.photobucket.com

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he Philippine Navy

contingent, composed of 180 strong

PN personnel, that participated in the

multilateral naval exercise dubbed as

“KAKADU 2014” arrived at Pier 15, South

Harbor, Manila on Sept. 27, 2014 on board

BRP Ramon Alcaraz, PF (16).

After more than a

month long deployment, an

arrival ceremony headed by

Rear Adm. Jaime S Bernardino,

the Commander, Philippine

Fleet was conducted to render

honors to the crew of PF 16, the

crew of PN helicopter Augusta

Westland PNH 431, medical

team, and exercise directorate

members. These brave men and

women continuously pursued on

enhancing their surface warfare

capability through constant training, and

enhanced interoperability with regional

navies through their collaboration with

other foreign navies.

The awarding of Bronze Cross

Medal for Staff Sergeant Romeo M

Layag and Electronic Technician 3rd

Class Wilfredo D Doce Jr. for rescuing

an Australian Navy who accidentally fell

overboard on August 31, 2014, at around 4

o’ clock in the morning during the course

of the Exercise also highlighted the event.

Exercise “KAKADU 2014”

conducted from Aug. 25, to Sept. 12, 2014

at Northern Australia Exercise Area is

one of the largest international maritime

exercises hosted biennially by the Royal

Australian Navy. This year’s exercise was

participated by 12 countries that include

Japan, New Zealand, Pakistan, Australia and

Philippines while Bangladesh, Cambodia,

Thailand, Vanuatu, South Korea and

India sent personnel as observers. Training

conducted includes force integration

training, visit, board and seizure exercise,

live-firing exercise, helicopter shipboard

exercise, and mariner skills workup, among

others.

This is the second time the PN

has sent its ship to participate since the

exercise began way back in 1993. The first

time was in 1999. PN observers were also

sent in 2003, 2005 and 2007.

exercises hosted biennially by the Royal

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S Along her way to the Philippines,

PF 16 also visited Surabaya, Indonesia

on Sept. 16, 2014 for a 3-day port visit to

promote naval diplomacy, camaraderie and

foster goodwill with Indonesian Navy..

Following its visit, PF 16 arrived

in Zamboanga City on Sept. 22, 2014 for

a “Show the Flag” mission which aims to

uplift the sense of patriotism and bring

national pride to the Filipino citizens in the

Southern Philippines. This activity included

activities such as Open House, Thanksgiving

Mass, and Courtesy Calls to the Heads of

Western Mindanao Command and Naval

Forces Western Mindanao, courtesy call to

the City Mayor. During the call to the Mayor,

assorted goods and books donated by the

Filipino Association in Northern Territory

(FAANT) was handed over intended for the

victims of the Zamboanga siege.

Further, on her way from

Zamboanga to Manila, PF16 had a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) for the second time

around with a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessel JDS Hatakaze

(DDG-171) in vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc.

A PASSEX is composed of sea drills done to ensure synchronization of

communication and cooperation between the two navies in combined naval

operations. Further, it is designed to provide a realistic training environment that

closely replicates the operational challenges routinely encountered at sea especially during combined naval operations.

While in PASSEX, the two ships conducted tactical maneuvers, visual,

communication and publication exercises utilizing the Code for Unplanned Encounters

at Sea (CUES) developed and published by Western Pacific Naval Symposium as a

means to facilitate communication when naval ships or naval aircrafts encounter each other in an unplanned manner.

PN’s participation in Exercise “KAKADU 2014” had laid down an opportunity

for the PN to enhance cooperation, collaboration, camaraderie, and good working

relationship with the participating navies, to promote regional interoperability, and

enhance capability among the participating navies.

The PN’s constant participation in multilateral exercises is also an affirmation

of its commitment in collaborating with other navies to promote peace and stability

in the maritime region.

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he Philippine Amphibious L a n d i n g

Exercise (PHIBLEX15) formally started with an opening ceremony on September 29, 2014 at Naval Forces West headquarters, Brgy. San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City.

PHIBLEX15 is a bilateral exercise participated by members of the Philippine Navy and Marines together with their counterparts from the United States. 3,000 American troops will join 1,000 Filipino sailors and marines in the 12-day exercise from Sept. 29 to Oct. 10, 2014.

The exercises will be held in different locations. There will be live fi re exercises at Crow Valley, Capas, Tarlac from Sept. 30 to Oct 2; boat raid exercise at Arrecife Island, Sofronio Espanola, Palawan; mechanized assault exercise at Naval Education Training Center, Zambales on

Oct. 5 from 7 to 10 a.m. and combined live fi re exercise on Oct. 7 at Crow Valley, Capas, Tarlac from 12 nn to 2 p.m. There will also be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Engineering Civic Action Program at Maoyon Elementary School in Puerto Pricesa on Oct. 8 and at Beddieng Elementary School at Zambales on Oct. 9. The closing ceremony will be on 10 a.m. Oct 10 at Headquarters, Philippine Marine Corps, Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

b Oct 5 from 7 to 10 a m and

TBy: 1LT JERBER ANTHONY J BELONIO PN(M)

phiblex 15phiblex 15 Kicks Off in Palawan

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RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIEEEEE

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he Philippine Navy (PN) joined on Sept. 1, 2014, the Office of the Presidential

Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) in commemoration of the National Peace Consciousness Month 2014, with the theme: “Nagkakaisang Bayan para sa Kapayapaan”.

A simultaneous Flag Raising Ceremony, recitation of the Harmony Prayer and reiteration of the Pledge of Peace were collectively conducted by PN personnel all over the country in support of the said event.

The activity aboard Headquarters Philippine Navy was headed by the Vice Commander, PN, Rear Adm. Isabelo H Gador who eventually read the message of the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy(FOIC,PN), Vice Adm. Jesus C Millan.

“As we sail and strive for this enduring peace, let us remember that peace cannot be attained by a single entity or organization, it should be accomplished through collective and unified effort, involving all agencies, organizations and even individuals”, stressed in the message of the FOIC,PN.

“It is but timely to remember the brave sailors and marines who greatly contributed to this battle for peace – the peace that we all enjoy in this present time. Let us all exemplify the same strength and dedication they offered in safeguarding our mother land”, he added.

This activity entails that the Navy is one with the entire Filipino citizenry in aspiring for a peaceful Philippines and supports the peace processes in the pursuit of a permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflict in the country.

he Philippine Navy (PN) headed by

no less than the Navy Chief, Vice Adm. Jesus C Millan, participated in Alay Lakad 2014 on Sept. 7, 2014. The Navy composed the Walk Group # 6 together with other branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). PN contingents had a two-kilometer route from Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex to Quirino Grandstand, Manila where a simple program with other participating organizations occurred.

Dubbed as “Lakad Para Sa Kinabukasan”, this annual fund raising activity headed by the Alay Lakad Foundation, Incorporated (ALFI) on its 42nd year was intended to provide bright future for out-of-school youth. Participation in this event is part of the PN’s inter-agency collaboration and support to government and non-government agencies towards community service and national development.

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Navy Supports the Observance Navy Supports the Observance of theof the National Peace Consciousness MonthNational Peace Consciousness Month

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S he Philippine Navy (PN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) formally started the

PN-RAN Exercise LUMBAS 2014 last September 29, 2014 and will culminate on October 11, 2014 at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City.

Exercise LUMBAS is an annual combined PN and RAN Exercise being conducted in the different parts of the country on a yearly basis. For this year, the exercise was held in Davao Region conducted in three parts.

The first part is the Table Top Exercise (TTX) participated by the different stakeholders coming from the PCG, PNP, BFAR, DENR-XI, PDEA, BI, BOC, RDRMC, PPA and CENRO. The objective in this TTX is to simulate the Role and cooperation of the different agencies in any given scenario. The second part is the at

Sea Phase training to be conducted from Oct. 4-10, 2014 at the waters off Davao Gulf. The PN will commit two 108-foot PN Patrol Boats and one 35-meter RAN Patrol Boat with 30 RAN Crew Members. The activities at sea will involve various scenarios like Border Protection, Anti-terrorism and Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HADR) in consonance with the status of Visiting Forces Agreement between Australia and the Philippines and the third part is the conduct of a sport activity amongst the two navies to further boost camaraderie and friendly acquaintances.

Further, the Exercise aims to enhance interoperability between PN, RAN and Inter-Agency participants focused on common operational procedures and to foster maritime cooperation between the two countries.

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efore the conduct of the 25th National Annual Convention of the School for Reserve

Commission/ Armed Forces of the Philippines Officer Candidate School Alumni Association, Incorporated (SRC/AFPOCSAAI) on Sept. 27, 2014 at the AFPCOC, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City with Honorable Jejomar C. Binay, the 2nd SRC/AFPOCS AAI-PN Chapter Alumni Homecoming 2014 was conducted on Sept. 6-7, 2014 at Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), San Antonio, Zambales.

With the theme “Professionalism: Nurturing Our Commitment and Solidarity” (PNOCS), the event was graced by no less than the Flag Officer In command, Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Jesus C Millan.

One of the highlights for this activity was the recognition given to the outstanding alumnus of PNOCS.

This two-day event also included an Open House, Presidents report and open forum, election of board of directors, fellowship lunch, and other activities promoting unity and camaraderie. The Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a military institution for future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that trains civilians who are baccalaureate degree holders.

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By: LTJG MICHAEL D LUMBIS PN

PH-AU Joint Training Exercise Opens

fore the conduct of the 25th This two day event alsoef

2ND SRC/AFPOCSAAI Alumni Homecoming2ND SRC/AFPOCSAAI Alumni Homecoming

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S NAVAL BASE CAVITE on thirty seven

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ice Adm. Jesus C Millan, the Flag Officer In Command,

Philippine Navy (FOIC,PN) graced the celebration of 37th Founding Anniversary of Naval Base Cavite (NBC) on September 4, 2014 at NBC Social Hall, Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City. With the theme, “TEAM NBC: WE SERVE THE HONORABLE WAY”, the event spearheaded by its Commander, Col. Aaron T Petalvero highlighted the 37 fruitful years of this Support Command of the Philippine Navy (PN) since its inception on Sept. 02, 1977.

Attended by PN key personnel and Sailors and Marines from Cavite and Manila area, this commemoration gave honor and distinction to the men and women who unselfishly contributed for its mission accomplishment through an Awarding Ceremony. Month-long Pre-anniversary activities were conducted before the event including Sports Fest, Bloodletting, Shoot fest, and Thanks Giving Mass. NBC provide support services to PN units and other tenant units in the base complex in support to PN mission.

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en Gregorio Pio P Catapang, the

AFP Chief of Staff headed the

Send-Off Ceremony conducted

at Villamor Air Base on Sept. 22, 2014 for

the 18th Armed Forces of the Philippines

(AFP) contingent to the United Nations

Peace Keeping Force to Haiti composed

of 157 Sailors and Marines. The event

was also attended by Vice Adm. Jesus

C Millan, the Flag Officer in Command,

Philippine Navy.

This all Navy contingent headed

by Cdr. Aldrin B Doctor is composed of

11 Officers and 146 Enlisted Personnel,

33 of which came from the Philippine

Marine corps. Nine of these strong 157 PN

personnel are females.

The troops will be tasked to

provide perimeter security to the Force

Headquarters of the UN Mission to

Haiti, provide administrative and logistics

clerical services to the Force Headquarters,

operate their military vehicles, and provide

VIP security to specified personalities by

the Force Headquarters.

The 18th AFP contingent is

expected to serve for approximately six

to nine months. They will be replacing

the 17th PCH composed of 11 officers and

145 enlisted personnel who have served in

the area for 11months, and was headed by

Capt. Luzviminda A Camacho, the first

female contingent commander.

This contingent will fill-up the

Philippines’ annual contribution of troops

to the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti

(MINUSTAH), which was the area of

concern of the Philippine Navy since the 1st

group of PN peacekeepers was deployed.

GAFP Chief Sends-Off All-Navy Peacekeepers to Haiti

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Navy Helps Rescue Survivors of Typhoon Luis

Acivilian passenger/cargo vessel experienced steering

casualty due to typhoon Luis and sunk at the waters of Binit Point, Panaoan

Island, Southern Leyte on Sept. 14, 2014. MV Maharlika 2, with 58

passengers on manifest and rolling cargoes is enroute to Liloan Port, Southern Leyte when the typhoon hits and makes it sunk 6NM northwest

of Binit Point. Immediately after receiving the distress call, navy ships PG395 departed Lapu-lapu City Cebu and PG379 in convoy with DF350 departed Agusan Del Norte

to conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

About 3am during that day, PG379 and DF350 arrived at the area and coordinated with the PCG thereat. At around 6am, PG379 and

DF350 started transfer of survivors from MV Epic St Martin and MV Lara Ventures, the nearby ships who first responded to the distress call. A

total of 69 survivors composed of 51

males and 18 females were ferried by PG379 and DF350 as of 8am of that day.

Initial interview made by the crew of PG379 to one of the survivors revealed that at around 6pm

yesterday, MV Maharlika 2 started to sink when the lashing of vehicles and other cargoes onboard parted causing her to list to her starboard side until it capsized. Three nearby civilian vessels

namely: MV Maharlika Quatro, MV Lara Ventures and MV Epic St Martin immediately responded to the distress signal and notify the authorities.

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SSAFP Chief Welcomes Navy Peacekeepers

he 17th Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), an

all-Navy contingent to the United Nations Peace Keeping Force to Haiti arrived at Base Operations, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City Sept. 27, 2014 after 11 months of deployment. A simple Welcome Ceremony headed by the AFP Chief of Staff, Gen Gregorio Pio P Catapang, and Vice Adm. Jesus C Millan, the Flag Officer In Command, PN was rendered at around 11 a.m.

The 17th Peacekeeping Force to Haiti (PCH) were sent-off last year, Oct. 29, 2013 and is composed of 157 personnel, 12 of which are officers and 145 are enlisted.

From the total of 157 strong PN personnel, 133 arrived composed of eight officers and 125 enlisted personnel. Out of 133, nine are females with two officers and seven enlisted personnel. The 24 others were left behind in Haiti to train and orient the incoming contingent, the

18th PCH which was sent-off on Sept. 22, 2014.

Capt. Luzviminda A Camacho, the first Filipino female UN contingent commander headed the 17th PCH. It can be recalled that Capt. Camacho was also the first female Navy officer who have commanded a Philippine Navy ship.

The Navy peacekeepers were tasked to provide perimeter security to the Force Headquarters of the UN Mission to Haiti, provide administrative and logistics clerical services to the Force Headquarters, operate their military vehicles, and provide VIP security to specified personalities by the Force Headquarters.

The Philippine Navy’s intent to annually provide PN peacekeepers internationally is in line with its bid to go beyond its traditional roles and to surge forward to serve and to succeed the right and honorable way.

18th PCH which was sent off on Sept

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he members of Naval S p e c i a l

Operations Unit (NAVSOU) assigned in Naval Forces Central based in Cebu City were immediately deployed onboard 2 rubber boats at 3:20 pm, Sept. 19, 2014 to conduct search and rescue operations (SAR) to a capsized motorized passenger boat M/V Cruiser Sam and Shorty. Said boat came from Pasil Wharf, Cebu City going to Clarin, Bohol and capsized at Vicinity Lauis, Talisay City, Cebu. Philippine Navy vessels, VU 471 and BRP Subanon, AT 291 likewise responded and proceeded to the SAR area. As a result, a total of 17 passengers were immediately recued and was brought to Capt. Veloso Pier, Naval Forces Central, Lapu Lapu City, Cebu. They were immediately given food and warm clothing.

The passengers reportedly estimated that there are more or less 50 personnel onboard. Additional 14 more passengers were rescued as of 8 pm that day.Naval Forces Central Command had their medical team and land transportation on standby at Capt. Veloso Pier for possible evacuation of the rescued individuals. The Navy continued with the conduct of Search and Rescue operations

and ensured that all efforts were exhausted to bring all the passengers onboard the passengers’ boat to safety.

At around 4 o’clock in the morning of Sept, 20, 2014, PN personnel were able to rescue a total of 53 individuals from M/B Cruiser Sam and Shorty. There are 32 adult males, 14 adult females, 4 male child and 3 female child. They were immediately transported to Pier 1, Mandaue City, Cebu and was subsequently turned-over to Philippine Coast Guard Central for proper documentation as of 5 o’clock this morning.

According to the passengers, the sea was so rough that had caused panic to all the passengers on board. It subsequently caused the boat to tilt and list, and made the water come inside the boat and soon after capsized.

The passengers reported that there were no casualties on the said incident, all were accounted for.

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anndd ensuredd that alll eefforts wweere exhhausted

TNavy Rescue Passengers

of Capsized Motorized Boat M/V Cruiser Sam

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By: ENS RAY ADRIAN F CARRANZA PN

I n line with the celebration of the 37th Founding Anniversary

of Naval Base Cavite with the theme “Team NBC: We Serve the Honorable Way”, the Philippine Navy’s Best Supporting Command/Unit of the year 2014, continues to provide support on its best effort not only the tenant units of the command and to Philippine Navy but also so to the community by spearheading a bloodletting activity on Aug. 29 ,2014 at Naval Base Cavite, Social Hall in partnership with Philippine Red Cross, Cavite Chapter.

On its effort to deliver its mandate to the Flag and Country, Naval Base Cavite continues to serve by having successfully donated about 18,000 cc of lifeblood. By giving blood, we give hope and life to our people.

Commander Naval Base Cavite, Col Aaron T Fetalvero PN(M) (GSC) who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Col Adolfo B Albalate PN(M)(GSC) welcomes and graced the event with a very edifying speech about health benefi ts of donating blood. The Board of Directors of Cavite chapter, Philippine Red Cross was led by Mr. Romeo G. Ramos who apparently imparted the signifi cance of voluntarism to save lives in service to humanity.

Unmindful of command activities and selfl essness the occasion was made successful through the support of the Philippine Fleet, Naval Sea Systems Command, NBC Barangay 53-B and Barangay 62-B who donated blood to save lives.

NBC

Conducts

Bloodletting:

“Save Lives by

Giving Blood”

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1717

By:Ka BenBy:Ka BeBennn

MBLT-4 Marines and their Billboards… making a dif fer ence

I must say I had mixed feelings even

before I start writing this story in that

I have never involved myself praising

the military. For quite a long time, I had this “no

love lost” attitude to the military, especially to the

Marines. I grew up with the countless stories and

personal knowledge of the Marines’ “ruthlessness”

in combat and the fear that they may manifest

this to us civilians. Having been born, raised and

residing in Roxas, Palawan, I could pretty well say

that such is the attitude of majority of the people

here towards the Marines, until their unit named

as MBLT-4 established their camp in Barangay

Minara. I say “until” because ever since they were

here, my view of them started to change. I do not

know the exact reason; here is my story…

The Marines transferred in Brgy Minara

late October 2013. A month earlier, people of

Roxas were wondering the presence of Marines

cleaning, digging and eventually constructing huts

in what used to be a dumping ground or a haunted

area. Other than the usual fear, speculations

abound as to what lies ahead with them around.

On the first week of November, I learned of their

act in the coastal Barangay of Tumarbong, Roxas

in assisting the people during their preemptive

evacuation because of typhoon “Yolanda”. Not

really impressed, I would say: “Pakitang gilas!

Syempre, dapat lang, sa gobyerno kaya sila at sila

ang may mga sasakyang malalaki para dyan!”

I happen to pass by the camp everyday

in going to work that 2 weeks after, I noticed

the Marines fixing their fence and landscaping

their frontage creating what could be an open

space along the sides of the provincial road. For

the next few days, I was awaiting what could be

it. To my surprise, a large Belen was constructed.

It was so imposing that one could really see and

feel the message it conveys, “Christmas!!!” The

more I was awed as I passed by one night with

the magnificence of the lighting arrangement made

around the Belen. Truly, it was a sight to behold.

Yet my cynical attitude towards them still surfaced:

“Ugaling Kristyano naman kaya talaga sila?” The

Belen was there for people passing by to see until

the middle of January this year. Going to church

on the first day of February, I was again surprised

when a large billboard was put up in that display

area. It was hand-painted with 2 Cupids aiming at

symbolic large hearts and a message that reads:

“MBLT-

4 Joins You This Love Month” “Happy

Valentine’s”. For the whole month of February,

the billboard was on display and I saw students

and other passersby taking selfies with it as a

background. “May papuso-puso pa sila ngayon

ha!” Then came March, I was in for a surprise

again. A new billboard was on display; still hand-

painted depicting the ornaments of a graduating

student, the throwing of caps by graduates, books,

laurel leaves, diploma and a life size graduating

student whose face was carved out (probably

for anyone interested to take a selfie) and the

message: “From: MBLT-4 Congratulations Class

2014”. Again, I observed a lot of people, especially

the young, taking their selfie shots. By April,

another billboard was displayed. Still hand-painted

with a rifle pointed downwards, a helmet on top,

a dangling dog-tag, a pair of worn-out boots below

and the message: “Lest We Forget 09 April Araw

Ng Kagitingan”. I know a bit of my history and

I was moved; this is the Fall of Bataan and a lot

of Filipino soldiers perished during the Second

World War. Stories shared and I learned that these

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Marines invited inside their camp our municipal

leaders, government employees and other guests

for a commemoration of this special day in our

history. Those who were there and witnessed

the event would later tell that the ceremony

prepared by these Marines was really touching

for one to really empathize with the sacrifices of

our forefathers. I was told that some were even

in tears while the bugle sounded what they call

Taps. It was also during the said occasion that

the Marines launched their program of inviting

kids to camp inside for a lot of activities other

than the usual scouting activities. They call this

as their “Prepare That Kid” Project meant to

develop in the youth responsible citizenship and

love of country or patriotism. Learning all these, I

could only say: “Wow!!! Iba mga ito!!!” … And

I began to be more appreciative of these Marines

in our place, anticipating their activities in town

and yes, their billboards…

Indeed, a new billboard was

immediately displayed within April. Again, still

hand-painted, it showed the Suffering Christ, Mt

Calvary and a passage in John 3:16 of the Holy

Bible, “For God so loved the world that He gave

His only begotten Son” and on top is a message:

“Your Marines join the entire Christendom in the

observance of the Holy Week…” Lent is a time

for forgiving and forgetting, would I still go back

being cynical to our Marines? Now I am using

“our”, as this is what I believe they want to

further convey to us civilians – they belong to us.

The month of May is full of festivities

here in Roxas. Even before we could start the

merriment, our Marines already displayed a

billboard enjoining everybody to the celebrations

of Roxas’ “63rd Founding Anniversary 6th

Casuy & 10th Panalaminan Festival 2014” below

it is this year’s theme: “Friendly Environment

Sustaining Towards Innovative Viable Alternative

Livelihood”. And as May was about to end,

a new billboard was on display. It was both a

message of imparting additional knowledge on

the organization of our Marines and a greetings

having a hand-painted art of a Navy ship and

a pair of helicopters with the message: “We,

your Marines, are proud of our Naval Heritage

Happy 116th Birthday Philippine Navy” and

“Protecting our Territory Safeguarding our

Future”. By June, their billboard was a reminder

of our Independence. Simply done and still

hand-painted with a large Philippine Flag being

waved by a group of 4 soldiers and a message

that says “12/06 Araw ng Kalayaan”. July came

and the people of Roxas are in for another

surprise from our Marines’ billboard. This time,

a usually hand-painted billboard that is seemingly

crowded with words and arts. There was the

usual declaration of “Your Marines join…” and

below this line are 2 greetings, placed side by

side, each with corresponding symbolic arts that

reveal the directed audiences: “... the brethren

of Iglesia ni Cristo 100 years!!!” and “… the

Muslim community Ramadan Mubarak”. To me,

this July Marine billboard has a deeper meaning

and message that they want to convey to us other

than the greetings. One does not need to do any

further research to know the why. Placing the

events side by side was not coincidental; it was

a message of hope and peace advocacy… I see

our Marines as full of optimism that our country

would achieve the peace every Filipino so desires.

Again I was moved and find truism in an anecdote

I read somewhere that says, “… the soldier is not

a war monger, for they suffer the deepest wounds

in war”

August came, I was not just anticipating

another billboard, in fact I was already trying to

predict the message our Marines will convey this

time – Linggo ng Wika. And I was right, and even

prouder as the billboard’s message was written in

Cuyonin; “Ang Sundalong Marino ay Kaiban ang

Bilog nga Pilipino sa Pagselebra ang Kapistahan…

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Wika Ng Pagkakaisa… Buwan Ng Wikang Pambansa 2014”; the

colorful art shows people holding hands depicting unity while

below it are words of gratitude in different Filipino dialects.

It is September, and I am anticipating and

predicting what billboard our Marines will display this time.

Whatever it is, I must say, they mean what they display and

through these billboards, we not only learned a lot about

them as these also served as our reminders of historical

events and of our individual responsibilities as Filipinos.

Just this morning, our Marines in their military trucks and

who looked like they are going on a mission passed us by

along the provincial road. With pride, we waved at them,

some even saluting and shouting “Huuurrraaahhh!!!” and

in return our Marines also responded with waves, salutes

and shouts of “Huuurrraaahhh!!!” For my part, I said a

prayer for them and whispered “Ingat kayo; magkatuwang

tayo dito!”

So what else could I say of this change in my

attitude towards our Marines? Well, not only me, but

also for a lot of people here in Roxas, Palawan. I could

see our Marines becoming part of the community. Their

continued presence is not only mere acceptance by the

people; rather they have become an integral part in the

day-to-day lives of the people. Even by just through their

billboards, our Marines were able to convey to us their

intentions and what kind of stuff they are made of, “Tao

din sila at nagpapakatotoong tao lamang sila!”

NFNL Female

ShootersBy: ENS BERNARD O SABADO PN

s part of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon’s numerous thrusts for

gender and development among its ranks, the Command organized its female Officers and Enlisted Personnel to form the NFNL Female Shooters and undergo several activities aimed to improve their technical skills and proficiency in handling small arms particularly a cal .45 pistol.

To be reminded of the basics of gun safety, a comprehensive lecture under the supervision of the Commander, Naval Forces Northern Luzon, Commodore Nodolfo V Tejada AFP were provided to the NFNL Female Shooters by the members of the Naval Specials Operations Unit 2 – Northern Luzon (NAVSOU2-NL) last August 26, 2014 at Headquarters Naval Forces Northern Luzon. And to apply what they have

learned from the lecture provided, the NFNL Female Shooters were then brought on the same day to an indoor firing range at San Fernando City, La Union. It was on one event of the NFNL pre-anniversary activities where the Female Shooters were given an opportunity to show to the Officers and Enlisted Personnel of Command their technical skills and proficiency in handling a cal .45 pistol.

2020

The NFNL Female Officers were organized as one team to participate in the conduct of a Fun Shoot at the Philippine Coast Guard District North Western Luzon Firing Range last September 6, 2014. One by one, each member surprised the audiences with their excellent marksmanship by hitting the target on each specific course and category.

Through this simple yet empowering activity, the female Officers and Enlisted Personnel of the Command surely gained their confidence and necessary

skill to be able to protect themselves, their loved ones and the civilian populace against various threats occurring within or outside the performance of their duty.

The activities conducted reiterates the Command’s never-ending pursuit for gender advancement and equality within the organization and its leadership will continue to conduct activities geared towards the empowerment of every sailors and marines of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon regardless of gender and age.

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Marines Give Smile to the People of Sultan Kudarat and Maguidanao

he 1st Marine Brigade in partnership with Kiwanis International Club of Lebac,

Maharlika Charity Foundation Inc. (MCFI), 7th Marine Battalion, 8th Marine Battalion, and the Zone of Peace And Development Council (ZOPADC) conducted “Operation Balik Ngiti” Program from Sept. 21-25, 2014 at Lebak Doctors’ Hospital, Poblacion I, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. The project is aimed to give back the smiles and confidence of the children

whose families cannot afford to avail of the professional services of plastic surgeons under the Area of Operations of 1st Marine Brigade.

The Kiwanis Club of Lebac and 1st Marine Brigade both headed by COL. Emmanuel B. Salamat PN(M)(GSC) jointly undertook the project in coordination with Past Lt Gen Kiwanian Sharon Dacera, who has direct contact with Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc. (MCFI). Further, the Kiwanis Club of Lebac

has raised substantial funds through its raffle draw project to support the accommodation and food of Medical team volunteers and other incidental expenses for the activity. The Maharlika Charity Foundation Inc. was founded in May 1973 to provide free surgical services to the poor and the needy. It is a non-stock, non-profit charity foundation located at the Maharlika Center, at J.P. Cabaguio Avenue, Davao City established in 1973 by Dr. Rizal Aportadera and his friends.

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By: CPT IAN R VILLEZA PN(M)

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The MCFI evolved from a small group of philanthropic individuals into a team of volunteers who are concerned with the medical condition of Mindanao’s poor. The foundation composed of volunteer surgeons and medical practitioners that provides for the free professional services and medications of the patients. During the operation Balik Ngiti, a surgical team composed of 3 surgeons, 3 anaesthesiologists, family doctors and 16 others (nurses, OR technician, social workers and volunteers) undertook the special reconstructive operation for cleft palate patients. The patients weighing at least 10 kilograms, regardless of their age and must pass the medical screening to be qualified for the free surgical operations required by Maharlika Charity Foundation Inc. It was a walk-in surgery wherein it does not require a long-term confinement in a hospital.

Initial screening and registration of patients were done by the 1st Marine Brigade through its operational units, the 7th and 8th Marine Battalions in coordination with and support of course of the LGUs of Lebak, Kalamansig and Palimbang. Initial preparation and coordination of 1st Marine Brigade with MCFI have registered 60 beneficiaries from Municipalities of Lebak, Kalamansig and Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat and even from the Municipality of South Upi, Maguindanao. Also, the Marines took their share in transporting the patients from their residences to the hospital, most especially patients from Palimbang and South Upi. Kiwanis Clubs from cities of Koronadal and General Santos also came to witness the activity. The Surgical Mission lasted until September 24, 2014 with forty four (44) patients successfully undergone the operation. These individuals including their families are only a few of the many lives MCFI and Smile Train International had restored to normalcy. They no longer have to bear the shame of their misshapen appearance. They can now face the world filled with their sweet smiles, dignity and confidence.

“There are countless people out there who want to help but do not quite know how, while our volunteer doctors are more than willing to go out on such medical missions for the poor – those who have not even seen a doctor in their entire lives. So where you cannot go, we will go,” Dr. Aportadera reveals.

Patients grab this rare opportunity in consideration to their financial capability. The professional fees in the private hospital for a Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate surgical operations can cost about fifty (50) thousand pesos or higher per patient each. Also, additional expenses for hospital room while in recovery and medicine are separate bills. “We have given the 44 beneficiaries and their families new hope to win their own battles with new smile on their faces and confidence to live life with purpose. The project also underscore the true essence of partnership where individuals, organizations whether private or public fulfil their social responsibility to their community” Col. Salamat said.

During the activity, one of the parents spoke to the marines and said “Hulog Kayo Ng Langit Sir, Nang marinig kong nagpublic announcement kayo tungkol sa libreng operasyon napaiyak ako dahil naisip ko agad ang aking anak. Maraming-maraming salamat Sa Inyo Sir, Hulog Talaga Kayo Ng Langit Sir”.

A total of forty-four (44) patients with Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate had undergone free surgical operations with the help of Maharlika Charity Foundation Inc. (MCFI). Some of the patients are Indigenous People (IP’s) from Dulangan-Manobo tribe of Lebak, Kalamansig, and Palimbang, all of Sultan Kudarat Province and South Upi, Maguindanao Province.

Once again, “THE MARINES HAVE TOUCHED THEIR LIVES TO WIN THE PEACE.”

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By: LTCOL STEPHEN L CABANLET PN(M)

oming to TawiTawi after gruelling tour of duty in more clamorous part of Mindanao feels like an elf coming home to Rivendell in RR Tolkien’s Lord of the Ring series. Although the fictional Rivendell is a valley and TawiTawi an island province, the two places are synonymsin terms of being a haven of peace in the midst of chaos.This “faraway” group of islands seem to have the protection of the Rivendell’s vilyaring that it does not experience the same turbulence happening in the nearby areas. It has not seen blood the way other part of ARMM perpetually had. Being assigned to TawiTawi is the “next best thing” for every marine. The white sand beach, the camp near the beach, the luscious seafood, exotic fruits, other beautiful scenery and the ABSENCE of warring clan killing each other is an assignment close to Rest and Recreation( R and R).But history says it is not always like this, in fact it is in these Islands where 3rd Marine Battalion(my present unit) had its baptism of fire way back in the 70’s when insurgency took the lives of many marines. Like the elves of Rivendell, many marines and TawiTawi natives alike sacrificed their lives first before relative peace was achieved. The costs was too high, they themselves resolved that the serenity achieved must be preserved. It seems though that the vilya ring placed to protect TawiTawi is not as powerful as the vilya ring of Rivendell for not all bad elements are warded off in these islands as it is in the “deep valley of the cleft”.

The peace loving TawiTawi Islanders are always threatened by the time to time presence of ASG who uses the Island as pathway and “stop over place “. This bad element (ASG) targets the people of TawiTawi as kidnap for ransom victims forcing the people to embrace the “must have gun per family” culture. Gun in the wrong hands always makes peace volatile. In fact, the character of being a peace loving people of theTawiTawi Muslims (Sama, Jama and Badjao) is put to test every election when “war” erupts between political families.

Elrond the elf owner of the vilya ring protected Rivendell so there will be a place for those who seek refuge. It is now Philippine Marine Corp’s (PMC’s) thrust to be the Elrond of TawiTawi. PMC 3rd Marine Battalion could either use the ring of protection thru the guns of violence alone or with the balls of peace. Philippine Marines are known fierce fighters who know and experience violence at its worst and will never back out for anything. But these same Marines are also well versed in attaining peace thru peaceful means.

On September 21, 2014, 3rd Marine Battalion, in partnership with OPAPP, will be introducing the game of football as one peaceful means to protectthe people of TawiTawi.Football for Peace Program has been PMC’s project for quite some time now, and it has been proven to leave an imprint of permanent longing for peace to those who had participated in it. It has been done first in Sulu, Zamboanga, and now it will be held in these Islands. TawiTawi is favoured because this event is not a simple local event. It will be done simultaneous with football event of other country members of the United Nations, PEACE ONE DAY, an international organization involved in promoting peace in areas plagued with insurgents. Participants in this football event will be Muslim children ages 8 to 16 years old coming from the far flung Islands of TawiTawi.

These children although less war shocked compared to their cousins from Sulu and Basilan are less privileged as well, for the distance of where they live disallow them to experience new trends such as the game of football. They will be coming to TawiTawi ferried by boat to Bonggao the capital city of TawiTawi. To most of them, it will be the first time to go to place from the Island where they were born. It is the hope of PMC MBLT III and the Football for Peace program to seed in these children the deep longing for true and genuine repose in ARMM.

Rivendell is fictitious place of semi isolation very much like TawiTawi. It served as refuge for those who are weary and oppressed. In the Lord of the Ring story the same place is visited by people of all kinds who seek sanctuary, healing and wisdom. Given the right egis it will not be impossible for a fiction to become reality. TawiTawi can become the Rivendell of the South and provide sanctuary for their weary and the oppressed brothers.

C By: LTCOL STEPHEN L CABANLET PN(M)

Tawi-Tawi: Tawi-Tawi: The Rivendell of the SouthThe Rivendell of the South

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By: CPT CARLO M BUBULI PN(M)

FMRF Engages the LGA/LGEs of Noveleta, Cavite for Smooth Conduct of HADR Operations

he Fleet Marine Ready Force headed by its Commander,

Commo Jorge F Amba AFP with selected members of the Command Team, visited the Municipality of Noveleta, Cavite on Sept. 23, 2014 to conduct interagency engagement and coordination with the local government authorities regarding H u m a n i t a r i a n Assistance and Disaster Response Operations. T h e Municipality of Noveleta, and some other cities of Cavite such as Bacoor City, Imus City and Cavite City and towns of Kawit and Rosario, are among the flood prone and most affected areas during onslaught tropical storms and the southwest monsoon (HABAGAT). Like the other flood affected areas, Noveleta, under the able leadership of Mayor Enrico Alvarez and with Mr. Luisito Alix, as the Municipal Disaster Risks Management Officer (MDRRMO), is touted to have the most organized disaster responders, which mainly composed of volunteer members of its constituents and the residents themselves. As a proof, the town has an installed CCTV and DO water level sensors to close monitor the flow of water level at its “Ilang-ilang river that cut through near its Poblacion and Market areas. It also has standing and well-organized Incident Command System (ICS), supported and equipped with radio communications system and warning and alarm system that facilitate a quick and effective reporting, mobilization, evacuation and delivery of needed response during flood situation.

As gesture of its continuing support to the towns’ disaster preparedness, FMRF rendered a short brief showcasing the various Philippine Navy’s DRO capabilities and equipment and accomplishments in disaster response operations. During the engagement with the local disaster responders and some Brgy Chairmen of Noveleta, FMRF committed to provide

training assistance to further hone the local disaster responders skills and capacities which will include the conduct of water search and rescue, medical assistance and rescue assistance during sea disasters. FMRF has also coordinated the prepositioning and advance deployment of its available HADR

assets once a tropical storm has entered in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and whenever a warning for HABAGAT/storm surge onslaught is raised in the area to ensure the prompt response and extension of rescue assistance to the affected areas.

FMRF emphasized the Philippine Navy’s continuing efforts in the aspect of training and full commitment to its stakeholders in insuring maritime security, conduct of disaster response operations and in extending needed assistance to the Filipino people in need, not only in the Municipality of Noveleta , but in other towns and cities of Cavite and to the rest of the country. It has emphasized that HADR is everybody`s concerned i.e. its a shared responsibility, which entails the willing and active support, vibrant partnership and coordination between and among concerned stakeholders: the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Navy, other Government Agencies, LGUs, NGOs, Private Organizations, concerned International Organizations and the whole community as well, conglomerating and acting as one and in unison in undertaking Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response during the onslaught of calamities/typhoon reflective of the true spirit of “AFP IPSP BAYANIHAN”. Fleet Marine Ready Force spearheads the conduct of the AFPs and Philippine Navy CMO Program in its designated AOR in winning the peace in the province of Cavite engaging the Filipino people with pride, strongly and continuously pushing forward “to serve the people and succeed the honorable way”.

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Philippine Navy Command and Control(C2) Messenger

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The Philippine Navy is making good

governance a norm.

After it successfully completed the

Performance Governance System (PGS) Pathway

last April 2014, the Philippine Navy now takes on

the crucial phase of ensuring that its transformation

is sustained and good governance institutionalized in

its organization. Last September 3, 2014, it launched

two very important tools that will help the Navy in

this crucial phase: the PN Strategic Sail Plan 2020

Book 2 and the Electronic Performance Governance

Reporting System (e-PGRS).

The launching was held during the PN

Governance Forum Series which featured a lecture

on “The Philippine Navy as a Bastion of Good

Governance” by the Chairperson of the Institute

for Solidarity in Asia, Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao. The

lecture was followed by a best practice sharing session

through a Governance Kapihan with various PGS

partners.

The event concluded with a Sail Plan

Commitment Ceremony. Navy personnel from the

Headquarters Philippine Navy to the different Navy

units across the country simultaneously reaffirmed

their commitment to ensure that the Sail Plan will be

sustained and that the Navy will reach its vision by

2020. The stakeholders and partners of the Navy also

showed their support by pledging their commitment

to sail with the Navy as it reaches for its vision of a

stronger and more credible force that every Filipino

of our maritime nation can depend and be proud of.

The Philippine Navy as a Bastion of

Good Governance

Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao, Chairperson of

the Institute for Solidarity in Asia, opened the PN

Governance Forum with his talk about the Islands

of Good Governance (IGG) Initiative and the role

of the Navy in making this initiative a success. IGG

aims to showcase the Philippines as a true bastion of

good governance by featuring the transformation of

individual government institutions.

The Navy is one of the chosen

institutions for the initiative. It is currently working

on the accomplishment of its three breakthrough

commitments: the ISO-certification of its core systems

and processes, the enhancement of its research and

development capacity, and the strengthening of its

maritime situational awareness capability.

Sustaining the Transformation

Vice Admiral Jesus C Millan, the Flag

Officer in Command, joins the Honorable Francisco

Duque of the Civil Service Commission, Dr. Jesus P.

Estanislao of the Institute for Solidarity in Asia, and

Police Senior Superintendent Noel Baraceros during

the Governance Kapihan. Their discussion centered

on best practices that enabled each organization to

jumpstart and eventually sustain the journey towards

transformation.

The Honorable Voltaire T Gazmin, Secretary of National Defense, received the copy of the Sail Plan Book 2 on behalf of the entire Defense Department. In his message as the guest of honor during the Launching Ceremony, Secretary Gazmin lauded the Navy for its efforts to ensure that good governance and transformation are upheld and sustained in the Armed Forces.

Dr. Estanislao sharing his perspective on showcasing the Philippines as a rising nation, and how the IGG initiative can help the country be a true bastion of good governance, one organization at a time.

By: Michelle C. Castillo

Figure 1 Discussants during the Governance Kapihan (from right to left): Vice Admiral Jesus Millan, Police Senior Superintendent Noel Baraceros, Hon. Francisco Duque III, and Dr. Estanislao, with the moderator Lieutenant Commander Edwin German Cordova.

BBy: Michhelle C CCastilloo

Navy launches Sail Plan Book 2, e-PGRS

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By: Steffi Allison Villa and Karen Sio

As the Navy takes on the next phase of

its transformation, that is sustaining the gains of the

Sail Plan, it has developed two very important tools

that will help everyone – from the leaders down

to the most junior enlisted and civilian personnel –

effectively perform their roles in the accomplishment

of the Navy vision.

Sail Plan Book 2: Friendly Guide to

Strategy Management and Execution

More than seven years of implementing

the Sail Plan, the Navy has made significant progress

in bridging the gap between strategy and execution.

It had learned invaluable lessons and sustained best

practices. This enabled the Navy to gain breakthrough

results in the course of strategy execution.

To sustain these gains, the Navy now takes

strategy management to the next level. Last September

3, 2014, it launched the PN Strategic Sail Plan Book 2.

While the first volume narrates the development and

the aspirations of the Navy’s developmental strategy,

the second volume serves as the technical guide in

making these aspirations a reality. Largely based on

the strategy management system developed by the

Balanced Scorecard makers, Drs. Robert Kaplan and

David Norton, the Sail Plan Book 2 contains the system

and details the steps and processes in implementing

the Sail Plan.

The Sail Plan Book 2 aims to equip every

personnel of the Navy — Officers, Enlisted Personnel

and Civilian Employee—with the required knowledge

of the Navy’s transformation roadmap. Starting from

the development of the enterprise strategy to the

execution of specific initiatives and conduct of strategy

reviews, the Book 2 provides procedures and tools

customized to the unique structure of the Philippine

Navy as a military organization.

PN Electronic Performance Governance

Reporting System (PN e-PGRS)

Complementing the Sail Plan Book 2, the

Navy has also developed its Electronic Performance

Governance Reporting System or the PN e-PGRS,

a web-based software that will facilitate efficient

reporting and monitoring of the Sail Plan through the

Balanced Scorecard.

The e-PGRS facilitates the reporting and

monitoring process not only at the enterprise level

(Headquarters Philippine Navy) but also for the

subordinate units and offices. It generates up-to-date

reports on the status of the implementation of the Sail

Plan, which the members of the Command Team can

immediately use as a reference in the decision making

process.

The first phase of the e-PGRS focuses

on the automation of the Balanced Scorecard of the

Flag Officer in Command and the scorecards of the

Headquarters Philippine Navy Staff. Through the

e-PGRS, any Navy personnel can view the status of

the Strategic Objectives and Initiatives of the Sail Plan

real-time.

Sail Plan Officers of HPN Staff can also

directly update their respective staff scorecards. This

cuts the lead time and saves resources in the reporting

system, doing away with the tedious process of

drafting and submitting paper-based reports through

different channels. The e-PGRS also features a

platform where Sail Plan Officers and the Center for

Naval Leadership and Excellence, the Navy’s Office

of Strategy Management, can easily communicate to

address pressing concerns without having to wait for

the next Sail Plan meeting.

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Be in the Know: The Sail Plan Book 2 and the e-PGRS

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SA STeam Navy pledges Good Governance commitment

through the Sail Plan

“Today, we give our bold answer to this

challenge. Today, we say yes, we will continue our

Sail Plan journey – every sailor, marine, and civilian

personnel of the Navy paddling together, moving our

Navy closer to our destination.”

These were the words of Vice Admiral

Jesus C Millan, Flag Officer in Command of the

Philippine Navy, after the men and women of Team

Navy simultaneously pledged their commitment to the

highest ideals of the service embodied in the Sail Plan –

that is, to make good governance a norm in the Navy,

all towards the goal of effectively serving and protecting

our people and our maritime nation.

Held last September 3, 2014, the commitment

ceremony symbolizes the shared aspiration of the entire

Philippine Navy to sustain the gains of its Sail Plan until it

reaches the vision of a strong and credible Navy by 2020.

It was held as part of the launching of the Sail Plan Book

2 and e-PGRS.

By: Michelle C Castillo

Members of Team Navy pledges their commitment to the Sail Plan during the ceremony administered by Rear Admiral Caesar C Taccad, then Chief of Naval Staff.

Sailors and Marines of Naval Forces Central in Cebu sign their names in the Sail Plan Commitment Wall - signifying their pledge to fulfi ll their roles in the realization of the Navy vision.

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BEST ARTICLE CONTRIBUTION FOR THE MONTH OF

AUGUST2014 ISSUE

-Crossing the Equator, Pollywogs no more

By: ENS JOHN WINDY G ABING PN

Page 16

BEST PHOTO FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2014 ISSUE

-Font Page Photo

Photo by: MAJ ALEJO SIMON A ARANO III CHS(PN)

FFF

photo from: www.bcam.org

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NAVY BAND

HISTORY

ANCHORS AWEIGH TRIVIA Music written by Bandmaster, Lieut.

Zimmerman. In 1906, Lieut. Zimmerman was

approached by Midshipman First Class Alfred

Hart Miles with a request for a new march. As

a member of the Class of 1907, Miles and his

classmates “were eager to have a piece of music

that would be inspiring, one with a swing to it so

it could be used as a football marching song, and

one that would live forever.”

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OW Military music means “brisk marching music suitable for troops marching in a military parade”.

(http://www.hyperdictionary.com) As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow defines it as the universal language of

mankind.

The Philippine Navy Band plays an invaluable role in keeping Navy’s image in the public

consciousness, and it maintains one of Navy’s most consistent and significant public engagement profiles.

Its musicians promote awareness in the wider community of Navy’s critical contribution to the nation and

reflect the quality of Navy’s people and the values for which we all aspire.

The Philippine Navy Band was conceived & organized on 02 March 1949 during the term of

COMMODORE JOSE V ANDRADA AFP, who was then FOIC, PN. During that period the Philippine

Navy Band was popularly known as the “Philippine Navy Patrol Band”. It was only composed 29 exceptional

members headed by the Unit’s 1st Officer-in-Charge ENS ANSTACIO C SOSA PN. Thirteen years later,

LTJG ELISEO JAVIER PN of University of Santo Thomas Conservatory of Music assumed the position as

Officer-In-Charge and conductor and finally became the 1st Commanding Officer. In 1966, 1LT GERONIMO

P TORRES PN (DOL) also of UST College of Music took the baton from the former OIC. On March

1978, MAJOR TORRES PN (DOL) was then reassigned to the Philippine Army & subsequently relieved by

CDR IGMIDIO C CE�IDOZA PN (DOL), also from UST. LT ARNULFO B MADELO PN took over the

command on Nov 1989. He was then replaced by LCDR ESPERIDION N JULIANO PN on Sep 1991. In

1998, LT MARCELINO A MORES PN, a graduate of University of the Philippine Conservatory of Music

assumed as the Commanding Officer & Music Director of the Phil Navy Band, successfully steering the Band

to earn the title as the “Armed Forces of the Philippine CENTENNIAL BAND CONCERT CHAMPION”

last June of 1998. (http://www.timawa.net)

Inspired by the latter the NAVAL BASE CAVITE organized its own band during the incumbency

of late former Flag Officer-In-Command Vice Admiral PIO P CARRANZA AFP (RET) and CAPT PEDRITO

A SALES PN (RET) as Commander Naval Base Cavite who organized a thirty (30) personnel PN marching

band to provide appropriate music during military parades and ceremonies in support to Philippine Navy

mission and to the AFP as a whole. Out of more than seventy (70) applicant musicians from various towns

of Cavite, Bulacan and Nueva Ecija only thirty (30) exemplary musicians was chosen to be part of military

band, orchestra and combo with the mission to provide musical services during civic parades, band concerts,

military honors and other engagements as directed by the higher Headquarters Philippine Navy and Armed

Forces of the Philippines in general. On 05 January 1995 they were formally enlisted to the Armed Forced

Philippines, Philippine Navy with a rating of Musicians Mate (MU).

At present, the NBC BAND is only composed of twenty four (24) dedicated personnel under the

command of COL AARON T FETALVERO PN (M) (GSC) and previously the command conducted band

auditions to aspiring musicians in addition to the strength of the band and be part of the most prestigious

profession the “Profession of Arms”.# ENSRAFCARRANZAPN

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Vice Commander, Philippine NavyVice Commander, Philippine NavyOutgoing:Outgoing:

RADM ISABELO H GADOR AFPRADM ISABELO H GADOR AFPIncomingIncoming

RADM CAESAR C TACCAD AFPRADM CAESAR C TACCAD AFP

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With the theme, “Individual Readiness and Teamwork thru Sports to Achieve Unit Readiness”, the PN’s Admiral’s Cup, the annual sports event which officially opened on July 24, 2014 concluded on Sept. 3, 2014 held at PN Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio Taguig City.

“As members of the Philippine Navy, we are expected to remain physically and mentally fit in order for us to render effective and efficient services to our maritime nation,” these were the words stressed by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Adm. Caesar C Taccad as he welcomed the participants of the closing ceremony.

He even highlighted the event as a reaffirmation of the PN personnel’s commitment to maintain sound and healthy body and mind and inculcates the value of being competitive in a friendly manner.

The ceremony was presided by no less than the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy (FOIC,PN), Vice Adm. Jesus C Millan who uttered, “The command puts premium to sports activities, as one of its priorities, we

recognize the value of a healthy lifestyle especially in this service wherein our health and physical development are just as important as the performance of our everyday tasks.” “Along with the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie that it brings, it significantly depicts the command’s efforts to instill among us the importance of achieving a healthy and strong body through sports,” he added. The event was highlighted by the awarding ceremony wherein the Philippine Fleet (Group 1) was honored as the overall champion harnessing its competitors composed of Sailors and Marines collected in five groups assigned in Manila-Cavite-Zambales areas. The games were aligned with the Philippine Sports Commission’s expectation or the AFP to engage in events that require speed, endurance, water skills, selected net/racquet and targeting skills.

The Admiral’s Cup 2014 is Aligned with FOIC, PN’s seventh initiative of pursuing the human capital strategy by ensuring personnel readiness to adapt to new technologies and to develop new skills to perform security roles.

Chief of Naval StaffChief of Naval StaffOutgoing:Outgoing:RADM CAESAR C TACCAD AFPRADM CAESAR C TACCAD AFPIncoming:Incoming:RADM RONALD JOSEPH S MERCADO AFPDO AFPAFAOO

Admiral’s Cup 2014

concludes

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I WILL WORK TOWARDS PEACE

THROUGH MY OWN GOAL AND INITIATIVES

STARTING WITH MY THOUGHTS AND

ACTIONS.

I WILL PROMOTE A CULTURE OF NON-

VIOLENCE

IN MY DAILY LIFE AND CONTRIBUTE

IN DEVELOPING A PROGRESSIVE COUNTRY.

I WILL CONTRIBUTE

IN BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE FOR

FILIPINOS

AND I PROMISE TO DO MY BEST

TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS

THROUGH PEACEFUL MEANS.

I PLEDGE TO SUPPORT PEACE

IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE

FOR I AM AND WILL ALWAYS BE

A FILIPINO

FOR A JUST AND LASTING PEACE.

I AM A FILIPINO AND I AM FOR PEACE.

Pledge of Peace