Soldiers conduct info drive on gov't programs in Panay

Manila, Philippines -  Army troops and various state agencies in Panay Island is conducting an information drive on the government’s development programs to curb the influence of communist rebels in the area. 

Maj. Enrico Ileto, spokesman for the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said seminar on peace and development, which started last Tuesday, was also intended to enhance the skills of soldiers involved in development programs.

Company commanders, civil-military operations officers and non-commissioned officers from different units under the Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, were among the participants.

“This seminar will also ensure that the right information and the right solution to issues will reach the grassroots through the peace and development teams,” Ileto said.

Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Land Bank of the Philippines, Department of Interior and Local Government and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority discussed peace and development programs to help local residents.