The Alpha "Neutralizer" Battery of the 6th Field Artillery Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) of the Philippine Army (PA) has deployed female soldiers to its line howitzer platoon for the first time, proving that what their male counterparts can do, they can too.
The deployment marked the 1st Quarter Pre-Operational Readiness Site Inspection and Troop Evaluation (ORSITE) in different areas in Central Mindanao for this year which took place from Feb. 19 to 24 and 27 to 29.
First Lieutenant Robert Albao, battery commander, said the initiative emphasized the importance of gender equality in the deployment of forces in the field.
"The said Pre-ORSITE activity is remarkable as it is the first time the battery deploys female personnel down to its platoon line. These personnel will be part of the Gunnery team for all possible fire missions in all areas of concern," he bared.
The soldiers performed various activities during the Pre-ORSITE including Fire Direction Center (FDC) problem exercises, methods of gun laying, artillery written examination, disassembling / assembling of firing mechanisms, checking of issued firearms, and troop information and education.
"The Army leadership is continuously championing women's empowerment, which calls for women soldiers to become holders and active contributors to organizational development and mission accomplishment," said Col. Louie Dema-ala, Army spokesperson.
"The Army leadership also ensures equal opportunities for career growth and professional development of all personnel regardless of gender," he added.
The deployment coincided with the celebration of the National Women's Month this March.
OPAPRU cites women's contribution in nation-building
Meanwhile, The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) recognized the contributions of women in nation-building in time for the National Women's Month.
The theme for this year's celebration is "Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!"
"Sa likod ng malayang pagwagayway ng ating watawat ay ang sakripisyo, tiyaga at tapang ng mga kababaihang Pilipino. Ang inyong lakas, husay, at determinasyon sa pagganap sa inyong mga napakahalagang tungkulin ay nagsisilbing pundasyon ng ating bayan (Behind the free waving of our flag lies the sacrifice, perseverance, and courage of Filipino women. Your strength, skills, and determination serve as the foundation of our nation)," Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a statement.
"Tunay kayong huwaran ng kabutihan sa loob at labas ng ating mga tahanan. Kaya naman, nais naming ipaabot ang aming buong-pusong pasasalamat sa inyong mga kontribusyon noon, ngayon at sa hinaharap, lalo na sa pagsulong ng tunay at pangmatagalang kapayapaan sa ating mahal na bayan (You are truly role models of goodness inside and outside our homes. That is why we want to extend our whole-hearted gratitude to your contributions in the past, now and in the future, especially in the advancement of a true and long-lasting peace in our beloved nation)," he added.
The month of March of every year is declared as the National Women’s Month.
Proclamation No. 227 series of 1998 provides for the observance of the month of March as Women’s Role in History month while Republic Act 6949 series of 1990 declares March 8 of every year as International Women’s Day.