Ang Magiting - The Official Web Site of Rotary Club Makati North

A MONDAY MEETING WITH ARMY CHIEF

THE WEEK THAT WAS – Monday, April 16, 2007
By Dir. Bob Hecks

Acting President PE Joe Reaño and …………other RCMNers helped RC Makati South to swell the numbers at a Joint Meeting for our distinguished guest speaker, Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo P. Tolentino.

After prayers for PP Tony Ortigas, PP Peny Reloza and Tina Herrera from invocator PP Ed Mijares, we observed the ways of a different club on their home ground – in this case also our home ground. RCMS has a hymn, like RC Makati West, and they routinely recite the 4-Way Test, read on this occasion by PP Dodie Cañiza. Pres. Joey Leagogo had several domestic announcements, and PP Reiner Gloor urged RCMS members to attend their Gawad Kalinga site visit at the weekend. PP Freddie Po (RCMS) was the lively moderator.

“Be warned – this guy is a champion sharpshooter” joked PP Bogie Lorenzo (RCMS), introducing the guest speaker. He has an open heart – an open heart for our countrymen.” This showed in Gen. Tolentino’s speech which earned him a standing ovation.

“Military operations are only part of the entire operation,” said Gen. Tolentino as he described the other ways that the army battles the New People’s Army, KMU and MILF/ MNLF insurgents. He described how “many heroes” provide basic government services in remote areas and conflict areas. This includes help with Gawad Kalinga projects in some places – including our own GK site in Tanay, Rizal.

Does the army want the insurgency to continue so that it will get a bigger budget? This question from District Secretary Rolly Golez got this answer: “If you will increase military spending you will have to reduce education etc… You will destroy our economy.” In answer to another question, Gen. Tolentino said: “It is not government policies that are deterring investors. It is the KMU – the tool of the communists. We did not get rid of the communists – unlike other countries. We must do so – we who love our country and who care for our children.”

Gen. Tolentino, in other responses to questions, made it clear that he will not be a candidate for Congress when he retires in August. Until then, he will devote himself to achieving “by 2020, to have a professional, capable and responsive Army which can be a source of national pride.”