The Good Guys Wear BLACK.
The Brilliant Ones Wear BLUE.
 By: LTC LYNDON J SOLLESTA CE(GSC) PA,
565ECB, 51EBde, PA  

Black is the color of the night and the symbol of death. It strikes fear, anonymity and stealth to everyone’s heart especially when darkness fills our surroundings. In military covert operations, black is favored by various Elite Forces in the world. The fraction of a second difference between two fighters facing each other in lethal combat will give due advantage to the ‘Men in Black’ as the opponent still wonders what is the mysterious figure staring at him or might be having difficulty in acquiring the correct sight picture of its target. It clearly defines the thin marginal line between life and death.

This is much different to the special job, in special places and in special situations given to your ordinary Soldiers – the ENGINEERS. The ‘Men in Blue’ as characterized by the distinct blue hardhats favored by the National Development Support Command, AFP have been all over remote places of the country, delivering the sincere government’s message of peace and development through the implementation of the ‘Kalayaan barangays Program’ Projects. In Bicol Region as beneficiary of the bulk of projects, the Army’s 51st Engineer Brigade under BGEN FELIZARDO A SIMOY AFP spearheads its implementation.

This holiday season the 565th Engineer Construction Battalion completed fifteen (15) various projects composed of 7-School Buildings, 3-Water Systems and 5-Health Centers worth P 9 Million located in the municipality of Guinobatan, Albay. As a modest Christmas gift to the Bicolanos, the projects were turned over by MGEN RUPERTO R PABUSTAN AFP, Commander of 9TH Infantry (SPEAR) Division to Mayor Juan M. Garcia on December 17,2009 at Guinobatan Multi-Purpose Hall. In his message, MGEN PABUSTAN expressed that the KBP projects are gestures of goodwill and sincere act of concern to the community for their support in pro-people peace and development initiatives.

Moreover and not to be outdone, the 514th Engineer Construction Battalion also completed twenty eight (28) various KBP projects composed of 9-School Buildings, 8-Water Systems, 6-Health Centers and 5-Electrification projects worth P 20.7 Million located in the hinter barangays of Lupi, Camarines Sur. On December 18, 2009, the projects were turned over by MGEN PABUSTAN AFP as assisted by BGEN SIMOY to Mayor Raul Matamorosa in simple ceremony at Brgy San Jose, Lupi, CAMSUR. BGEN SIMOY, emphasized that more projects will be undertaken as the government is geared on uplifting the socio-economic welfare of the people.

Both Chief Executives expressed their thanks being the lucky recipient of the projects stating that indeed it will improve the socio-economic status of their constituents. The activities were witnessed by the Representative from the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Bicol, Barangay Chairmen, School Principals, government officials, friends from the Media, military commanders and local residents.



Again, the Team ‘ARMY’ has showed its remarkable position being a dependable partner in peace and development in the region. The Men in Blue will always be ‘Cheered rather than Feared”.