ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army celebrates its 38th Founding anniversary today with the recognition of its partners in their peacekeeping activities.

Major General Jose Mabanta, commander, 3ID, said the occasion will be graced by Philippine Army Chief Lt. General Emmanuel Bautista.

Mabanta said the centerpiece of the celebration is the recognition of the continued partnership with the different sectors in winning the peace in Western Visayas.

Mabanta said that winning the peace could be attained in partnership with the different sectors, thus, the recognition of the contribution of the different private and government groups and individuals.

Covering the islands of Panay, Negros, Guimaras and Siquijor, 3ID continues to protect major industries such as sugar, mining, fishing, eco-tourism and agriculture based industries including vital installations and facilities. With other security forces, 3ID is also protecting five airports, six seaports, eight hydro-geothermal and diesel power plants, and hundreds of communication propagation facilities in eight cities, 22 provinces, 142 municipalities, in a land area of 25,985 square kms, of 8,163,242 people.

In 2010, the division launched in 2010 the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) after a self assessment where it recognized the need for change. 3ID, with the ATR being implemented, envisioned itself to "be a world-class army that is a source of national pride" by 2028.

On January 1, 2011, it aligned itself with President Aquino's transparency, good governance, and security sector reform agenda and launched the Nation's Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) "Bayahihan".

3ID Public Affairs Office Chief Enrico Gil Ileto said that aside from Bautista, Capiz Governor Victor Tanco and other officials from the Local Government Units here including the business and media were expected to grace the celebration.

Ileto said that the occasion is a fitting time to recognize the unselfish and full support of the various sectors in the community for attaining peace that will redound to development and progress in the entire country.

This year's theme is "Bayanihan para sa Kaunlaran at Lubusang Kapayapaan."*PIA/TNT