AFP band belts out songs in Wish 107.5 Bus

MANILA — The Civil Relations Service — Armed Forces of the Philippines ( CRS-AFP) band sang their hearts out during a promotional guesting at Wish FM 107.5 Bus in the Lapu-lapu Grandstand in Camp Aguinaldo on Monday.

The CRS-AFP band performed three of its original songs that spoke of soldier’s heroism and patriotism.

Presidential Security Group (PSG) Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-military Operations, Lt. Commander Lady Chatterly Alvaro- Sumbeling, composed the songs for the band.

“I was immersed with soldiers during their disaster response. It is about their sacrifices, how sincere and heartwarming they (are) even without media fanfare. The songs tell the story during (typhoon) Ondoy and after Yolanda,” she said in an interview.

One of these songs is “Halika sa Kapayapaan,” which is used as the official theme song for the current AFP campaign plan, “Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) Kapayapaan.”

Under the plan, the AFP’S mission is to conduct “development support operations” to sustain peace, ensure security, and help maintain public order so as to foster the foundation for inclusive economic and human development of Filipinos.

The group also performed a soft rock song titled “Isang Sundalo,” a song which is inspired by the many sacrifices of soldiers who are not only ready to die for the country but have taken significant roles in support of its mandate to protect the people and secure the state.

Last of the three pieces is “Daloy ng Pag-unlad,” which was adapted as the official theme song for the AFP Transformation Roadmap (AFPTR), a 15-year strategy that aims to transform the military into a strong and credible institution built on good governance.

By 2028, the AFP envisions itself to become a world-class armed forces institution and a source of national pride.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar of the Defense Press Corps (DPC), in an interview, said this is one way to showcase the many talents of Filipino soldiers.

“They are also promoting our anniversary celebration on 19. We are celebrating it on a weekday,” he said.

The AFP is celebrating its 84th anniversary on December 21.

Aside from the anniversary, the AFP and the PSG are also preparing for an upcoming event this week, the first Presidential Silent Drill happening at the Quirino Grandstand on Wednesday.

President Rodrigo Duterte has challenged seven of the country’s service academies that will compete against each other for the top prize of PHP300,000. ■