By Jason De Asis
BALER, Aurora-As part of interoperability between the regular force and Army Reservist, the Officers and enlisted personnel from 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army, Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary (CAA), and the 307th Community Defense Center (CDC), Aurora Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion participated in stabilizing technique, stress reduction interventions management training to help them on operational stress management held at its headquarter, Barangay Calabuanan, here on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said in an interview that a total of 100 personnel participated in the training. Of the said figures, the 91st IB has 40 personnel, 30 from Reservist and 30 CAAs who undergone the training.
Meanwhile, there were 53 individuals participated in the Ear Acupuncture and Ear Seeds Acupressure.
Recto said that the training is part of the program of the 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” division, Philippine Army “Kaugnay ang Laang Kawal” and also in connection with the 44th National Reservist Week celebration in the country.
“It is very helpful to our reservist and regular force to provide them a goal-directed resilience and psychological interventions for their mental health conditions. They will be able to manage and prevent combat stress especially to our soldiers. We can now mitigate stress to protect our soldiers,” Recto said, explaining that similar activities are coming for better mental health programs for the troops.
The battalion commander emphasized the importance of providing a directed resilience training and psychological interventions for the soldiers.
2nd Lieutenant Megg S. Cortez, Deputy Director of 307 CDC, Reserve Command, Philippine Army expressed her sincerest thanks and gratitude to the 7th ID and 91st IB for the continues support to the organic and Reservist.
“The stress management is a great help for us, we can apply it now in our work in the office and even in our personal lives,” she said.
On the other hand, Doctor Charissa M. Rañeses, Psycho Trauma Therapist said that the activity is important to the participants to balance their body and mind.
“In case of crisis or stress the participants will be able to handle it, they can apply the portable therapist to cure themselves,” she said.
7th ID commander Major General Andrew D. Costelo said that aside from the “Kaugnay ang Laang Kawal” program, the activity is also part of the Kaugnay health program intended for the regular force, CAAs and Reservist to help in their mental health condition in partnership with the Psycho Trauma Therapist.
“I also joined in the ear acupuncture and ear seeds acupressure, it’s a good experience of relaxation, refreshing our well-being…It’s my first time,” he said.
