Whenever we hear stories about people working in the Army, we automatically visualize armed men and women in the battlefield vigilantly countering enemies and protecting the civilians. But little did we know about the civilian personnel who work behind the weaponry and the uniforms of our soldiers.
The expertise they expressed in their field and their commitment in the service led the Army to recognize these employees, who even without wearing a military uniform, contributes in the organization’s mandate in protecting the people and securing the land.
Model Supervisor: The Property officer in Marawi
In the late afternoon of July 27, 2017, Rose Marie Vilbar and her team were welcomed with the sound of explosions as they delivered war materiel to the fighting Army troops during the Marawi Seige.
“If it is necessary to go into the war zone, we have to go. This is the life of property officers but we always pray to our almighty God to protect and guide us always,” she said.
Vilbar, who is the current Chief of 12th Field Property Accountability Office of the Philippine Army, actually never dreamt to be an Army civilian employee. She simply wanted to earn a living and help her family, but as she worked in the organization for almost 20 years, her heart was spurred by the value of Army service.
In December 1989, she became a secretary in the Office of the Chief of Staff in the 8th Infantry (Storm Trooper) Division who later on was assigned as Assistant Chief of the same office. Rose, who became a soldier’s wife, desired to be reassigned from 8ID to 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division when her late husband retired from the service and wanted to stay at his hometown in Maguindanao, where the division was also located. During her duty in the Kampilan Division, she was recommended to fill up the vacancy of a new Unit Property Officer in the 12th Forward Service Support Unit.
“Due to the need of my service I have to follow orders, so that was the time I was relieved in 6ID and assigned in APAO (Army Property Accountability Office). [Following my last assignment] is the 12th Field Property Accountability Office and then as UPO in 12th FSSU,” said Rose.
“Sometimes I have to say I wanted to go back to 6ID but I have to stand for the new assignment to help 12th FSSU and the 12th FPAO to account all [the] equipment,” she added.
Rose also recalled facing the trials of being designated as Chief of 12th FPAO and the hefty task on the reconciliation of 12th FPAO and 12th FAU records. But despite the challenging practice of her service, she also prioritized supporting the personnel in her unit.
“You have to look into the morale and welfare of your personnel. One thing that comes into my mind is the barracks of the enlisted personnel [because] they are just sleeping with a tent at the back of our kitchen. I requested for fund support for this project. It was approved last year [and now, there’s a new] EP barracks for the EP and male civilian employees separate from the female civilian employees,” said Rose.
She also served the Army by conducting inventory and issuance of logistics to Army line units, brigades, and battalions; giving policy orientation seminars to the personnel and adapting to new technologies in support to the tasks of the office. Her service also goes beyond what is basically required, even if it means opening and issuing firearms and ammunitions late at night.
In times of crisis, she reminds herself to always think positive, put God at the center of everything and treat commitment to service as the most important thing.
“I am grateful that we, civilian employees of the Philippine Army, particularly the field property accountability officers are given recognition as a partner in the mission accomplishment of the Army. Being in the frontline in the field to deliver the logistic support to our soldiers especially during the Marawi Siege,” said Vilbar.
Model Employee: The scientist in the Army
Without efficient war materiel and military uniforms, our soldiers in combat might have jeopardized the mission in protecting the people. The scientists who worked in setting the standards of military logistics are one of the organization’s partner in performing its mandate to safeguard the country.
In 2005, Joy Modest Reyes, a scientist instructor from University of Diliman, desired to be a civil servant and decided to join the Army to apply her knowledge in helping the country.
“I applied as a Chemist upon learning of the opening at the Research and Development Center in Army Support Command,” said Reyes.
She served as a chemist, researcher, and lecturer in RDC wherein she shared her knowledge through giving lectures during the RDC in-house trainings from various Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Army offices and students from the Training and Doctrine Command. She provides classes addressing the Philippine Army Quality Assurance System.
“One of the greatest challenges that I have encountered in my work at RDC was when I was assigned as Supervisor of the Ordnance Section, Product Testing Branch, Quality Assurance Division since as a chemist, I am not as equipped to deal with ammunition, firearms, and mobility,” said Reyes.
Although the task was challenging for her, she proved the quality of an Army civilian employee who never backs down, works beyond the comfort zone and perseveres to learn more to accomplish the responsibilities.
In 2018, she led a team that tested and evaluated the firearms donated by China to the AFP. She also played an important role in reviewing the technical specifications of Military Ballistic Eyewear and spearheading the project of a lighter, comfortable and durable prototype combat boots for the Army personnel.
“With the support of my supervisor and colleagues, I was able to establish my knowledge regarding ordnance items and gain interest in the said field. I believe that by serving the government, I can contribute to the development of our country in my own little way,” she said.
Reyes also became a team player that conducted Material Performance Survey and Field Test Survey of Army Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (AVCI) Paper. Her know-how on ammunition and weapons was beneficial in assessing metal items which were protected using the AVCI paper.
“I am honored to be a part of a unit which provides assistance to the success of field operations through the conduct of comprehensive research on Army materiel and reliable quality assurance tests of Philippine Army items,” said Reyes.
“This important milestone in my career as a civilian employee will serve as a constant reminder for me to continue doing my best in giving dedicated service in support of the mission and vision of the Philippine Army,” she added.
Do you want to serve the country as an Army Civilian Employee?
You may go to https://army.mil.ph/home/index.php/job-vacancies for the list of job vacancies and qualifications.
For inquiries, call 845-9555 loc 6841 or visit the Civilian Personnel Management Branch OG1, Philippine Army at Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila.#