“MULAT” Training attendees composed of the OJ7 Party led by COL JO-AR HERRERA (seated at 2nd row, 4th from left) and the EASTMINCOM Joint Operational Area led by COL GERALD MONFORT, U7 (seated at 2nd row, center) are seen doing the EASTMINCOM sign during the photo opportunity at the Bayanihan Hall, Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City.
Empowering communities: EASTMINCOM prepares for WPS awareness initiative following “MULAT” training
March 04, 2025 (Davao City) – With the current operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to defend our territorial waters and reinforce the Philippines’ narrative on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, J7, spearheaded the cascading of the Communication Plan (ComPlan) ‘MULAT’ at the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM), Camp Panacan, Davao City.
COL HERRERA discusses the AFP Net Satisfaction Rating, with focus on Mindanao’s trust and satisfaction towards the AFP.
COL JO-AR A HERRERA PA (MNSA), who has been at the forefront of the WPS information campaign, highlighted that the purpose of the cascading is to prepare the troops in their engagement with the external audience amidst the information warfare. Heightening public awareness on the issues surrounding WPS is one way to galvanize public support and empower Filipinos to advocate and fight for the WPS cause.
The participants watch the WPS Situationer AVPs during the MULAT Training.
MAJ GLENN D DE RAMOS PA (INF) laid out the AFP Communication Plan ‘MULAT’ to the representatives of the EASTMINCOM Joint Operational Area. Aside from the onsite attendees, there are participants who joined the event through video teleconference. During his presentation, MAJ DE RAMOS emphasized that the strategic ComPlan’s approach reaches down to the grassroots level, “Kailangangimulat ang ating mga kababayan na mahalaga ang WPS.”
Consequently, Ms. Marian Mangahas CivHR, Researcher, OJ7, presented the instructional package and media guidelines to uphold consistent messaging in the dissemination of the ComPlan and to guide the participants in navigating the Information, Education, and Communication materials.
Officers and Enlisted Personnel work together in accomplishing the StratCom Plan for promoting the WPS to their target audience during the MULAT workshop.
The Strategic Communications workshop took place in the latter half of the event, which intends to prepare the troops in crafting their own concept and approach to promote the PH-AFP narrative in the WPS to their target audience.
COL HERRERA (right) presents the book “BIHAG” as a token of appreciation to COL MONFORT (left) after the MULAT training.
COL GERALD L MONFORT PA (MNSA), ACUCS for CMO, U7, reminded the participants that there is an art in communication, especially when promoting the WPS campaign to various demographics. “Walang resolution kung hindi naiintindihan ang threat,” COL MONFORT stated. He also introduced their Implementation Plan ‘GABRIEL’ in support of the ComPlan ‘MULAT.’
To further encourage the troops in the fight towards our rightful claim of the WPS, COL HERRERA expressed that “We are doing this not only for our mandate but for our nation, our Filipino people, and our next generation. This is a generational fight. We need all the allies.” The ongoing ‘MULAT’ cascading to concerned units is truly crucial in combating misinformation and solidifying the AFP’s stance on the WPS issue.
Photo credits: SSg Rodel V Rodil PA and Cpl Alvin S Binahon PA
