Major General Señires pledges support to Kalinga for sustained cooperation in peace and security

Tabuk City, Kalinga - In a show of unity and commitment to development, Major General Gulliver L. Señires, Commander of the 5th Infantry "Star" Division, pledged unwavering support to the Kalinga Provincial Government as well as the City Government, committing to sustained cooperation in peace, security, and local development.

Held on September 1, 2025 at the Tabuk People’s Gym, the provincial government, headed by Governor James S. Edduba, alongside mayors and vice mayors of the different municipalities and city, uniformed personnel, and other stakeholders convened for the official kickoff of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA) and the Kalinga Convergence for Community Resilience, Empowerment, Sustainability, and Transformation (KCREST).

Maj. Gen. Señires, the guest speaker of the event, said in his message that for over a century, government service has been delivered to every Filipino from cities to remote barangays through the quiet dedication of public servants, guided by serbisyong tapat at mahusay.

The general recalled the first time he was in the province in 1992, saying the place was very different from what it is now, commending the provincial and city government for the leadership and development.

The star trooper commander also stressed that the launch of KCREST is recognized as a step toward bringing government service closer to every household and community.

“The launching of KCREST is a testament that service is not confined to the halls of government but must reach every household and community. Most importantly, it is a convergence that does not end at the provincial or the city level but extends down to the barangay and the grassroots communities,” said the general.

Señires likewise praised the 103rd Infantry Mabalasik Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Jimrick Obias, for demonstrating soldiers’ expanding role as both protectors and community builders, as well as initiating the KCREST.

As insurgency threats grow, the commander further said that full transformation of the AFP alongside the Philippine National Police, into a modern and credible force, is needed, with communities in Kalinga built strong and self-reliant.

“As the threat of insurgency grows, it is time for the AFP to transform fully into a credible, modern, and responsive force. Not only prepare to face challenges to our sovereignty, but also commitment to building communities that are strong, self-reliant and united together with the brothers from the Philippine National Police here in Kalinga,” he said.

Closing his message and the event, Señires assured that the star troopers will remain committed partners—defending, serving, and supporting resilient communities for generations to come.

“As commander of the 5th Infantry Star Division, I assure you that your star troopers will remain your steadfast partner in your noble journey. You can always come to us to walk alongside you—to defend, to serve, and to help build resilient and empowered communities for generations to come. Mabuhay ang gating lingcod-bayan; mabuhay ang Kalinga; mabuhay ang city government of Tabuk at mabuhay ang sambayanag Pilipino,” he concluded.

The event featured various topics for the PCSA celebration, including the Rotunda Logo Making competition, the presentation of the Guhit Kalinga, the Prime HRM Awarding Ceremony, and the awarding of plaques of appreciation, among others.