He may had been a soldier all his life, but newly-appointed Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista said he can relate to the poorest sector of society.
Speaking before reporters at the sidelines of the DSWD forum on the Panatawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps on Friday, Oct. 19, Bautista said his being a former soldier was actually an “advantage” for him.
The former Army chief said that his stint as a soldier and AFP official gave him first-hand experience the problems of marginalized groups as he sought to downplay the perceived growing militarization in government.
“Maka-relate ako when you talk about poverty kasi sabi ko nga, na kasama ko na matulog ang mga Lumad sa isang IP [indigenous peoples] community. Nakasama ko na rin sa mga lakad ang mga MILF [Moro Islamic Liberation Front] at MNLF [Moro National Liberation Front] brothers natin. Nakatulog na rin ako sa mga mahihirap na tao sa sasabihin natin pinakamalayo na lugar [I can relate when you talk about poverty because I have slept with Lumads in an IP community. I’ve been with our MILF and MNLF brothers. I’ve spent time with those in poverty in far-flung areas.],” said the retired Army chief.
“Kaya nararamdaman ko ang kanilang panganagilangan at sa tingin ko nararamdaman ko din talagang nais nilang mabago ang kanilang buhay [I feel that I know what they need and I also understand they truly want to change their lives.] ,” Bautista added.
Bautista made the statement after his first official appearance as DSWD Secretary. He had taken his oath two days ago on Wednesday, Oct. 17.
Bautista retired as Army chief on Monday, Oct. 15, Monday. He had headed the 90-000 strong Philippine Army and was the overall ground commander after Marawi City was seized for almost five months last year by Muslim rebels.