Philippine Army Spearhead Troopers 4.16

3rd Infantry Division’s 38 Years of Firm Commitment as Guardians of Western Visayas

Tracing its origin from the defunct III Military Area which was activated on 17 May 1942, with its Headquarters at Camp Guadalupe, Cebu City, the Division was upgraded to its Division level of command on 01 May 1974 from being the 3rd Infantry Brigade (Separate) through the General Orders 623 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Headquarters.

Now officially called the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army, 3ID celebrated its 38th Anniversary on May 1, 2012, remaining firm in its commitment to safeguard the integrity and sovereignty of Western Visayas through the years.

The Division covers the islands of Panay, Negros, Guimaras and Siquijor, securing five airports, six seaports, eight hydro-geothermal and diesel power plants, and hundreds of communication propagation facilities in eight cities, 22 provinces, 142 municipalities, in a land area of 25,985 square kms, of more than 8 million people. The Major industries 3ID continues to protect are sugar, mining, fishing, eco-tourism and agriculture based industries including vital installations and facilities. It has 4,000 soldiers under it of three Infantry brigades with more than eight battalions supported by combat support and combat service support units some of which are organized into Peace and Development Teams (PDT) in conflict affected areas and has greatly contributed in bringing the right information to the people, thus continually reducing insurgency.

Recognizing the need for improving the organization, 3ID launched in 2010 the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR). With the ATR’s 18 year timeline, 3ID envisioned itself to “be a world-class army that is a source of national pride” by 2028.

With the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in general, IPSP “Bayanihan” was launched on January 1, 2011recognizing that security concerns that are being addressed by the AFP are multi-faceted, with the armed capability being only one of their characteristics.

Thru the IPSP “Bayanihan”, crafted with the stakeholders of the country, there will be a complementary and concerted effort to address the structural issues that fuel insurgencies. As Western Visayas’ guardian of freedom, IPSP “Bayanihan” aligns itself with President Aquino’s transparency, good governance, and security sector reform agenda.

The “Bayanihan” Plan, borne out of a series of consultations and an intensive workshop with stakeholders, sees that pure military solution remains inadequate to address the security concerns of the country. Therefore, success is hinged on the involvement of all stakeholders as much as on military operations. It tells that we must all pitch in and help-a focus on a complimentary and concerted effort from all stakeholders.

With 2012's 3ID theme dubbed as “Bayanihan para sa Kaunlaran at Lubusang Kapayapaan,” 3ID is looking forward for more partnership and collaboration with Civil Society Organizations, People’s Organizations, and National and Local Government entities in “Winning the Peace” in this Region through a collective service to the people.