Kwentong Bayani-han, a book featuring stories of Filipino soldiers and civilians working together for peace was launched last December 18.

The book is a joint project of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), The Asian Foundation, and the Working Group on Security Sector Reform from the Department of Political Science of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU).

The Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan is the AFP’s strategy for internal security. The plan calls for “winning the peace” by human-centered security and a “whole of nation approach” or multi-stakeholder involvement to attain just and lasting peace and security around the country.

Kathline Anne Tolosa, Co-Convenor of the Working Group on Security Sector Reform for ADMU explains that the book intends to “Show how members of the AFP, regardless of rank or class or service affiliations move as one in translating the IPSP Bayanihan paradigm shift to action. Second, surface stories of how peace can be won by working together with other stakeholders… And third, and perhaps the most difficult, inspire other men and women in uniform as well as civilian stakeholders to action”.

Tolosa said that “Kwentong Bayani-han is not a work of fiction. Each and every story contained in this book are narrations of actual events how real people just like you and me have come together to bring peace in their community.” She also said that the book is a testament to how soldiers give life to the concept of winning the peace by going beyond the line of duty with compassion and creativity for a common humanitarian goal.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said on his keynote speech during the book launch that “Kwentong Bayani-han shows how far the AFP has come in forging strong partnerships with other stakeholders. Furthermore, through the Kwentong Bayani-han our soldiers, sailors and airmen will get the recognition and support that they deserve for their silent acts of heroism and dedication to service.And through this book that tells stories of our soldiers, our people will be able to better understand how men and women of the AFP desire peace for our nation and what they are prepared to sacrifice in order to attain it.”

One article from SecurityMatters was included in the book. The article is about how Army Engineers helped in the conduct of an earthquake drill in The College of Engineering of the University of the Philippines to promote disaster preparedness.

The story contributors and editorial staff were awarded and recognized in the book launch held in Crowne Plaza Hotel.

The book will be circulated within the AFP, in government and in civil society and the general public. It was revealed during the event that a second volume of Kwentong Bayani-Han is to be expected.