Last Saturday, the Philippine Army honored a leader whose strength lies not in rank or uniform, but in building peace through grassroots community work.
Cecille Chang Moeller, Chief Operating Officer of Lionheart Farms, received the Philippine Army Stakeholder Award during the 63rd Founding Anniversary of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. The award honored her leadership in advancing peace and development across Southern Palawan.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. presented the award, joined by AFP Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Commander MGen Ferdinand B. Napuli and Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) Commander BGen Rosendo C. Abad Jr. The presence of these top military leaders reflected the weight of Moeller’s contribution—not only to one town, but to the nation’s broader mission for peace and progress.
The theme of this year’s ceremony, “Bagong Hamon, Bagong Lakas, Matibay na Special Forces para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” reflected the Army’s push to build stronger, more united partnerships with civilians. Among the ranks of generals and public servants, Moeller represented the civilian commitment to the same mission.
Turning Collaboration into Action
Moeller helped establish the Philippine Army Affiliated Reserve Unit (PAARU) in Rizal, Palawan. She also led inclusive programs that brought health, education, livelihood, and training services to Indigenous communities, often in partnership with the 18th Special Forces Company.
Her work shows what happens when the private sector, civil society, and military align with one goal: stronger, safer, more self-reliant communities.
“This award reflects a shared commitment. It belongs to every member of the Lionheart and Gabay Kalinga teams, the Special Forces, and the communities of Rizal who continue to believe in the power of working together for peace and progress” said Moeller.
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Leading from the Ground
As COO of Lionheart Farms and trustee of the Gabay Kalinga Foundation, Moeller focuses on real work that meets real needs. Her team trains farmers, supports Indigenous Peoples, builds access to education and healthcare, and strengthens food security in some of the country’s most underserved areas.
These are not short-term programs. They are long-term partnerships, built on trust and driven by results.
Working closely with the Special Forces, local governments, and community leaders, Moeller pushes forward with a clear belief: development only works when people are involved in shaping it.
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Peace That Sticks
Moeller’s recognition shows what peacebuilding looks like in practice. It’s not abstract. It’s boots in the mud. It’s showing up to barangay assemblies. It’s listening. It’s building something that lasts.
“Serving our communities is both a responsibility and a privilege. We believe that lasting peace begins with shared effort, local trust, and a deep respect for the people we work with every day” she said.
Through Gabay Kalinga, Lionheart’s corporate social responsibility arm, she continues to work side by side with communities. Together, they create programs that solve everyday problems and build local pride.
Moving the Mission Forward
The Philippine Army Stakeholder Award highlights a shift in how progress happens. It’s not about titles. It’s about action. About who shows up, stays present, and delivers lasting impact.
Moeller’s work points to a bigger truth: peace and development are everyone’s job. And progress sticks when the people who live in these communities lead the way.
This award doesn’t mark the finish line. It’s a signal to keep moving forward. To keep building trust on the ground. To keep proving what’s possible when communities, soldiers, and civilians work side by side.
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