PULACAN, LABANGAN, ZDS – The officers, men and civilian employees of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army under the sterling leadership of Major General Romeo D Lustestica, AFP celebrated the division’s 73rd Founding Anniversary, in its theme: “Team TABAK: Kaagapay sa Mapaya at Maunlad na Kinabukasan”, with Honorable Aurora E Cerilles, Governor of Zamboanga del Sur, as the Guest of Honor and Speaker on May 12, 2009.
The simple and austere but meaningful celebration began with a static display of armor and field artillery assets and demonstration of infantry rifle squad maneuvers performed by the troops from1st Division Training Unit. Afterwhich, the Tabak Troopers tendered a traditional military parade-in-review. Moreover, the Division Officers, Division Chaplains, and Division Sergeant Major conceptualized and composed a Tabak Toopers’ Prayer, has been first ever recited during the ecumenical prayer officiated by the Division Chaplains; Cpt Adzramien T Sahisa (representing the Muslims), Cpt Domingo L Labrilla (representing the Catholics) and Cpt Misael B Abueva (representing the Protestants).
Highlighting the ceremony was the pinning of awards to the best units, and medals to deserving officers and soldiers for their exemplary performance in the military service. Likewise, awards were also presented to civilian stakeholders who have contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the Command’s mission.
.Among the awardees are 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade, adjudged as the “Best Brigade” for CY 2008; 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion, as the “Best Battalion” for CY 2008; Sgt Ariel A Cedron (EODT) and Sgt Sim A Tac-an (103rd Bde) received Bronze Cross Medal; and, 1Lt Clinton S Collados (55IB), 1Lt Norly C Oropesa (53IB), and 2Lt Regie O Briones (32IB) have been awarded with Military Merit Medal. The civilian awardees are Governor Mamintal A Adiong Jr, of Lanao del Sur; Juan C Regala, Board Member, 2nd District of ZDS; Juanito B Gonzales, Board Member, 1st District, Zamboanga Sibugay; Mayor Benjamin D Pilota, of Concepion, Misamis Occidental; Mayor Julius A Acosta, of Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay, Dr Perlie P Sibud of Country Hospital, Titay, Zamboanga del Sur, and Dr Ulysses J Chiong, PHO II, of Zamboanga Sibugay Province for their invaluable services and support extended to the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division. Likewise, the provincial government of Zamboang del Sur has been recognized thru the presentation of Plaque of Appreciation which was received by Honorable Regala on behalf of Governor Cerriles.
As the Guest of Honor and Speaker, Governor Cerilles commended the Tabak Troopers for their professionalism and undying allegiance in upholding peace in Mindanao, “I salute you for your disciplined adherence to the welfare of the people,” she said. “I acclaim you for your unstinting support in our renewed campaign against crime and terrorism,” she added. As vanguards of peace, Governor Cerilles looks up to the gallantry of the soldiers and their self sacrifice in defending this nation against insurrection and other forms of threats that may hamper the of life of the people.
On the other hand, MGen Lustestica, in his anniversary message, expressed that Team Tabak is always focused, ready and capable of performing its mission to protect the people, secure the sovereignty of the Republic and defend the nation’s territorial integrity. “ Ang makasaysayang araw na ito, sama-sama nating sariwain at muling pagtibayin an gating pangakong maglingkod nang buong husay at katapatan sa sambayanang Pilipino,” he said. He emphasized, that through the years, the Tabak Division gained greater sense of maturity in upholding its institutional responsibility in preserving the democratic governance. “We grow throughout the years, time has toughened our spirit to be a servant of peace, a fighter for freedom and an agent of development,” he said.
The 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division takes it as a challenge to find innovative ways to touch-base with the people and make sure that the benefits of progress reach even the remotest villages in the archipelago. As the Tabak Division performs its part of bringing closer to the people, it remained geared towards victory in the battlefield and over the enemies of the state. Thus, the Tabak Division, through the Commander, calls for a culture of peace meted with love and determination to find non-violent solutions.
The week-long celebration commenced with the Sportfest competition - 14 May 09; Fun Run - 25 Apr 09; Blood Letting & Operation “Tuli” - 29 Apr 09; Enlisted Personnel Night Social - 06 May 09; Blessing of newly renovated facilities, Vermiculture project and Mass wedding - 07 May 09 and anniversary mass – 12 May 2009.
Present to grace the occasion are: Hon Juan C Regala, Board Member of the 2nd District, Zamboanga del Sur; Hon Juanito B Gonzales, Board Member of 1st District, Zamboanga Sibugay Province; Hon Samuel S Co, Mayor of Pagadian City; Hon Bonifacio C Vega, Mayor of Tukuran; Hon Benjamin D Pilota Jr, Mayor of Concepcion, Misamis Occidental; Hon Julius G Acosta, Mayor of Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay Province; Hon Elicita Ruiz, Chairwoman of Upper Pulacan; PCI Rafael Odevilas as the Representative of PSS Ramon M Ochotorena from Camp Abelon, PSI Nesto Mantes Vicente Sr, the Chief of Police Tukuran; P/Insp Ryeah Llod Suegay Bato, OIC, Chief of Police, Labangan; Dr Perlie P Sibud MD from Country Hospital of Titaty; and Col Tatar M Boriongan PA (Ret) as the Representative of Governor Mamintal A Adiong Jr. The Brigade Commanders, Battalion Commanders and other officers, men and women, and civilian employees of Tabak Division also graced the said celebration.
PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
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