FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army (PA) celebrated its 123rd Founding Anniversary with the theme “123 years of Gallantry and Dedication in Serving the people and Securing the land” during a simultaneous Flag Raising Ceremony led by the Army Commanding General here today, March 23, 2020.
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the command cancelled anniversary activities and decided to focus on its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response. Since the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine last March 17, around 441 troops were also deployed to different Quarantine Assistance Stations to support other law enforcers. Eighteen military vehicles were utilized to provide transportation assistance for medical professionals and other essential workers in Metro Manila.
Other initiatives also includes coordination with stakeholders and private individuals in extending help to frontline workers and poor communities at risk of the virus like providing transportation and distribution of food and other essential supplies to medical facilities. The command also intensified camp precautionary measures; and regular training and education to personnel whose duties include processing potentially infected persons.
“Habang ipinagdiriwang natin ang ating anibersaryo, ang ating kasundaluhan ay buong giting na binabantayan ang kaligtasan ng sambayanang Pilipino mula sa salot na COVID-19. Kakaiba ito sa ating mga tradisyunal na kalaban sapagkat hindi ito tao ngunit labis na mapamuksa. Gayunpaman, mananatili tayong matatag sa pagtupad ng ating sinumpaang tungkulin – ang pagsilbihan at protektahan ang mga mamamayan at ating bayan kahit buhay man ang kapalit,” said Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay.#