The Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., recognized the crucial role of two K-9 dogs in the search, rescue and retrieval efforts for landslide victims during his visit to Camp Vicente Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar on May 3, 2022.
Lt. Gen. Brawner pinned Bronze Cross Medals on K-9 dogs “Pinay” and “Claudine” that played a crucial role in the humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts for victims of massive landslides that struck Baybay City and Abuyog, Leyte in the aftermath of "Agaton" last month.
The CGPA likewise awarded Gold Cross Medals, Silver Cross Medals, Bronze Cross Medals, and Combat Kagitingan Badge to Stormtroopers who exhibited heroism and bravery in fulfillment of their duties.
The Army Chief also donned humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) streamers for 802nd Infantry Brigade, 14th Infantry Battalion and 93rd Infantry Battalion for saving lives in the aftermath of flashfloods and massive landslides caused by Tropical Storm “Agaton” last month. The 8th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, 8th Forward Service Support Unit, 543rd Engineer Combat Battalion, 546th Engineer Combat Battalion, and the 8th Regional Community Defense Group also received the HADR streamer for their efforts to help families affected by Typhoon “Odette”, the strongest tropical cyclone to affect the country last year.
To cap the awarding ceremony, the Army Chief conferred Army Governance Pathway (AGP) Proficient Status to the 8th Division Training School and 52nd Infantry Battalion. AGP aims to drive results, reward performance, and institutionalize the Army Transformation Roadmap in the organization.
The Army Chief lauded 8ID personnel and units for their dedication to contribute to the realization of the Philippine Army’s vision of becoming a world-class Army that is a source of national pride by 2028.
Photos: Sgt Cesar Lopez PA/ OACPA