FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army gave recognition to its personnel who have performed exemplary in various fields during the flag raising ceremony held here today, Dec. 10, 2018. The Commanding General Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto led the recognition rite to outstanding personnel composed of members of 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division and Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) Band, Army Shooting Team and Hijab Troopers.
The 2nd Infantry Division and Special Forces Band won in the recent Heroes Rock “Battle of the Bands” held last Nov. 23 at Camp Aguinaldo representing the Philippine Army. The 2ID Band won the best in OPM original song composition and was declared as the over-all Champion while the SF Band came in 3rd Place among other participating AFP bands. All of the members of 2ID Band were conferred with one rank promotion by the Commanding General while the SF Band was given Military Commendation Medal.
On the other hand, six officers and 47 enlisted personnel of Philippine Army Shooting Team were recognized for their meritorious performance during the 28th ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet 2018 held in Malaysia. Eight of them received one rank promotion while the others were awarded with a Military Merit Medal. The team competed against nine ASEAN teams and garnered two gold, four silver, and six bronze medals. The team was also able to defend its 3rd place overall of the annual shooting competition.
While the Hijab Troopers comprised of four officers and 56 enlisted personnel were also given the Military Merit Medal for their meritorious and valuable services rendered as part of the first batch that was deployed in Marawi City last year. The Hijab Troopers played a vital role during the Marawi campaign by addressing the needs and concerns of IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) through psycho-social intervention and civil affairs work. The contingent was especially organized composed mainly of women in respect to the local culture where majority of the populace are practicing Islam.
Maj. Demier A. Bacasmas, the Officer-in-Charge of the 2nd Infantry Division Band was also awarded with a Military Merit Medal for exemplary administering and stirring the unit that earned them the top place at the aforementioned band competition.
The Commanding General, in his message expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation to the awardees for their selfless service and dedication which brought distinct pride and honor to the institution. He urged everyone not to hesitate to show their skills and talents, but instead, harness it for their betterment and organizational use.
The Philippine Army in its journey to be a world-class Army, always values the dedication of its soldiers who are representing the organization in their respective fields and capacities. Through their continuous efforts to learn and improve, it serves as a contributory factor for the Army to improve its human resource capability in pursuit of its Army Transformation Roadmap. #
