FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division celebrates its 32nd Founding Anniversary at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija today, July 27, 2020.
In behalf of the Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Reynaldo M. Aquino graced the event and lauded the accomplishments of the Kaugnay Division in advancing peace and progress across Central and Northern Luzon.
For the past year, 7ID’s security and development efforts resulted to the neutralization of 94 enemy personalities including high ranking New People's Army leaders, recovery of 95 firearms, and clearing of 11 Communist Terrorist Group affected barangays. The Division also plays a key role in the region’s COVID-19 operations by providing security and logistics support to local government’s relief operations, conduct of information campaigns, and manning of checkpoint areas to help prevent the spread of the virus.
The 7ID traces its origin with the activation of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Brigade in 1987. On August 1, 1988 the brigade was upgraded into a division with areas of responsibility covering seven provinces, seven cities, 146 municipalities, and 3,857 barangays in Region 3 except Bulacan. It also included Pangasinan province, Alfonso Castañeda in Nueva Vizcaya, and Dinapigue in Isabela. The Tagalog word “Kaugnay” means that the 7th Infantry Division’s mission is interlinked with the people’s aspirations and partnership in nation-building. Today, 7ID is commanded by Maj. Gen. Alfredo V. Rosario Jr.
“As another year of service unfolds, continue to be the Kaugnay of our people and communities. Let us sustain the momentum in capacitating the Army towards greater mission effectiveness,” said Aquino. “Let us pursue organizational and operational excellence and modernization, work closely with our partners and stakeholders, and uplift the well-being of our personnel. Let us do these with honor, patriotism, and duty,” he added.