FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila - The Philippine Army commemorates its 124th Founding Anniversary in a virtual ceremony here today, March 22, 2021.
Led by the Commanding General Philippine Army Lt. Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr., the celebration included a Simultaneous Flag Raising participated by the Army Major Units and the Reaffirmation of Oath of Allegiance.
During the ceremony, Army personnel who showed excellence in their duty were presented awards. Among the awarded personnel were Col. Oscar P. Partuza with Distinguished Service Star, Brig. Gen Ramil M. Bitong with Meritorious Achievement Medal, Col. Michelle D. Ahayron with Distinguished Service Medal, 1st. Lt. Nelson V. Victoria and Cpl. Fritz Floyd T. Prejoles with Gold Cross Medals, 1st. Lt. Jei-em B. Tagufa and Tech. Sgt. Sherwin S. Hernandez with Silver Cross Medals, 1st Lt. Lizalyn Y. Sotero and Pvt. Bernadette R. Cabalquinto with Bronze Cross Medal, Cpl. Fritz Floyd T. Prejoles as Best Enlisted Personnel of the Year, CAA-I John Paul D. Gunong as Best CAA of the Year, Lt. Col. Antonio T. Esmero as Best Reservist Officer, Sgt. Mercedes Menchie S. Luis as Best Reservist Enlisted Personnel, Cdt. Lt. Col. Gerald B. Reyes and Cdt. Col. Destinee A. Noor as Best Male and Female ROTC Cadet, Ms. Elsie R. Rubio as Model Supervisor of the Year, and Ms. Feriza A. Masola as Model Employee of the Year.
Army’s stakeholders also received their awards virtually for their vital role to the operations of the Philippine Army in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recognized stakeholders includes Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation Inc. who donated Medical-Dental equipment, COVID-19 essentials, and Mobile Kitchen through their Project EMBRACE; Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan who donated the BO 105 rotorcraft helicopter, Asian Development Bank who donated Php250 Million worth of food packs for 174,000 families affected by the pandemic, Landers Superstore who also helped in the distribution of family food packs during the pandemic and the eruption of Taal Volcano, BDO Foundation who contributed in the establishment of the Army Literacy Program, and Gian Matteo Vittorio F. Guidicelli who spearheaded the “One Voice Pilipinas” Concert which raised a total of Php13.2 Million worth of relief packs for COVID-19 relief operations.
In the past year, the Philippine Army focused on its COVID-19 operations on top of serving the Filipino people and securing the land from enemy forces. The Filipino people has also expressed their satisfaction with service of the Army evident in the net satisfaction rating of +81 and net trust rating of +83 in the past year's Social Weather Survey.
"As one Team Army, inspired by our love for God, love for country, and love for our people, let us remain steadfast in our duties as we march closer to our vision of becoming a world-class Army that is a source of national pride," said Lt. Gen. Faustino in his remarks.
Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana virtually graced the ceremony as Guest of Honor and Speaker.
"I offer my sincere gratitude and commendation to the Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and Civilian Human Resources of the Philippine Army. The dedication to duty you have manifested truly deserves the nation's recognition," he said.
"Your core values of honor, patriotism, and duty, in which the Philippine Army takes pride in, remain your guide in accomplishing your sworn mandate tos erve the people and secure the land," Sec. Lorenzana added. #