Armor @47: Lethal. Excellent. Adept. Decisive.
“Adaptive, Agile and Able. #TeamArmor outstandingly operates as an indestructible force, hence, bolstering the entire TeamArmy to triumph over the daunting odds.”
-Lt Gen Romeo S Brawner Jr, CGPA
Camp O’Donnell, Brgy Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac – The Armor (Pambato) Division, Philippine Army under the leadership of MGen Facundo O Palafox IV celebrates its 47th Founding Anniversary with the theme, “Armor @47: Lethal. Excellent. Adept. Decisive.”, today, June 16, 2023 graced by the Commander Philippine Army, LtGen Romeo S Brawner as the Guest of Honor.
Also present during the celebration are the former Commanders of the unit, other AFP Unit Commanders, friends from the government and civilian sector, stakeholders, and advisers. Also acknowledged during the program is one of the oldest Armor Trooper, MSg Anastacio De Vera, an original member of the First Light Armor Regiment of the Philippine Army enlisted in 1950 and retired in 1980.
Part of the Anniversary celebration is an awarding ceremony for units and individual soldiers who excelled in their respective areas. Government and Civilian Stakeholders were also recognized for their contribution to the Armor Division with regard to peace and order, and community service for the different areas of operation of the division’s frontline units.
#TeamArmor celebrates triumphs and accomplishments guided by the strategic plans and guidance accrued to the CGPA’s thrusts on; Soldier’s welfare, Enhanced individual Soldier's skills, and unit competencies, Resources that are frontloaded down to the operating units, becoming Victorious against the different threat groups, and to be a force that is Excellent in operations.
Taking off from these thrusts, the Armor Division has geared itself towards enhanced morale and welfare by instituting a responsive Mental Health Program, thus the blessing of the new Mental Health Resilience Desk with a dedicated psychometrician; promoting a gender-sensitive environment; and development of an NCO leadership program that aims to produce leaders in the NCO Corps working for the organization.
In his speech, MGen Palafox boasted state of the art strategic assets such as the Unmanned Turret System, Remote Controlled Weapon Stations, Automatic Grenade Launchers, and Mounted Mortar System among others that will bolster the Army’s inventory in addressing both internal and external security threats. “Like what I said previously when I assumed command, I thank those who came before us who dreamt of having a Modernized Amor Unit. Everything is coming to fruition,” said the Commander.
Also, in response to the President's call for food sustainability, the Hardin ng Lunas inside camp covering a 7-hectare expanse established in 2012 together with Dra. Isa Suntay of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation will be upgraded to an Agro-Forest Project to provide food for soldiers and nearby communities. “We are truly grateful as our successes are a product of collective effort with our stakeholders, whose selfless support and cooperation have made the unit a major contributor to the march towards peace and development using the Whole Nation Approach,” added MGen Palafox.
The commanding General has applauded the efforts of the Pambato Troopers as a formidable force at the forefront of every battle. He also recognized its soldiers in turning the tide and gaining ground over the enemies by employing lethal force mix of firepower, maneuver, and tactical capabilities in conducting internal security operations.
“Your anniversary theme clearly bespeaks of your unit’s unrivaled tenacity and staunch determination to prevail over the enemies of the state and pursue stability and development in the communities that you faithfully and excellently serve in the mission accomplishment of the Philippine Army for 47 years,” ended the Army Chief.