AFP Chief leads WESMINCOM inauguration of 3 infra projects

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 24): AFP Chief leads WESMINCOM inauguration of 3 infra projects

The Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) has recently inaugurated three new and rehabilitated infrastructure inside its headquarters.

Colonel Rodrigo T. Gregorio, Command Public Information Officer said in a press statement that the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Gen. Emmanuel T Bautista arrived at the headquarters last June 20 to visit field units and to lead the inauguration and blessing of three projects inside Camp Navarro this city.

Under the leadership of Lt.Gen. Rey c Ardo, WESMINCOM undertook the major renovation and rehabilitation of the Flamingo, a multi-purpose hall, the La Solidaridad, a function area with swimming pool, and the construction of the Brigadier General Teodulfo Bautista Lounge, a function room intended as reception hall for VIP guests.

Col. Gregorio said that among the three newly renovated and constructed facilities, the Flamingo is probably the most significant and most memorable to most retired and senior officers who are still in the active service.

“Flamingo has in one way or another become part of their lives and career. No less our honoree, the present Chief of Staff, AFP, Gen BAUTISTA and Cmdr, WestMinCom LtGen Ardo were once billeted in this facility 32 years ago when they reported here in Mindanao for their first assignment as new 2nd Lieutenants in 1981,” Gregorio said.

He added that Flamingo is derived from latin word flamma which means flame. The original Flamingo Officers’ clubhouse traces its root in the 1970s during the height of the Muslim rebellion in western Mindanao. The then ‘flamboyant’ Commanding General of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army BGen Alfonso Alcoseba was responsible in conceiving the construction of the said facility and named it Flamingo, accordingly after the famous Flamingo in Las Vegas in order to serve as venue for unwinding and relaxation of the Officers from the stress and fatigue of the intense fighting in Mindanao during that time.

Since then, Flamingo has evolved to serve for other purposes and functions to include: as an EP Clubhouse in the 1990s and as Female Officers Quarters renaming it to Patio de la Mujeres in 2000s.

Today, Flamingo is still situated in its original location and retains most of its original architectural designs after undergoing another major renovation in the hope to bringing back its former glory, fame and memories.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1421372044028