8ID celebrates 25th Founding Anniversary

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 3): 8ID celebrates 25th Founding Anniversary

The 8th Infantry Division Philippine Army marked last Friday its 25th Founding Anniversary in a simple but meaningful celebration held at 8th ID Covered Court Camp General Lukban Maulong Catbalogan City.

Lt. General Noel A. Coballes, commanding general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) graced the occasion as guest of honor and speaker.

Highlight of the celebration was the presentation of awards to deserving military personnel in recognition of their gallantry and meritorious achievements in the conduct of internal peace and security operations from August 16, 2012 until July 16, 2013 and the giving of command plaques to combat batallions for their efficiency in the conduct of internal peace and security operations.

Plaques of Appreciation were also given to civilian personnel, government agencies and non-government agencies for their invaluable services and support to the command.

Some of the awards given were Best Junior Officer of the year, Best Enlisted Personnel of the year, Best CAA of the year and Medals for Combat Achievements.

In his welcome address, Major Gen. Gerardo T. Layug, commander, of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army expressed his gratitude to all active members of the stormtroopers and those who have retired for giving their best to serve the country and the people for the past 25 years.

He urged the soldiers to renew their commitment in the presence of their guests as witnesses to continue serving the people of Eastern Visayas towards achieving a sustainable development and a just and lasting peace.

Layug also underscored the importance of the celebration because this is their way of honoring the officers, men and civilian employees for their hard work, dedication, commitment to duty and service to people.

“As a Division commander of the 8th ID, I am very proud of the performance and the result of the internal peace and security operations of the division here in Eastern Visayas” he said.

He also recognizes the contribution and support of each stormtroopers, and the civilians.

Layug is optimistic that with the help and concerted efforts of the local leaders, different government agencies, NGOs, civilians, media practitioners and other stakeholders whom he considered as partners in public service, the soldiers will be successful in their fight against the root causes of insurgency and with the spirit of Bayanihan, they can make the communities in our areas insurgency-free and a better place for living.

On the other hand, Lt. Gen. Coballes congratulates the awardees for the said activity with a hope that more accomplishments will be recorded in the future. He also commended the soldiers in region 8 for the seizure of 137 enemy camps.

Aside from some high officials of the AFP, PNP region 8 director chief supt. Elmer Soria and some local officials in Eastern Visayas have also attended the celebration namely Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan Delos Santos, northern Samar governor Emil Ong, Catbalogan City Mayor Stephanie Uy-Tan and Vice Mayor Art Gabon, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla was represented by Leyte’s first district Board Member Ranulfo Abellanosa and the representatives of Samar congressman Mel Sarmiento and Calbayog mayor Ronaldo Aquino.

Comelec Regional Director Atty. Nick Mendros, OCD director Rey Gozon, and the Rotary Club of Ormoc City also joined the celebration.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “25-taong tapat na paglilingkod sa mamamayan ng Silangang Bisayas tungo sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran.”

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2681375452283