CMO vital to AFP image says West Philippines Sea spokesperson

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 17): CMO vital to AFP image says West Philippines Sea spokesperson

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY -- Marine Col. Edgardo Arevalo, spokesperson for the West Philippines Sea (WPS) issues and concurrent commander of the Philippine Navy’s civil military operations (CMO) group, cited the importance of the CMO to the image of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the turnover of command of its unit in Palawan Thursday.

The Civil Military Operations Unit-West (CMOU-West) turnover ceremonies Oct. 15 at the Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon in Puerto Princesa City, was just a "small, insignificant event" for many military officials, but Arevalo said he made sure he will personally attend because "small units like this are those which make up the image of the entire AFP."

Arevalo bestowed to the outgoing CMOU-West commanding officer, Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade Stanlee Vince Gonzaga, a military merit award for his “actual participation and valuable services rendered as Commanding Officer, CMOU-West from 26 July 2011 to date.”

The merit award was given to Gonzaga who was “imbued with high sense of responsibility and dedication to duty, commitment to service in aid of peace and development activities in the area of the CMOU–West.”

Arevalo said Gonzaga carried out accomplishments in consonance with the Bayanihan Concept of Philippine Navy’s Sail Plan 2020 Strategic objectives, in trekking the “Tuwid na Daan” programs of President Aquino, and in compliance with seven missions of the Philippine Navy.

"Gonzaga was instrumental to the success of various activities participated in by his unit such as Civic Action Programs to include Layag Lakbayan Program of Palawan, Show the Flag Missions, ENCAP and feeding programs. He also facilitated COMREL activities, such as collection of used clothes and cash donations intended for typhoon victims, and distribution of brand new computer sets to different schools in the province through “Books for Peace Program” of Rotary Club Loyola Heights Chapter, and participating as lecturer in the "Love + Peace = Lapis" Education for Peace Program of the Junior Chamber International Puerto Princesa Peacock Inc.

Various environmental protection programs participated during his tour of duty in support to address internal security operations, Gonzaga also facilitated the Information Support Affairs (ISA) activities through distribution of leaflets propaganda materials, film showing and by conducting Information Drive concerning “Role of Youth in Nation Building” to different high schools and universities in Palawan.

Aside from the military merit award, Gonzaga also received a Command Plaque from the Naval Forces West, a citation award from the 6th Civil Relations Group of the Civil Relations Services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and a special commemorative edition memento from local newspaper The Palawan Times.

"By these achievements, Gonzaga earned distinct credit not only for himself and the Philippine Navy but also for the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole.

Navy Lt. Junior Grade Eduard Pablico took over Gonzaga’s post.

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