An Ilocano soldier who hails from Pasuquin town was hailed
by local residents and officials here for being cited as one of the Ten
Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) this year.
Master Sergeant Arnel Guerrero Cariaga received this
prestigious award early this month, along with nine other soldiers at the
Metrobank Plaza Auditorium, Makati
City
In Ilocos Norte, Governor Imee Marcos and members of the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Monday handed a resolution of commendation to
Cariaga for bringing pride and honor to the Ilocanos.
Aside from participation in military intelligence
operations, continuous community development contribution and extraordinary
innovation, TOPS is the highest civilian award given to military personnel
which seeks to recognize the courage and nationalism of modern-day heroes in
the military.
Now on its 16th year, the award is conferred by the
Metrobank Foundation together with AFP and Rotary Club of Makati.
The governor said the province of Ilocos Norte
“Kakaiba ang galing ni Apo Sergeant Cariaga at itinuturing
na natin siya ngayong bagong modelo para sa ating kasundaluan lalung-lalo na sa
ating mga kabataan,” said Marcos.
While he did not expect to receive the award, Cariaga is
grateful for the support of Governor Marcos and the entire province of Ilocos Norte
“Firstly, I dedicate this award to my fellow Ilocanos.
Through this, I renew my commitment in supporting the government and to strive
for excellence in work for the greater benefit of our community in Ilocos Norte
and the whole nation,” said Cariaga.
With both of his parents Ilocano, Cariaga revealed that he
was able to survive all the challenges as a soldier because “Ilocanos are
naturally persevering, committed and stoic.”
Growing up in coastal Pasuquin town, he wanted to become an
engineer when he was a child instead of being a soldier.
“Wala sa ambisyon ko ang magsundalo. Noong nag-aaral ako sa
Pasuquin, ang gusto ko talaga ay maging licensed electronics and communication
engineer,” revealed Cariaga.
However, with dedication and hard work, Cariaga has achieved
his dream of becoming an engineer while serving in the military.
As a radio technician, he was able to contribute to the
operations of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) by manufacturing
inexpensive VHF Radio Repeaters which are used during intelligence activities
to neutralize lawless elements.
He has also been cited for his innovation in developing “a
system that is now used to enhance situation awareness especially during
military’s disaster and relief operations in the wake of natural calamities.”
As part of the Geospatial Intelligence Group of AFP, Cariaga
was deployed in a United Nations National Command in South Korea
Most importantly, Cariaga is also engaged in community
development with his project dubbed as "Kalkal" where he collected
segregated recyclable materials.
“From selling the collection, I was able to help the G2
Village in Makati
Cariaga who is now in the military service for 27 years,
encourages young Ilocanos to join AFP.
“I know Ilocanos will have more innovative and great ideas
that they can contribute to AFP which will help us preserve the peace and
security and contribute to the building and development of our nation,” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=809276
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