Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Ilocos Norte hails outstanding Ilocano soldier

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 29): Ilocos Norte hails outstanding Ilocano soldier

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 is proud of Cariaga for upholding the leadership, heroism and excellence inherent to every Ilocano.

“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 to help stabilize peace and security in the Korean peninsula.

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 to finance the improvement of the barangay’s street pavements,” he said.

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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