Sorsogon breaks new ground with 1st modern army camp in Bicol

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 7): Sorsogon breaks new ground with 1st modern army camp in Bicol

Castilla, Sorsogon — The military’s Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) is now brimming with pride after the inauguration of what has been touted as the first modern military camp in all of Bicol, the P27.1-million headquarters of the Philippine Army’s (PA’s) 903rd Infantry Brigade (903rd IB) in this town.

Last October 29, Major General Yerson Depayso, commanding general of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division (9th ID), welcomed Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as the guest of honor in the inauguration and blessing of the military facility located on the national highway in Barangay San Rafael, here.

ARMY’S NEW HOME – Skies are as clear as the new headquarters of the 903rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division, inaugurated last October 28 in Barangay San Rafael, Castilla, Sorsogon. (Ruel Saldico)

A proud Bicolano who hails from this province, Sen. Escudero said in his speech that such a camp with modern military facilities is what our soldiers are entitled to as public servants who put their lives on the line.

“The modernization of AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) should not be second hand,” said the senator, who has long supported military modernization and pushed for the funding of this new camp.

Depayso acknowledged that the first modern army camp in Bicol, occupying a two-hectare parcel of land, was initiated by Escudero and funded through the General Appropriations Act of 2015.

For his part, Colonel Cesar Idio, 903rd IB commander, expressed excitement, saying such a military facility will not only serve the mission of the armed forces but also boost security and climate for business in the area.

“This will attract more entrepreneurs as soldiers will be more capable in securing the area,” Idio said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/sorsogon-breaks-new-ground-with-1st-modern-army-camp-in-bicol/