Winners of the Metrobank Foundation-Rotary Club of Makati
Metro Search for "The Outstanding Philippine Solders" (TOPS) were
formally presented to the public during ceremonies at AFP headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo ,
Quezon City
They are identified as Lt. Col. Eliglen Ferrer Villaflor,
Technical Sgt. Danilo Delos Santos and Technical Sgt. Bernardo Labao Tacbas,
all members of the Philippine Army.
While awardees from the Navy include Marine Lt. Wilfredo
Baylon Manalang, Marine Staff Sgt. Albert Dangan Eleazar and Intelligence
Specialist Chief Fernando Juinio Parcon.
And from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) side, feted were Lt.
Col. Oliver Alina Banaria, Master Sgt. Abel Lim Idusma and Technical Sgt.
Andersen Daing Avellana.
While Col. Jocelyn Pancrudo Turla from the Technical
Administrative Services completes this year's TOPS winners.
“The Search for TOPS is the civilian society’s expression of
genuine appreciation and gratitude for the men and women in the Armed Forces -
for their sacrifices and dedication in pursuing our shared dreams of a safe and
peaceful nation. We believe that the civilian and private sector’s support,
cooperation, admiration, and respect should accompany the role of our soldiers
as protectors of our sovereignty and defenders of our national patrimony,"
Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña said
"This year, we welcome a new batch of outstanding
Philippine soldiers who selflessly serve and protect our nation. They are
considered as our modern-day heroes who showed not only unremarkable courage
and nationalism, but concern for other people and their communities as well.
They are our country’s pride and hope for a peaceful and secured nation,” he
added.
Each TOPS awardee received a cash prize of PHP500,000 and a
trophy.
Villaflor, one of the TOPS awardee from the Army, was at the
forefront of the combat and civil-military mission in Basilan.
As 4th Special Forces Battalion commander, he was able to
significantly contribute to the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and
other lawless elements — with the recapture of a rebel stronghold and recovery
of other encampments and firearms.
There were also several rebels killed and injured in a
series of encounters against the ASG in his two-year stint. He also led the
capture of Jerry Ibon Alam, one of the most wanted figures in illegal drugs in
Basilan.
Villaflor believes that achieving peace could not be resolve
by combat alone, but through working with the communities and winning their
support.
His civil military operations have highly impacted Basilan
where thousands have received the benefits of his initiatives.
“From Camp to School, From Guns to Books” was one of his
successful campaigns where the military was able to transform a captured Moro
National Liberation Front camp into a school campus.
Villaflor also pioneered Project Masjid where non-Muslim
entities participated in the preparation and celebration of Ramadan.
Initiated activities involved cleaning and beautification of
mosques and peace keeping and security of the mosques and Muslim brothers and
sisters.
While the Air Force's Avellana has undergone numerous
specialty courses such as the Basic Electronic and Communication Course, Ground
Radio Course, Basic Weapons Mechanic Course, and Aircraft Engine Mechanic
Course in New Zealand, which made him a remarkable Weapons Mechanic Technician.
One of his shared innovations in PAF was the repair of ten
pieces of intervalometer which is known as an essential part in any rocket
launchers activity.
As the lead, he carefully studied the overhaul process of
the intervalometer and given a budget of PHP13,465,000 for the repairs.
The fact that he succeeded and even saved the PAF PHP1.5
million is worthy of note.
Avellana always exceeds on what is expected of him, with his
dedication and hard labor he was also able to complete the repair of three
optical sights of MG-520 attack helicopters which saved the PAF PHP400,000.
He is also a recipient of many awards, including the PAF
Enlisted Personnel of the Year & INSTEP Awardee for Professionalism, this
award is given to those personnel who religiously shown commitment in improving
the current state of PAF in terms of existing equipment and weaponry innovation.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=896767
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.