‘Mass wedding’ opens army battalion’s founding anniversary celebration

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 1): ‘Mass wedding’ opens army battalion’s founding anniversary celebration

In celebration of the 43rd founding anniversary, in June 25, of the 8th Infantry Battalion of the Army's 4th Infantry Division, the army unit opened it with a mass wedding rite.

Ten soldiers tied the knot with their long time love and brides in holy matrimony officiated by Maj. Juan Jerome C. Daluro, CHS (PA), at Municipal Tree Park Function Hall in Impasugong town.

Known in the Philippine Army as the "Dependable Battalion," the unit’s celebration is anchored on the theme "Ika-43 taon ng paglilingkod bayan; sandigan at lakas ng kawal na maaasahan (43rd year of public service; foundation and strength of a reliable soldier)."

Likewise, a mass baptism also took place later after wedding ceremonies, where the Rite of Baptism for troops’ children concluded the church rites.

The activity is part of the 8th Infantry Battalion's thrust on marriage enrichment and family planning, which are all anchored at the principles of the Army Transformation Roadmap.

Meanwhile, at 3:00 p.m. on same day, a short ceremony opened the anniversary sports fest participated by the different Infantry Company personnel of the 8th Infantry Battalion because it is around this time of year that soldiers get brief rest from the rigors of security operations and patrols as they engage in fun games, recreational activities, and other sports events in order to commemorate the rich history of the battalion.

In a statement, Lt Col Lennon Babilonia, commanding officer of the battalion, underscored the importance of commemorating the 8th Infantry Battalion's founding anniversary.

"The 8th Infantry Battalion is one of the finest battalions of the Philippine Army. Every commander of this unit knows this fact and realizes that the very moment that he takes command; he is emboldened by the truth that he has to lead the men in maintaining the high standards of the unit," said Babilonia.

This is the reason why we commemorate this event and it is very important to always remind our soldiers of both this burden and privilege of working here in this battalion. Hence, although our troops are here celebrating this momentous event, we are still doing our security operations and security patrols in our area of operations if only to secure our communities, most especially the Lumad communities, from the abuses, threat, and exploitation of criminal organizations such as the New People’s Army.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501467352173/-mass-wedding-opens-army-battalion-s-founding-anniversary-celebration