NegOcc Army reservists feted for ‘Odette’ relief efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15, 2022): 204 NegOcc Army reservists feted for ‘Odette’ relief efforts (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

COMMENDATION. Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte (left), commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade, pins the Military Commendation Medal on a Philippine Army reservist who contributed to the relief and rescue efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, during the rites held in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on Sunday. “We recognize their efforts and commitment in assisting the affected Negrenses in the cities of Kabankalan and Sipalay,” Pasaporte said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb. 15, 2022). (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

Some 204 reservists of the Philippine Army in Negros Occidental were awarded the Military Commendation Medal for their contribution to the relief and rescue efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette last December.

In a statement on Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade, lauded the reservists for their significant contribution to the disaster response operations in Negros Occidental.

Pasaporte, together with Lt. Col. Michael Kamid, director of 605th Community Defense Center, led the awarding rites held at the Tourism Hall in Sipalay City on Sunday.

“They are always ready to assist fellow Negrenses in any eventualities that will take place in the province. We recognize their efforts and commitment in assisting the affected Negrenses in the cities of Kabankalan and Sipalay,” the Army official said.

In receiving the Military Commendation Medal, the reservists were recognized for their exemplary performance as members of the disaster response units that intensively took part in the disaster relief and rescue operations.

The ceremony was also witnessed by Sipalay City Mayor Maria Gina Lizares and Kabankalan City Administrator Higino Sixto Garaygay.

The southern Negros localities, particularly the cities of Kabankalan and Sipalay as well as the municipalities of Ilog, Cauayan, Candoni, and Hinoba-an, comprising the sixth district, were the worst-hit when "Odette" brought strong winds, heavy rains, and widespread flooding overnight on December 16 last year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167806