3ID celebrates 39th year with stakeholders

From the Philippine News Agency (May 17): 3ID celebrates 39th year with stakeholders

Another milestone was set in the history of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) when it celebrated the 39th founding anniversary on Thursday.

The event was participated in by men and women of 3ID at its headquarters in Camp Macario Peralta Jamindan, Capiz with the division's stakeholders.

This year’s anniversary theme of “Spearhead Troopers and the People working together for a peaceful Nation” was at the core of the event, giving recognition to soldiers, civilian employees as well partner individuals and organizations in winning the peace in Western Visayas through the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan”.

The occasion was attended by the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen Noel A. Coballes and 3ID Commander, Maj. Gen Jose Z Mabanta Jr.

It started with an early morning thanksgiving mass at the 3ID Chapel, wreath laying ceremonies for the fallen comrades of 3ID, blessing of renovated facilities, the awarding ceremony and a cultural dance presentation.

During the celebration, the 3ID also awarded partner individuals and organizations such as Best Battalion and Brigade of the Year, Best Company and Field Grade Officer of the Year, Best Enlisted Personnel for Administration and Operations of the Year, Best Civilian Employee, Best Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary of the Year and Distinguished Civilian Partner Individuals and Organizations.

The civilian awardees are: Soriano-Celo Foundation of Calinog, Iloilo; Friends of the Sick Foundation of Janiuay, Iloilo; Jesus A. Canete, Jr. of the Commission on Human Rights, Negros Oriental and Mrs. Conception T. Tababa, District Coordinator of the Alternative Learning System of the Dept. of Education.

Mabanta congratulated the awardees for their commitment and enthusiasm in helping the 3ID accomplish its mission.

Mabanta also acknowledged the dedication and exemplary performance of the Spearhead troopers during the May 13, 2013 election which greatly contributed in making the elections secure and free.

“The 39th Founding Anniversary of our Division marks another way of looking back to what we have already achieved and what we are going to accomplish in the future. Giving emphasis on our theme “Spearhead Troopers and the People working together for a peaceful Nation” it is indispensable that we continue to reaffirm our commitment and service to the people”, said Mabanta.

Mabanta also acknowledged the sacrifices and determined efforts of the men and women of 3ID together with their loved ones (who most often felt left out), and the civilian society, the Philippine National Police, the religious sector and other organizations who may not have the chance to join the occasion for their invaluable support for the attainment of peace and development in Western Visayas.

In his message, Coballes lauded all the Spearhead troopers under the leadership of the Commanders.

Guests included local government officials, Philippine National Police Officers, representative from LGUs and government agencies, representative from the religious sector, Non-Governmental Organizations, and friends of 3ID.

Pre-anniversary activities started as early as April 9 such as the sports fest and fun games and in early May such as mass weeding, mass baptism, soccer friendship exhibition game, and tree planting and blood letting activity.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=525569