The newly-appointed commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, based in Siaton, Negros Oriental, has assumed the post with the assurance of taking on the challenges left behind by his predecessor.
Lt. Col. Harold Pascua, took his oath Monday afternoon at the command ceremonies at the battalion headquarters in Siaton as he replaced Lt. Col. Marion Sison, who had served in the position for two years, two months and five days.
It is a big challenge to lead the 79th IB and a big shoe to fill in, said Lt. Col. Harold Pascua, referring to the accomplishments of his predecessor and the tasks ahead of him.
Pascua said he is full of joy and eagerness to assume the helm of the prestigious unit and with a firm resolve promised to give his best to serve in his new position.
He called on local officials, government agencies, organizations and community partners to continue to work together with the battalion to alleviate the lives of the people and bring development, especially to far-flung communities.
A united effort to “extinguish” the insurgency will certainly help improve the lives of the people, Pascua said.
“Security and development is a shared responsibility”, Pascua pointed out, as he expressed optimism that remnants of the insurgency will be back to society if mechanisms are in place to assure of their transformation to a new life.
This is the true essence of “bayanihan”, said Pascua, referring to the government’s moniker for its internal peace and security plan to eradicate insurgency in affected areas.
Lt. Col. Pascua promised to endeavor to do his best to maintain culture and excellence in the battalion and put into action his vision for the 79th IB to be a cohesive and competent organization responsive to the needs of stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Marion Sison in his parting words expressed his gratitude to local leaders, government agencies, non-government organizations and other stakeholders for their support and cooperation during his stint as 79th IB commander.
Sison attributed the battalion’s accomplishments in managing to reduce the insurgency problem in his area of coverage to these community partners.
He said it is his honor to work with partners in sharing the same passion in fighting the insurgency and aiming for peace and development.
Sison said he will leave with a heavy heart as the battalion has been his second home where, during his assignment there, he has gained experience, knowledge and true friends.
Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, presided the command turn over which was attended by Governor Roel Degamo, Philippine Army officials, Philippine National Police officials, some mayors, heads of government agencies, partner non-government organizations and civic groups, and other stakeholders.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=614946
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