By Jennifer P. Rendon
CAMP MACARIO PERALTA JR., Capiz — Lieutenant General Roy Galido, commanding general of the Philippine Army, emphasized the importance of changing one’s mindset to meet the evolving demands of serving the people during the 50th founding anniversary of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) on May 23.
“If we do not change our mindset, we will never be relevant and responsive to the needs of our people. Doing this will enable us to significantly contribute to the government’s campaign in changing the country’s overall image and efforts in nation-building,” Galido said.
The Army chief also reminded the troops to practice discipline at all times and improve themselves through constant training. “Without discipline, a soldier can never earn the trust and confidence of the people. Constant training will deliver the best in us and make ourselves better than yesterday,” he added.
“Life begins at 50, thus, Spearhead Division will now transform its new role of becoming relevant and responsive to the Army’s strategic direction and contributing to the comprehensive archipelagic defense of our country,” Galido said.
Galido stressed the need to adapt, capacitate, and sustain troops mobilized for military and civic operations on a greater scale and in coordination with other government agencies and entities.
Major General Marion Sison, 3ID commander, urged the troops to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives in the line of duty. “As we honor our past achievements, we are also looking forward to a future that demands even greater commitment and innovation. The world is changing rapidly, and so is the nature of the threats we are facing. We will adapt and evolve to stay ahead. Our mandate remains clear: to safeguard our nation and support the government’s vision,” Sison said.
RECOGNITION
During the ceremony, officers, enlisted personnel, civilian human resources, and select stakeholders were recognized for their contributions to the Division’s mission. Galido, assisted by Sison and 3ID assistant division commander Brigadier General Leonardo Peña, led the conferment of the awards and plaques of recognition.
Named “Outstanding Officers of the Year” for their meritorious and exemplary accomplishments in military operations were:
- Maj Jayrod L. Cabahug, commanding officer, D Company, 47th Infantry Battalion (IB)
- 1Lt Edmundo G. Bugaay, platoon leader, 31st DRC
- 1Lt Marie Louise C. Pernito, 62IB
- 1Lt Ruben W. Hali, commanding officer, C Company, 94IB
- 2Lt Frenz Jarey C. Gonzales, platoon leader, C Company, 79IB
- 2Lt Romeo N. Soldevilla, platoon leader, C Company, 61IB
“Outstanding Enlisted Personnel” recognized for their significant feats in combat included:
- Sgt Marvin P. Sambrana, 61IB
- Sgt Leo M. Dumayac, 47IB
- Sgt Jessie A. Empic, 62IB
- Sgt Roldan L. Remolano, 79IB
- Sgt Nicko F. De Leon, 94IB
- Sgt Pablito L. Foscablo, 61IB
Additionally, Ltc Gladys Lisette L. Reyes (Res), battalion commander, 603rd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (RRIBn), 6th Regional Community Defense Group, was named “Outstanding Reservist Officer of the Year,” while Sgt Anna Rose D. Parcon (Res), operation NCO, 604th RRIBn, 6RCDG, was awarded “Outstanding Reservist Enlisted Personnel of the Year.”
For the “Outstanding CAFGU Active Auxiliary,” the honorees included:
- CAA Abgeor C. Matias, 61IB
- CAA Erlick V. Catubay, 62IB
- CAA Jason A. Traya, 79IB
- CAA Jerryei G. Gargoies, 94IB
Mr. Mark James D. Meteoro, civilian HR, administrative aide IV of Camp Peralta Station Hospital, was adjudged “Outstanding CHR of the Year.”
Stakeholder awardees for their unwavering support included:
- Flosemer Chris C. Gonzales, chairperson LCC6/spokesperson, RTF ELCAC 6
- Elizabeth C. Suntay, co-founder, Tarlac Heritage Foundation Hardin ng Lunas Program
- Catherine G. Lim, barangay captain, Semirara, Caluya, Antique
- Emelyn Estando Tano, manager, Tubungan Municipal Public Employment Service Office
- Farah Diba G. Gentuya, PD, DILG Negros Oriental Provincial Field Operations Office
- Sybel S. Nobleza, external affair manager, Association of Negros Producers Inc. (ANPI)
- Sharon T. Jornadal, executive director, Felix G. Yusay Foundation Incorporated
- Luz L. Abordaje, hospital dentist, Dr. Ricardo Y. Labrido Memorial Hospital
- Ellier E. Gervero, member, Pastor Search Team of Deacons of Byne Memorial Church
Governors from Western and Central Visayas were recognized as 3ID’s Partners for Peace, including:
- Eugenio Jose Lacson, governor, Province of Negros Occidental
- Jose Enrique Miraflores, governor, Province of Aklan
- Jake Vincent Villa, governor, Province of Siquijor
- Fredenil Castro, governor, Province of Capiz
- Arthur Defensor Jr., governor, Province of Iloilo
- Rhodora Cadiao, governor, Province of Antique
- Joaquin Carlos Rahman Nava, governor, Province of Guimaras
- Manuel L. Sagarbarria, governor, Province of Negros Oriental
- Gwendolyn Garcia, governor, Province of Cebu
- Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, governor, Province of Bohol
Col. Melencio W. Ragudo received the Meritorious Achievement Medal, and Ltc J-Jay T. Javines received the Distinguished Service Star.
Both 2Lt Romeo N. Soldevilla and Sgt Marvin P. Sambrana of 61IB were awarded the Gold Cross Medal. SSg Reggie Mar D. Flores of 61IB and Cpl Arvincent L. Sanopao of 94IB received the Silver Cross Medal, while TSg Joey L. Vigo, first sergeant of 3HSC, garnered the Bronze Cross Medal.
Cpl Geral A. Soliva of 31DRC received the Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device.
HONORS
Prior to the anniversary program, Sison led a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the Spearhead Troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Families of the late Cpl Richard Rafols, PFC Mars Echevarria, and PFC Rodelo Alfanza, who were killed in recent combat operations, were also honored.
Sison also led the arrival honors for Lt. Gen. Galido and presented 261 captured, confiscated, seized, and recovered firearms by Spearhead Troopers in various peace efforts and military operations from January 2023 to May 23, 2024. Of these, 119 were high-powered firearms, and 42 were short firearms.
Pre-anniversary activities, including a fun run, fun golf, fun shoot, and indoor games such as basketball, volleyball, and badminton, were conducted to foster teamwork and camaraderie among Spearhead Troopers.
A thanksgiving Mass and the inauguration and blessing of newly constructed and enhanced facilities inside the camp were also held.
