Army Recognizes Youth’s Role in Nation-Building

October 14, 2020 53rd Infantry "Matapat" Battalion 0

The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) recognized 33 of Army’s Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) alumni for their role in nation-building in a ceremony held Monday October 12 at 53rd IB headquarters, Camp Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

The awarding ceremony was presided by 53rd IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar A Herrera with Hon. Sam Tyra Co, Pagadian City’s first counselor and the Chairperson, Committee on Tourism, Youth, and Sports– as the Keynote Speaker.

The YLS alumni each received a Certificate of Appreciation for their invaluable support to the unit and the Army’s campaign especially in the conduct of Civil-Military Operations activities such as MEDCAPs, Clean-up Drives, Brigada Eskwelas, Feeding Programs, Serbisyo Caravans, and other community engagements.

Youth for Peace Philippines Inc – Zamboanga del Sur (YFPPI–ZDS) Chapter President Mr. Roy Esic thanked the 53rd IB for the recognition and reminded his fellow alumni that “the youth is the youth of the flag and of the people.”

In her message, Hon. Co reminded the awardees that leadership is a continuous process – a journey – and requires perseverance and hard work.

She also added that the youth – as the young, future leaders of this country – can hone their leadership skills through the many experiences and opportunities presented to them in their journey.

According to 53rd IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, the youth must stay true to their commitment and asked them to rekindle in their hearts the spirit of patriotism, nationalism, and volunteerism –as the spirit of YLS is founded on such virtues.

The awarding ceremony was followed by a Meet and Greet with the Former Rebels (FRs) and a tree-planting activity.