53IB Awards Medals to Matapat Troopers, Recognizes Newly Promoted Enlisted Personnel
The Matapat Troopers received the Military Merit Medals after the successful conduct of 3-day Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) at Tabak Shrine, 1st Infantry “TABAK” Division (1ID), Camp Kuta Major Cesar Sang-an, Upper Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur on March 6-8, 2020 with the collaboration of 1st Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, 547th Engineering Battalion, 1PMFC ZDS, House of Representative-1st Philippines INC (YFPPI).
The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “MATAPAT” Battalion (53IB) bestowed Four (4) Military Merit Medals to Matapat Troopers and recognized the Newly Promoted Enlisted Personnel at 53IB Headquarters, Camp David Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur on March 1, 2021.
The awarding and recognition were conducted during the Flag Raising Ceremony to acknowledged the meritorious and invaluable service of Matapat Troopers.
The said YLS activity was in the pursuit of socio-economic development of the Province of Zamboanga del Sur as part of the 102nd Infantry “IGSOON” Brigade CMO mandate.
The Medals are also in recognition for the service, dedication, exemplary performance, and loyalty to duty during the successful conduct of series of Bloodletting Activities from 4th Quarter 2019 to 3rd Quarter 2020 at Pagadian City in partnership with the Philippine National Red Cross and Rotary Club of Pagadian City and other Government Agencies on February 22, 2021.
The awardees of the Military Merit Medal include Sgt. Ernesto Torres, Cpl. Edsel Bendanillo, Cpl. John James Declaro, and Cpl Francis Jhan Longcob.
“The above-mentioned enlisted personnel ardently performed thereby giving tasks of organizing and securing the conduct of said activity to thereby ensure the successful execution and accomplishment. By these achievements, the Enlisted Personnel earned distinct credit not only for themselves and their unit but also to the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well,” the award citation reads.
Recognition and appreciation were also given to the newly promoted enlisted personnel Sgt. Chrysales Facelo. Despite his physical condition, he was able to pursue his dream to continue to broaden his horizon by pursuing his studies while in the service.
“I am so happy that I was awarded with this Military Merit Medal for the very first time in my 15 years of service. I am so happy that our Battalion Commander has recognized my hard work,” Sgt Torres said.
“This recognition of the efforts and hard work of our Matapat Troopers boosts their morale in efficiently performing their tasks. The stories and life experiences of the awardees are inspiring that should be emulated by all Matapat Troopers,” 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said.
