HONORING WOMEN SOLDIERS: 7 Matapat Troopers Receive Military Medals

In recognition for their meritorious performance and invaluable service rendered during the recent Philippine Army Annual General Inspection covering the period of 4th Quarter 2019 to 3rd Quarter 2020 conducted to the 1st Infantry “TABAK” Division, 7 Women Troopers from the 53rd Infantry “MATAPAT” Battalion (53IB) received Military Merit Medals during the Flag Raising Ceremony at 53IB Headquarters, Camp Major Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur on March 29, 2021.

“Imbued with a deep sense of responsibility, loyalty, and devotion to duty coupled with professional competence and hard work, the officers, men, and women of the 1ID, PA worked with dedication in order to achieve a successful result of inspection aligned with the higher headquarters mandate. As a result, the command obtained its fraction as the number 1 among Philippine Army Major Units (PAMU) with a rating of 93.442%. By these laudable achievements, officers, men, and women of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army earned distinct credit and honor not only for the Philippine Army but also for the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well,” the award citation reads.

The Military Merit Medal awardees include the following: Cpl Melanie Mojado, Pfc Jevelen Robledo, Pfc Airen Alasa-as, Pfc Leah Elladora, Pfc Chrizel Julian, Pvt Rozen Lubguban, and Pvt Joessabeth Careras.

“On behalf of all enlisted women soldiers in this battalion, we would like to express our utmost gratitude to our Battalion Commander, Ltc Jo-ar Herrera for recognizing us and for boosting our morale as we celebrate National Women’s Month. Thank You, Sir,”Pfc Alasa-as said.

“We recognize Women soldiers for their exemplary performance. In my leadership as Battalion Commander, I make sure to boost the morale of all our NCOs by empowering them to lead and to decide because I have my highest respect for all of them,” 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Herrera said.