RECOGNIZING COMMITMENT TO SERVICE: 53IB’s CMO Officer Awarded as 2021 Outstanding Field Officer During 69th Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur

The Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Officer of the Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) 2Lt. George Yu Jr. was awarded as the “2021 Outstanding Field Officer” by Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor J. Yu during the Most Outstanding Zambosurians Awarding Ceremony held at Mindanao Hall, Provincial Government Complex, Dao, Pagadian City on September 17, 2021.

The awarding of Most Outstanding Zambosurians was part of the 69th Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur celebration with the theme “Sa paglipad ng Zamboanga del Sur, bida ang bakunadong Zambosurians.

“As a hard-working and highly competent Officer, 2Lt. Yu,during his stint as CMO Officer from June 01, 2020 to date, made significant efforts in Information Operations which included Radio Program Operations, Emplacement of Tarpaulins, Leafleting, and Social Media Operations that resulted to the influx of Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) surrenders.

These accomplishments eventually led to the defeat of NPA units in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, namely: Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU), HQ “KALAW,” and Regional Urban Committee – Regional Operations Command, all under the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC).

He also facilitated the conduct of Community Engagements, Sectoral Symposiums, and Key Leader Engagements and was involved in the implementation of the Army’s Community Support Program (CSP) and DILG’s Retooled Comunity Support Program (RCSP)—the pre-requisites of the Barangay Development Program (BDP), the flagship program under the umbrella of ELCAC which was conceptualized to finally address insurgency by bringing sustainable solutions and basic services to communities in need.

These contributions were substantial in the declaration of Zamboanga del Sur as an “insurgency-free province and ready for further development.”

2Lt. Yu also accomplished CMO activities such as Islamic Symposiums and IFTAR Offerings that benefitted the Bangsamoro Communities in the province; Local Peacebuilding Forums; and Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP); ELCAC Projects Groundbreaking activities; Provincial and Municipal Youth Leadership Summits (YLS); Blood-letting activities in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross; Brigada Eskwelas; and Clean and Green Program activities.

With these remarkable achievements, Lieutenant YU was awarded this special recognition for his commitment to help and maintain a lasting peace and order in the Province making it conducive for future development. 2Lt. Yu hails from Calamba, Laguna and is a proud member of Philippine Military Academy “Alab-Tala” Class of 2018.