MORALE AND WELFARE OF TROOPS: 53IB’s Admin Building Blessed, Inaugurated

The Administrative Building of the Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) was blessed and inaugurated yesterday, January 24, in a simple Inauguration Ceremony held as part of its 37th Founding Anniversary with the theme “Matapat @ 37: Victory in Time of Convergence” at 53IB Headquarters, Camp Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

The Corporal Sanoria Administrative Building, costing Php 1,595,735.18, was developed and constructed from June 23 to October 15, 2021 and was donated by the 2nd District of Zamboanga del Sur under the able leadership of Cong. Leonardo “Jun” Babasa, Jr.

In his message, Congressman Babasa expressed his gratitude to the 53IB for its peacekeeping efforts in Zamboanga del Sur especially in the 2nd Congressional District.

“I express my utmost gratitude to 53IB under the able and competent leadership of Lt. Col. Herrera for maintaining the peace and bringing about progress and development in ZamboSur’s 2nd District,” said Cong. Babasa.

Meanwhile, 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera also expressed his gratitude to Cong. Babasa, Municipal Mayors, and other stakeholders present for the continued partnership and convergence in bringing progress and development in the 2nd District of Zamboanga del Sur.

“Convergence play a vital role in keeping our area safe. Let us continue this close partnership to sustain progress and development in 2nd District of Zamboanga del Sur,” said Lt. Col. Herrera.

The facility was named after late Corporal Sherwin Sanoria who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the people of Zamboanga del Sur during the encounter against Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) at Barangay Balimbingan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur on January 18, 2007.