RECOGNIZING SUCCESS: 53IB Dons New Rank to Newly-Promoted Officers

The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) donned new ranks to its newly-promoted Officers during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony held yesterday, March 21, at 53IB Headquarters, Camp Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera donned the First Lieutenant Rank Insignias to new first lieutenants 1Lt. Luke Creighton Patacsil, 1Lt. Magno Relado, and 1Lt. Kim Cedrick Lemus.

1Lt. Patacsil in his message expressed his gratitude first and foremost to the Almighty God for being promoted to next higher rank.

“This promotion entails elevated duties and responsibilities. But with passion and hard work, we can achieve anything,” said 1Lt. Patacsil.Meanwhile, 1Lt. Relado shared that “with great power comes great responsibility.” “Leadership is about responsibility and accountability, not power. As newly promoted lieutenants, we are expected to be more responsible in our undertakings,” said 1Lt. Relado.

Also, 1Lt. Lemus expressed his gratitude to the officers, men, and women of 53IB for sharing their knowledge and skills that made him the Officer he is today. “I express my sincerest thanks to everyone here today for being part of my Second Lieutenant journey,” said 1Lt. Lemus.

In his message, Lt. Col. Herrera said that donning of ranks ceremonies such as this is a way of recognizing the success of its troops.

“Through donning of ranks ceremonies such as this, we are expressing our oneness with them in their success. May you continue to carry on with your tasks with excellence and passion,” said Lt. Col. Herrera.