53RD ENGINEER BRIGADE, PHILIPPINE ARMY HISTORY

The activation and organization of the 53RD ENGINEER BRIGADE was born out of the concept of regional implementation of the national development program and in consonance with the plan of higher headquarters to decentralize area coverage of engineer brigades for effective control.

The 53rd Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army was organized and activated on 26 august 1985, pursuant to general orders number 303, HPA dated 30 august 1985. on the same date, COL CRISTINO L BITANGA was designated acting commanding officer pursuant to general orders nr 304, HPA dated august 1985. During the initial stage of its organization, the brigade headquarters has been temporarily occupying the old Bachelor Officers Quarters, Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.

The Visayas comprising regions vi, vii and viii with a total of 14 provinces and two (2) sub- provinces (now provinces), was assigned to the 53rd engineer brigade as its AOR, while the 51st and 52nd engineer brigades operate in Luzon and Mindanao respectively, the brigade started with a low personnel fill-up of 20% and an equipment fill-up of 15.5% based on toe and with only 35 pcs of equipment.

The Brigade’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company was filed up on 16 September 1985 pursuant to sec i, general order number 1, Hqs 53ebde, pa dated 18 September 1985. Subsequently, on 16 October 1985, the personnel of 543rd and 552nd ECB’S together with its equipment were assigned to the 53rd engineer brigade. on 20 February 1986, the engineer maintenance company was activated pursuant to general orders number 8, Hqs 53ebde, pa dtd 26 February 1986. on 01 July 1986, the engineer construction company was activated pursuant to sec 1, general orders number 32 Hqs 53ebde, pa dated 10 July 1986. Initially, there were 13 officers and 15 EP assigned to the brigade headquarters and established its headquarters at Bula, Mambusao, Capiz on 16 October 1985, co-located with the headquarters of 552nd engineer construction battalion. Nevertheless, with the meager resources, the brigade was able to contribute p 0.80m worth of various infrastructures projects in the first year of its existence.

On 16 July 1986, the brigade increase in it strength from to (2) to three (3) ECB’s with the assignment of 546ecb from the 52ebde, pa pursuant to general orders number 194, HPA dtd 16 July 1986, COL BITANGA’s incumbency was short (1 year, 1 month and 15 days) but memorable enough and deserved a notch in the history of the corps of engineers, starting from a scratch, COL BITANGA worked hard to built the unit, for it was because of him that higher authorities realized the importance of having a brigade- size engineer unit in the visayas. The concept of regional implementation of the national development program with the army engineers as the implementing arm in areas where high security implications exists had been in the drawing boards for fourteen years. the visayas islands have only two ECB’s of the 51st engineer brigade then while there were six (6) in Luzon and six (6)  in Mindanao. such disparity in the deployment of engineer units was at last corrected by the activation of the 53ebde, pa of which, COL BITANGA could possibly claim credit.

On 14 October 1986, the late BRIGADIER GENERAL ARTIMIO H SARIO (then colonel) took over the reigns of command of the brigade, pursuant to general orders number 292, HPA dtd 13 October 1986. That month, the unit was tasked to undertake the construction development/development of military bases, so that the new brigade commander transferred the brigade headquarters to Camp Macario Peralta Jr in Jamindan, Capiz where massive multi-million pesos projects are to be undertaken. months later, the brigade was tasked to undertake the construction and development of infantry division and brigade bases in: Camp Bagacay, Hinabangan, Samar; Camp Hernandez, Dingle, Iloilo; And Camp Delgado, Iloilo City all of which, were successfully completed.

By then, services of the brigade became imperative. at this point in time, peace and order situation was deteriorating in the countryside, hence, projects under the national development effort (NDE) program of the government in the visayas were given to the brigade to implement. since the brigade then was heavily loaded with projects, most of the personnel of the Headquarters And Headquarters Company, the engineer maintenance company and the engineer construction support company were alternately deployed in the prosecution of these projects.

Upon the retirement of the late BRIGADIER GENERAL SARIO on 19 may 1988, the physical accomplishment of the unit rose from a mere p 0.618m during the first year to p 12.045 at the close of the brigade’s third year of existence.

COLONEL FEDERICO VILLAR, erstwhile deputy commander became the officer-in-charge on 19 may 1988. COLONEL DOMINADOR CATIBOG JR (PMA Class 60) finally, took command of the brigade pursuant to general order number 319, HPA dated 27 June 1988.

The administration of then Colonel Catibog Jr was characterized by productivity and dynamic which propelled the brigade to greater heights, more specifically in the construction of barangay farm-to-market roads, bridges and similar structures. Starting with just two (2) barangay road projects on 01 July 1988, it increased to ten (10) after four (4) months, and request for the services of the brigade kept mounting. As such, then Colonel Catibog began “complaining” about the inequitable distribution of resources/assets of the existing engineer brigades. He literally fought tooth and nail for the beefing up of strength and capability of this brigade. He invited high rank officers of higher headquarters to take a closer look at the situation in the hinterlands of the visayas to emphasize his point for the equitable distribution of engineer battalions to the engineer brigades.

The visayas islands have been sadly neglected and the focus of the countryside development was on the already progressive luzon provinces and the neglected “land of broken promises” – Mindanao. when 51st engineer brigade was activated on 15 july 1966, three (3) ECB’s were deployed in the visayas but this was reduced to two (2) in 1970 by the redeployment of the 542nd ECB, one among the originally activated battalions of the 51st Engineer Brigade, To South Cotabato in Mindanao in the middle of the 70;s
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At this point, the insurgency problem has escalated in the many islands of the visayas. To was too late to realize that the communist terrorist were slowly creeping into the hinterlands, poisoning the minds of the people on their godless ideology and convincing them to rise against the legitimate – Philippine government. Private constructors who won contracts to construct roads and bridges in the countryside were harassed and threatened. they gave “protection money” to the communist terrorists (CT’s) or else . . . ! those who refused to give suffered tremendous losses in personnel and equipment – the CT’s ambushed or harassed the work crews and laborers and either burn or dynamite – bomb their valuable pieces of heavy equipment – thus, government development programs in the countryside were abandoned – in order to keep the program going without interruption, the 53rd engineer brigade, Philippine Army was tapped to assist government agencies in the implementation of government deployment programs that were abandoned by private civilian contractors, or those that had been in the drawing boards for years and those that are located in very critical areas.

Because of the presented area studies and voluminous request from the implementing government agencies and local officials to then Colonel Catibog, then the brigade commander, the workforce of the brigade was strengthened with the assignment of 542ecb, the original “visayas born unit”, pursuant to general orders number 536, HPA dated 05 December 1988, then, a unit of the 52nd engineer brigade, pastationed at Claveria, Misamis Oriental, the vegetable basket of northern Mindanao which was badly influenced by the CT’s. the transfer of the unit was vehemently objected by the brigade commander of the 52nd engineer brigade, Philippine Army but then Colonel Catibog’s representation was so strong and convincing that “the 542nd ECB as an original unit intended for the visayas” – the unit arrived on the shores of Bacolod city on 12 January 1989 on board Philippine Navy vessel lt 502, Eastern Samar, from Cagayan De Oro City.

Eight (8) months of difficult experience in camp Macario Peralta Jr. Jamindan, Capiz brought about the change in station location of the brigade headquarters. Initially, the brigade commander established its main command post in Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City on 03 March 1988, because of its strategic location and being centrally located in the Visayas islands, makes it easy for our personnel to travel at any time to any point in the visayas or to manila when they are called for official business thereat. Today, the brigade Headquarters is permanently established at Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City, effective 01 July 1991 pursuant to  general order number 538, hpa dated 09 july 1991.

During the fruitful incumbency of then Brigadier General Dominador A Catibog Jr (he was promoted to star rank on 26 april 1990). the brigade accomplished some p 25.543m worth of various infrastructure projects mostly roads and school buildings, making a total of p 52.645m worth of accomplishments in terms of infrastructure for the development of the visayas during the four (4) years of the brigade’s existence.

Though how efficient the commander is, he has to somehow give way to others after serving his term with this unit. there is no doubt about the ability and sterling qualities of Brigadier General Catibog Jr, but his expertise was needed to steer the AFP corps of engineers at general Headquarters as its chief. so, on 01 December 1990, he was relieved as commanding general, 53rd engineer brigade, Philippine Army pursuant to section 1 general orders number 635 HPA, dated 26 November 1990 and in his stead then Colonel Lucino A Duldulao )PMA Cl 63), then the deputy brigade commander, was designated as the acting brigade commander pursuant to section ii general orders number 635 dated 26 November 1990.

Having vast experienced in different types of horizontal and vertical construction like his predecessors, Col Duldulao was thus best suited to the job. an officer with sterling leadership and foresight, he always give emphasis to the morale and welfare of his officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees whom he considers “ the backbones and sinews of the organization “ thereby molding them into an effective and potent force well motivated, deeply dedicated and disciplined soldiers”.

When Col Duldulao assumed command on 01 December 1990, the brigade has an all time high workloads worth p 157,882,438.53 which is 14 times the average yearly workload of the brigade during the past five years. this amount represents the cost of numerous projects such as concrete and graveled surface roads, two (2) storey-ten-classroom school building, reinforced concrete deck girder bridges, concrete overflow bridges, development of settlement areas for rebel returnees and similar structures in Panay, Negros, Bohol, Leyte and Samar islands.

Undertaking multi-million pesos worth of projects spread in vast area separated by bodies of water and teeming with lawless elements is a Herculean job. Administration and supervision of the projects require courage and intrepidity. hopping from one island to another by air, sea and land or traveling on a rickety pump boat that conks and cranks as it moves through winding rivers and choppy pacific coast of Samar island are hazards, the commander has to overcome if only to fulfill his delegation and make that such management tools as visits and inspections are effectively carried out.

With the characteristics impulse of a man with a mystic sense of self-appointed mission, then Colonel Duldulao usually go through these ordeals without regard for his personal safety and comfort, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of his officers and men in the field. Through his management expertise, then Colonel Duldulao was able to effectively utilized to the maximum the meager personnel and equipment resources of his units. although beset by such problems, he did not crave for what he knows higher headquarters could not afford to provide his emphasis centered on the upkeep of every piece of equipment which according to him must be given equal importance to that of the maintenance of morale and welfare of personnel, for these are the determinants that spells success or failures of our mission.

Under then Colonel Lucino a Duldulao’s leadership, the 53rd engineer brigade, Philippine Army is in the thick of the fight and it will continue to fulfill its mission in the visayas islands no matter what the odds and barriers are. Due to his unparalleled accomplishments, he was also promoted to star rank on 25 September 1992 pursuant to para-1 general order number 802, GHQ, AFP dated 26 September 1992.

Bgen Lucino A Duldulao has compulsory retired from the military service on 30 June 1994, after more that three (3) fruitful years of serving the brigade. pursuant to section ii general orders number 650 HPA dated 28 July 1994. Colonel Arsenio Fernandez Jr, the erstwhile chief engineers of the Philippine Army, was installed as the new commanding officer of the 53rd engineer brigade, Philippine Army on 20 June 1994. the accomplishment under the command of Colonel Fernandez Jr were: 101.945 kilometers of roads and bridges costing about p239.45m; development of National Shrine In Iloilo costing p15m; construction of PFVR school building in the amount   p2.760m and the maintenance of provincial and municipal roads of the provinces of Negros Occidental and Oriental in the amount of 7.842m pesos or a total workload worth 250.057m pesos.

As partner for progress and development in the visayas region, the brigade have completed various infrastructure projects of DPWH and other line agencies of the government, which civilian contractors refused to undertake or have abandoned, due to “ high security implications”. during the period, it has accomplished a total of p17.460m worth of completed projects on the strength of approved memorandum of agreement.

COLONEL ALEXANDER C COSTALES CE (GSC) PA assumed the position as the commanding officer of this brigade on 04 October 1995, pursuant to PARA 3 special orders nr 101 HPA dated 26 may 1995 following the compulsory retirement from the military service of COLONEL ARSENIO D FERNANDEZ JR CE (GSC) PA, presided in a historic evening turnover of command by LT GENERAL ORLANDO Y SORIANO AFP, then the commanding general of the Philippine Army. Barely, three years, the brigade proved worthy of their saying as mighty builders when various civil works and military projects were entrusted to the unit for them to undertake. vertical and horizontal constructions were completed ahead of the target date to the using agencies. among these notable projects were the VISCOM officers club house, Balantang Memorial Shrine In Jaro, Iloilo City. Three community defense center buildings in Tacloban City and Antique. Road maintenance in Negros island, PFVR buildings in Lope De Vega and Cagugubangan In Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar and the completion of major bridges and road construction in Palapag, Catubig And Gamay, Northern Samar last may and December 1997. total of these completed projects amounted to two hundred forty million four hundred seven thousand one hundred eighty pesos (p 240,407,180.00) which benefited some twenty five (25 %) percent of the 70 million Filipinos in the visayas region.

Colonel Costales, the seventh commander or the 53rd engineer brigade was promoted to star rank on 21 july 1998. he relinquished his command to COLONEL CESAR P GOPILAN CE (GSC) PA effective 07 august 1999 pursuant to PARA 1, special orders nr 152 HPA dated 06 august 1999. the former was designated as Vice Commander, Philippine Army.

For one year and nine months, Col Gopilan has rendered exemplary performance in carrying out AFP objectives especially on socio-economic development in the visayas. Under his stewardship the 53rd engineer brigade, Philippine Army significantly completed 46 military and civil works projects with an aggregated amount of fifty-four (54) million pesos. Additionally, he instituted a comprehensive equipment repair program increasing the serviceability profile of both engineer and ordnance equipment including the rebuilt of four (4) vehicles previously discarded by other units. he also initiated the renovation and construction of brigade facilities like the SOQ, motor pool, brigade training unit building and staff offices. Under his guidance, the unit conducted extensive training activities having conducted 69 in-service training benefiting 764 organic personnel. on civil military operations, he orchestrated the conduct of an intensified CMO offensive benefiting 25,512 civilians.

His sterling leadership and outstanding management made the unit the best engineer unit of the Philippine Army among the five (5) engineer brigades for four (4) consecutive quarters which feat has been maintained by the unit up to now. He relinquished command on 04 may 2001. In view of his designation as the chief engineer, AFP and was subsequently promoted to a star rank effective 17 July 2001.

Colonel Roberto G Dimayuga Mnsa-Gsc (Ce) Pa assumed his post as the ninth commander of the 53rd Engineer Brigade. BRIGADIER GENERAL ROBERTO G DIMAYUGA AFP was promoted to the star rank effective 16 April 2003. for the period, the brigade completed 48 president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s (PGMA) school buildings, which are strategically located at the depressed barangays in the visayas. as head of the 53rd engineer brigade, he contributed greatly in implementing countryside development program through the construction of farm to market roads, artesian wells, bridges and other related infrastructure projects which  were  part and parcel of the civil military operations of the armed forces of the Philippines and the national development program.

In line with the mission of the brigade, he initiated the completion of three (3) units of 10-door apartment of the 8th infantry division, 3rd infantry division of the Philippine army and central command, AFP. he is  also instrumental in the renovation and rehabilitation of central command, AFP facilities as part of the base development projects of the armed forces of the Philippines.
He places to the optimum the state of morale and welfare of military personnel, civilian employees as well as their dependents. These consist of the improvements on the brigade facilities and a designated area for housing in the AFP reservation that was made available for the personnel. On the other hand, his valuable contributions to human resource developments are the trainings, promotions and giving of awards to deserving personnel.

On the 23rd of July 2004, COL REYNALDO N BANGIT CE (GSC) PA, then the deputy commander for operations took the reign of the command pursuant to general orders nr 349. days later he assumed the command a Herculean task was given to Colonel Bangit by her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal –Arroyo to undertake the rehabilitation and repair of the old cebu custom building converted into malacañang sa sugbo.

From period 23 July 2004 to date, the brigade in this project accomplishment has total workload amounting to p107,868,295.10 for sixty five (65) various projects amounting to p75,674,301.23 or an equivalent of 70.10% have been accomplished. these projects include civil works with fifteen (15) various road construction, repair and rehabilitation and ten (10) other infrastructure projects to include the construction of 140 units core shelters at Brgy Esperanza, San Ricardo, Southern Leyte. The project was intended for the less fortunate victims of land slide, the disaster that devastated the area sometimes in december2003. among other special projects tasked to the unit was the repair and renovation of the old Cebu  custom building that was converted to “malacañang sa sugbo”, the second residence  and office of the president in the visayas. During Col Bangit stint as the commander, there were sixteen PGMA school buildings constructed and three (3) combat support projects in the brigade’s area of responsibility were completed.

Presently, the brigade was tasked by no less than her Excellency president Gloria Macapagal –Arroyo to undertake a road opening project connecting the provinces of northern and eastern samar. PGMA is determined to alleviate the living condition of the people in the area and the construction of a 5.22 kms all weather road connecting the two (2) towns of lapinig and jipapad evidently leading to the development not only to the mentioned towns but also of the whole provinces of northern and eastern Samar.

No matter what the odds and barriers the brigade faces, it will always hold its banner fly high with pride over the visayas and will always uphold to its motto “to build not destroy, to bring happiness not sorrow”.