3ID celebrates 112 years of Philippine Independence
Division Public Affairs Office, Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz - Aside
from the usual flag-raising ceremonies held in all military camps in
Panay and Negros, the 3rd Infantry Division took our 112th Philippine
Independence Day celebration one step further by lining up several
activities that allowed for greater visibility and interaction between
our citizens and our armed forces. In close coordination with SM City
Iloilo, your Spearhead troopers were given a chance to showcase our
tactical and operational capabilities by opening a military exhibit
within the mall premises. The exhibit was conducted both inside the mall
for the weapons, uniforms, and equipment, and outside where the
different military vehicles, tanks, artillery, and rescue equipment were
displayed. A recruitment booth was also set up manned by our able Army
recruiters to provide information to those interested in pursuing a
career in the AFP. The 3-day exhibit was opened on June 11, 2010.
On June 12, 2010, the SM City Iloilo marketing team headed by Ms Kristin
Rojo Yap integrated our troops and our vehicles into their Independence
Day celebration. Their theme was: "Independence Day: Celebrating our
Modern-day Heroes" and in line with their theme of heroism a
re-enactment of the first EDSA Revolution aptly opened the day's
ceremonies. Our armored vehicles and soldiers participated in this
re-enactment which greatly magnified the effect and gave the celebration
greater impact. There were approximately 3,000 people in attendance.
LtCol George Joel N Lalaquil, the Commander of the 82nd Infantry (Bantaylaya)
Battalion, represented the Philippine Army during the program and in his
message he emphasized that our flag is the greatest symbol of our
independence. "Let us not allow our beloved flag to be replaced with a
flag exhibiting the hammer and sickle on a red field, the flag of
Communism. Let us continue to be vigilant in protecting this symbol so
that we may continue to live as a free nation, as Filipinos." Lalaquil
added.
Iloilo City Mayor-elect Jed Patrick Mabilog, thanked the Philippine Army
for their support in helping make this year's Independence Day
celebration a memorable one. In his message, he expressed that it has
always been his desire to ride our Army's Simba Tank and playfully asked
permission from Ltc Lalaquil to which the latter agreed. Later on, a
photo-op was set up with the Mayor-elect and our soldiers after the
program ended.
The program continued with one of our soldier’s heartfelt rendition of
the National Anthem as the flag was being raised and ended with the
release of 112 balloons symbolizing 112 years of our Independence.
According to 1Lt Mark Andrew Posadas, the 3ID Information Officer, "Our
unit is very fortunate to have been able to be a part of this year's
celebration and we hope to be able to do this again with as much
grandeur next year. Our main objective was to not only showcase our
capabilities but also to allow the civilians that we serve to interact
with our soldiers in the hopes that they may be inspired to be all that
they can be. Inspire them to not necessarily join the profession of arms
but to be a modern-day hero just like our soldiers."
This year's Independence Day celebration was one of the most memorable
not only for residents of Iloilo but also for our troops. The strong
support given to us by our citizens is evidenced by their interest in
our soldiers and their willingness and acceptance of our role in society
as they flocked towards our exhibit flashing smiles and gleefully
interacting with our soldiers. This acceptance and love strengthens our
soldiers' resolve to continue his sacrifices in a profession that swears
its life to protecting our nation.
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