Brigade Celebrates Anniversary, Opens Doors to Media

                                          RIC CLET, DWIZ Broadcast Correspondent

                                                            December 12, 2014

Iligan City -After a number of years, the 2^nd Mechanized Brigade based in Maria Cristina Iligan City, under a new command has opened its doors to the local media by inviting members of the press to its anniversary program on December 12 and sponsoring a “media night” at its headquarters located just in front of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). 

During the anniversary celebration, Brigade Commander Col Gilbert I Gapay, CAV (GSC) PA highlighted the performance of the army in the current peacebuilding efforts of the national government.  Awards were given to soldiers who made exemplary performance in non-combat work that created social impact in the different communities that they served.  Included in this category is the rescue of kidnapped victims in Lanao that led to the solution of the case.  Innovative and effective social projects introduced by the officers and men of the brigade were given recognition during the celebration.   

                                                     Seated center-left is Col. Gapay, beside him at right is                                                                                                                    Jun Enriquez, newly elected President of Magbalantay

                                                     Defense Press Corps.

To top the occasion, a media-friendly stance was exhibited by the brigade by giving out awards of recognition to most members of the press who first met with the new command earlier during the planning of the events.  An emotive but highly informative speech was given by Deputy Brigade Commander Col Felicisimo C Budiongan, CAV (GSC) PA in his welcome address.  Father Rosito Claro and Imam Aladin Diron provided the interfaith opening prayers.  The mass singing was led by PFC Charlie Aligor.  Among the guests were MNLF Commander  Joseph Sanguila of Kauswagan.  The military likewise gave out awards of recognition to officers of non-government organizations who helped in the peace process in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte.  The NGCP management also received an award from the brigade through Emy Abellanose, Mindanao Vice President .

On December 13 at about, the officers and men of the 2^ndMechanized Infantry Brigade tendered a party or “media night” for all the members of the local press based mostly in Iligan City.  After dinner and drinks that was highlighted by a singing band from nearby Cagayan de Oro City, and election of officers of the “Magbalantay Defense Press Corps” was conducted.  This activity was agreed upon earlier during the initial planning between the army and the media.  Those elected into office were the following:

President  Juanito “Jun” Enriquez of  Real Radio, Vice President for Print Salem Arellano of  Mindanao Scoop, VP for Broadcast Biema Minosa  Radyo ng Bayan; VP for Online Irma Boza,  Iligan Web;  Secretary  Emmie De Los Santos, Brigada news FM;  Assistant Secretary Cris Quinabato , RMN- dxIC; Treasurer Nora Sorino  Bureau chief, Gold Star Daily; Auditor Erlinda Genovia, Gold Star Daily; PIO Gener Cabanday, RMN-dxIC;

                                                                                                                                                                   

Social Managers :  Gene De Guzman, Brigada News FM;  Mariz Revales, GMANews online;  Julia “JanJan” Tesio Pecasales,;  Peace Officers:  Allan Amantiad , Brigada News FM; Tito De Castro, Brigada News FM; Edgar Olivar, Love Radio FM;  

Board of Directors  Pastor Tenorio, Jr , Love Radio;  Pastor Reu Montecillo;  Ted Khan R Juanite, Magazine Mindanaw;  Ric Clet, dwIZ-Manila; Armand Apolinario, Love Radio FM; Bonita Ermac, Gold Star Daily;  Merlyn Manos, GMA;  Mar Sabate, Meus Radio FM; and Eric Tiempo, Brigada News FM.    

Col. Gapay delivered a message before the newly elected 

officers  of the Magbalantay Defense Press Corps.

In his speech, Brigade Commander Gapay emphasized the importance of right communication among the members of the press, and clarified certain issues that were important to the success of the peace process.  He emphasized that contrary to circulating text messages, the peace process between the national government and the MILF will be finalized and pushed through.  

In a telephone,First Tabak Division commander Maj.General Gerardo Barrientos aired his christmas  message and congratulated the officers and members of the Magbalantay Press Corps and hoping to  have a  productive and fruitful partnership between the the 1st division and its area of responsibility (AOR) and members of the press for effectively carry out its duties and responsibility to the community.