THE 1001ST Infantry (Pag-asa) Brigade culminates its series of activities in connection with the celebration of its 17th founding anniversary at its headquarters in Barangay Mapaang, Maco, Davao de Oro.
The anniversary theme was “Fostering Collective Commitment: Building and Sustaining Insurgency-Free Communities.”
Brigadier General Ronnie Babac, 1001st Infantry Brigade commander, said the anniversary was celebrated first with a wreath-laying and awarding ceremony to the deserving personnel. On Aug. 18, the Brigade paid solemn tribute to its fallen heroes.
This heartfelt homage took the form of a wreath-laying activity with Davao del Norte Governor Edwin I. Jubahib gracing the event.
Since its activation, the Brigade has mourned the loss of 50 valiant soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace.
Following this poignant ceremony, the Brigade proceeded to bestow awards and recognition on its personnel who exhibited exceptional professionalism and unwavering dedication to their duties in the execution of their missions.
The Brigade hosted a Stakeholders’ Recognition at the Big 8 Hotel in Tagum City on Aug. 24, with Davao de Oro First District Representative Maria Carmen Zamora as the guest of honor and speaker.
He said the gathering was a token of appreciation for the steadfast support provided by various stakeholders, enabling the Brigade to effectively carry out its mandate.
Among the esteemed stakeholders acknowledged were Zamora, vice governors Tyron Uy and De Carlo Uy of Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte, respectively, along with other elected officials, the business sector, the youth, and the media sector, among others.
Also, the Brigade hosted the Anniversary Socials on Aug. 25 at its headquarters, honoring and commending the sacrifices of its dedicated soldiers who significantly contributed to the successful accomplishment of its mission.
The event not only boosted the morale of the troops but also ignited their enthusiasm to continue performing at their best. It was graced by 2nd District of Davao de Oro Rep. Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga as the guest of honor and speaker.
During his speech, Gonzaga thanked the troops who sacrificed a lot in pursuit of genuine peace in the province.
The final part of the celebration was the anniversary program proper featuring Major General Jose Eriel M. Niembra, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, as the guest of honor and speaker.
During the program, several stakeholders received plaques of recognition for their steadfast support of the Brigade and its controlled units, as well as for their outstanding contributions to their respective missions.
Special recognition was also given to personnel who had demonstrated exemplary performance in their assigned tasks.
Additionally, the Kapatagan Council of Women People’s Organization was acknowledged for its economic resilience, having transitioned from a former underground mass organization exploited by the communist terrorist group.
Likewise, Rep. Gonzaga received the prestigious Parangal ng Kapanalig sa Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas in recognition of his dedication and unwavering support for the 1001st Brigade’s efforts to maintain peace and eliminate insurgency in Davao de Oro, which marked its 1st Anniversary on June 22, 2023.
In his message, Brigadier General Babac expressed his profound gratitude to the unit’s stakeholders and urged them to continue their partnership with the security sector to sustain the insurgency-free status of the brigade’s area of responsibility.
Likewise, during his keynote speech, Niembra encouraged the Pag-asa troops to remain vigilant against any potential resurgence of communist terrorist groups in the region.
He emphasized that the insurgency-free status of the entire Davao Region remained threatened until the CTGs in the boundaries and adjacent provinces and regions were completely defeated.
The 1001st Infantry Brigade was established on Aug. 16, 2006, alongside the birth of the 10th Infantry Division, to effectively address insurgency issues in Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and portions of Agusan del Sur.
