Philippine Army Honors Troops, Civilians at 3ID Anniversary

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Several outstanding personnel and military units were recognized for exceptional service during the 51st founding anniversary of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID).

The awarding ceremony was held on May 30 at the 3ID covered gym at Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.

Capt. Renato G. Ballena Jr. of the 47th Infantry Battalion was named Outstanding Officer of the Year, while Sgt. Marjun U. Timtim, also of the 47th IB, received the Outstanding Enlisted Personnel of the Year award.

Other individual awardees included:

• CAA Egan G. Danoso (Delta Co., 79IB) – Outstanding CAA of the Year
• 2nd Lt. Karen Grace B. Sabedorio (Res) (6RCDG – 604th RRIBn, 604th CDC) – Outstanding Reservist Officer of the Year, Region 6
• 1st Lt. Lowell P. Signap (Res) (7RCDG – 701st RRIBn) – Outstanding Reservist Officer of the Year, Region 7
• Sgt. Jaypee B. Allona (Res) (6RCDG – 604th RRIBn, 604th CDC) – Outstanding Reservist Enlisted Personnel, Region 6
• Sgt. Theresa G. Resgonia (Res) (7RCDG – 701st RRIBn) – Outstanding Reservist Enlisted Personnel, Region 7
• Passi City College ROTC – Best ROTC Unit, Region 6
• Trinidad Municipal College ROTC – Best ROTC Unit, Region 7
• Danna Kenya T. Fernandez, Admin Aide IV (OG1) – Outstanding Civilian Human Resource of the Year

Col. Constander V. Cahayon, Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence of 3ID, received the Distinguished Service Medal.

Lt. Col. Arturo S. Balgos Jr. was conferred the Gawad sa Kapayapaan, while Cpl. Ruel A. Arellano received the Gold Cross Medal.

Bronze Cross Medals were awarded to Sgt. Isagani M. Abanilla, Cpl. Jovanie B. Respecio, and Pvt. Jay-Ar M. Llavore.

The CGPA Kalasag Streamers were awarded to the 62IB, 79IB, 94IB, 6FSSU, and 3rd Civil Military Operations Battalion.

CGPA Kabatiran Streamers were given to the 7th Intelligence Service Unit (two) and the 3rd Military Intelligence Battalion (four).

The 12th IB and 61st IB received CGPA Bayanihan Streamers, while the 47th IB and 82IB earned CGPA Major Engagement Streamers.

The 82nd IB also received the CGPA Significant Accomplishment Streamer.

The 301st Brigade was awarded two Bayanihan, three Major Engagement, and two Significant Accomplishment streamers.

The 302nd Brigade received a Major Engagement Streamer, while the 303rd Brigade earned a Kalasag Streamer.

The 3ID as a unit received two Bayanihan, four Major Engagement, two Significant Accomplishment, and one Kalasag streamer.

The division also recognized civilian partners for their support of its peace and development initiatives.

Honorees included Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, spokesperson of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) 6.

Other awardees were Raul Fernandez (OCD-6 regional director), Dr. Joseph Dean Nicolo (Western Visayas Medical Center chief), Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel (DPWH-6 regional director), Danilo Villa Jr. (DPWH-7 regional director), Engr. Romulo Sumaculub (DENR assistant chief, SMDT), and Engr. Jonnel Borres (NIA-6 regional director).

Also cited were Cedric Sazon (CEO, Southwest Travel and Tours), Arwin Razo (DSWD-6 regional director), ENP Cheryl Amor (PIA-7 regional head), Mayor Oscar Richard Garin Jr. of Miagao, Iloilo, and the Rotary Club of Roxas City.

3ID also honored its enlisted personnel, CAA members, and civilian staff who demonstrated excellence in their duties.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Philippine Army commanding general, led the program alongside 3ID commander Maj. Gen. Michael Samson.

Galido praised the Spearhead Troopers for upholding discipline and professionalism, saying these traits define the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Always remember our foundation is our training and discipline,” Galido said.

“This is what distinguishes us and is the pillar behind our accomplishments. I express my utmost gratitude to all of you for maintaining the standard of discipline unique to the Army and the AFP.”

Government officials, local leaders, media, and personnel from 3ID’s organic, operational control, and tenant units attended the event.

Following the ceremony, Galido inaugurated new facilities aimed at enhancing 3ID’s infrastructure and operational readiness.

These upgrades are expected to boost efficiency and provide better support for military personnel in the field.