BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – With the theme “124 Years of Excellence and Commitment in Serving the People, Securing the Land”, the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB) celebrated the 124th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army at its Headquarters in Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista on Monday, March 22, 2021.
Among the highlights of the 23IB’s commemoration of the PA Founding Anniversary include the flag-raising, reaffirmation of the oath of allegiance, the reading of the message of Lt. Gen. Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, and the donning of ranks to the newly-promoted officers.
The activity on Monday was led by Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Commanding Officer of the 23IB.
In his message, Paulo recognized the dedication of the Masigasig troopers in performing their sacred duty and their willingness to sacrifice their lives to protect the people and secure the land.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Masigasig troopers for giving their best to help accomplish the unit’s mission in clearing the conflict-affected areas within the unit’s areas of operations,” Paulo said.
He also emphasized that the 124th anniversary of the Philippine Army is the commemoration of the bravery and the heroic acts of the soldiers who risked their lives to give the people the peace that they longed for.
“Let us continue to remain firm in doing our duties to make excellent outcomes that will greatly contribute to making the unit one of the Best Performing Battalions in the Philippine Army. We may encounter a series of problems and challenges along the way, but let us stand still and never surrender to do our mandated task,” Paulo said.
The 23Ib commander also applauded the newly-promoted officers and thanked them for their untiring and selfless services rendered to the unit.
“You really deserve to be promoted to the next higher rank because you did your best to help handle the troops during the planning and implementation of different activities that benefitted many people in our areas of operations (AORs). May you always stand as good role models to your subordinates and to the Enlisted Personnel who needs your guidance and support,” Paulo said.
