CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – As part of this year’s commemoration of the 126th Philippine Independence Day, the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division staged a Static Display, Military Fair and MusiKalayaan at the Activity Center, Centrio, Ayala Malls, Cagayan de Oro City on Monday, June 10, 2024.
The said activity showcased some of the Army’s military assets and capabilities, offering the general public an up-close look at the tools, equipment, and resources that enable soldiers to perform their duties effectively. Likewise, it provided education on the Army’s transformation and its multi-faceted roles and mission for peace and nation-building.
It was a collaboration with different units under the 4ID spearheaded by the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, G7 of 4ID led by Col. Reynald Romel Goce.
“4ID offers this experience to the general public every year as a gesture of humility and gratitude for the continuous trust and support in all our endeavors and our opportunity to open up the Army’s transformation and demonstrate our progress to become a world-class and respectable Army. Likewise, this year’s celebration provides us again a chance to remember the sacrifices of our forefathers and the freedom they have fought for through our MusiKalayaan, a mini-peace concert performed by the 4ID Band showcasing Army’s talents and peace songs,” Col. Goce said.
The event also featured an all-female Infantry Squad presenting the individual roles and capabilities of each member of an infantry squad performed by the Headquarter and Headquarters Service Company and the troops of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, demonstrations from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and K-9 Unit. Moreover, the Army Recruitment Office – Mindanao also conducted initial interviews and pre-registration with aspiring soldiers.
In a statement, 4ID Commander Major General Jose Maria R Cuerpo II conveyed his sincerest gratitude to all stakeholders who sponsored and supported the event, especially those families and friends who came and witnessed the event to celebrate and commemorate the Philippine Independence Day.
“The activity is our way of showing the public our unrelenting commitment to serving the Filipino people, to pay tribute and honoring our forefathers, fallen soldiers, and our nation’s heroes, who showed gallantry and paid the ultimate sacrifice to attain and protect this freedom. Beyond the displays and demonstrations, we are fostering a positive relationship with our civilian stakeholders through numerous opportunities for interaction between soldiers and the public. Also, we ought to give back to our people, the communities who constantly believed in us and supported us in protecting our hard-fought freedom. We assure all our stakeholders that we will remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting peace and development in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region,” MGen. Cuerpo added.
