9ID Celebrates a Decade of Dedicated Service in Bicol

Published by 9ID, DIVISION PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

The Philippine Army’s major unit in Bicol based in Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur commemorates its 10^th Foundation Anniversary today, October 1st, which was graced by General Gregorio Pio P Catapang, AFP Chief of Staff, represented by General Virgilio O Domingo, The Deputy Chief of Staff, as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

Among the other Infantry Divisions of the Philippine Army, 9ID is one of the youngest Division. The Anniversary theme for this year is dubbed “Isang Dekada ng Tapat na Paglilingkod”.

General Virgilio O Domingo was warmly welcomed by Major General Yerson E Depayso, 9ID Commander upon his arrival to the Division headquarters by according him a Brigade-size full military honors. Immediately, a Battalion-size troop rendered a Wreath laying Ceremony at the 9ID Heroes Memorial honoring its fallen comrades who offered their lives in the service of peace. One of the Anniversary day celebration highlights is the recognition of civilians and military personnel who have valuable contributions to the accomplishment of 9ID mission. 

Among those military personnel who received awards are: 

Gold Cross Medal PFC Ronel B Baldo 881867 (Infantry) PA of 903Bde.

Military Merit Medal (with 2nd Bronze Spearhead Device) 1Lt ROGELIO S VELANO O-15284 (INFANTRY) PA of 2IB

Military Merit Medal (with1st Bronze Spearhead Device)Sgt Joselito A Calites 832705 (Infantry) PPA of 2IB

Military Merit Medal SECOND LIEUTENANT MAYFORD A GANAR O-16551 (INFANTRY) PHILIPPINE ARMY of 2IB

Plaque of Recognition (Officer of the Yea)1LT RORY P ESICO O-15261 (Inf)PA of 31ST Infantry Battalion

Plaque of Recognition (Enlisted Personnel of the Year) Sgt Joseph C Dela Rama 840345 (Inf) PA of 31st Infantry Battalion

Plaque of Recognition (CAFGU Active Auxilliary of the Year) Caa Erwin E Gazo of 22nd Infantry (CAFGU) Battalion

Commander, 9ID Streamer (Best Brigade) 903rd Infantry Brigade

Commander, 9ID Streamer (Best Battalion) 31st Infantry Battalion

Commander, 9ID Streamer (Best Division Reconnaissance Company)92nd Division Reconnaisance Company

The civilian awardees who were partners of 9ID that greatly contributed to the accomplishment of the Command’s mission who received Plaque of Recognition are:

Local Chief Executive

Hon Antonio M Ortiz-Chairman, Brgy Poblacion Castilla, Sorsogon

Private Entities/Non-Government Organization

SM City Naga

Philippine Red Cross – Catanduanes

Private Individuals:

Msgr Zosimo Ma Sañado, H.P., S.T.L. Parish Priest, St Thaddeus Parish

Ms.Romielyn N Mago Facilitator/active partner of 42IB during the conduct of YLS trainings and other activities.

Dr Manuel R Labares Dentist, Cam Norte Prov Hospital (Reservist)

Ms. Mariam Jocilyn Orbita-Saavedra Chairperson of Ateneo de Naga University Physical Education Department

Mr Lorenzo C Lu Jr. Operations Manager NFH Construction

Major General Depayso also acknowledged the attendance of the distinguished guests from the military, PNP, Local Chief Executives of the Local Government Units all over the region, Heads of Government Agencies, members of the Multi-Sector Advisory Board, media, clergy, civilian friends, and supporters of 9ID.  They were also invited to glance the Audio Visual Presentations and Photo Static Display prepared for the visitors.

Prior to its Anniversary day celebration, a week-long pre-anniversary activities were prepared by its Command. Among those are the 3-day Squad & Team Challenge held at the Division headquarters last September 23-25; Golf Tournament at Haciendas de Naga on September 24; and Community Outreach Program at Brgys Calanday and Antipolo, Baao, Camarines Sur benefiting 300 natives held last September 26.

The Anniversary Shootfest was formally commenced by Major General Ricardo Visaya, Commander of AFP’s Southern Luzon Command along his visit to 9ID last September 25. During the weekend, the ‘Kampo Bayanihan’ was launched with Audio Visual Presentations and Photo Static Display at SM City Naga on September 27-28 which showcased 9ID’s history and evolution, especially its accomplishments and successful endeavors throughout the years.   

Moreover, a “Fun Run for a Cause” was held at the Division headquarters on September 28 attended by more or less one thousand runners from military personnel, military dependents, civilian friends, barangay officials, media, students, and other partners. The proceeds were donated to the natives of Brgys Caranday and Antipolo, Baao, Camarines Sur. After which, military and civilian friends competed on the Badminton Tournament, the same day.

During the Monday Flag Raising last September 29, the winners of the Pre-Anniversary activities were awarded which was followed by the Anniversary message of Major General Yerson E Depayso, 9ID Commander.

The Division-wide Tree Planting Activity was also held at Brgy Curry, Pili, Camarines Sur on September 30 which was participated by students and youths with a total of 3,500 seedlings planted at the foot of Mt. Isarog. A Thanksgiving mass was also held officiated by Rev. Fr and Captain Jerome Daluro at the St. Martin of Tours Chapel during the morning of the Anniversary day.

General Domingo conveyed the message of General Catapang, Chief of Staff of AFP. “I would like to extend my congratulations to the officers, men, women and civilian employees of the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division who have worked hard in order to achieve 9ID’s vision of having a responsive, capable, and efficient Army in Bicol region. The enduring commitment of all the Spear troopers in serving the people, defending freedom, promoting peace, and building the nation has contributed for it to be a strong organization.”

Throughout the ten years of selfless service, 9ID has survived and has been resilient – a military organization committed to serving the Bicolanos, promoting peace and development in Bicol region.