ISABELA CITY, Basilan, June 14 (PIA) – The
Western Command (Wescom) Commander Lt. Gen. Juancho M. Sabban, AFP, presented a
Philippine military medal on June 4 to the commander of Naval Forces West in
Palawan along with 11 other military awardees.
NFW Public Affairs Officer Lt. Karen A.
Abulon PN reported in a press release that Lt.Gen. Sabban presented the “Gawad
sa Kaunlaran” Medal to Commodore Joseph Rustom O. Peña, Philippine Navy, as
fitting recognition for his contributions to community development. The award
recognized Peña’s efforts during the “show the flag mission” last year, at a
formal ceremony held at Camp Artemio Ricarte in Puerto Princesa City.
Sabban reiterated his gratitude for the
assistance extended by the Navforwest, through the leadership and command of
Peña, to the mission of Wescom to bring about conditions conducive to nation
building and peace, progress, and prosperity in Palawan. He emphasized that the
“Gawad sa Kaunlaran” is an award given for acts that are geared towards
development which has been the cornerstone of the military command.
“The award of the Gawad sa Kaunlaran was
given to Commodore Peña for his pursuits and infallible contributions to the
socioeconomic and noncombat activities of the Western Command, and the AFP as a
whole,” said Sabban.
Peña shared the honor he received with the
men and women that he worked with at the Naval Forces West. He acknowledged the
effort and dedication of the Navy to help bring about peace and prosperity in
areas that have been embroiled with strife and allow individuals and families
to hope for a better future, while recognizing that more still needs to be
done.
“Confident in our collective achievements
over the past, I challenge all of you to continue moving forward in this common
cause leveraging the same innovation, ingenuity and initiative that has brought
us to this historic moment. It has been my distinct pleasure to serve with
you,” said Peña said.
Also awarded during the ceremonies were the military
merit medal conferred to three officers: Wescom Dental Service commanding
officer Col. Loreto Comora; Maj. Nichols Camacho and Capt. Carmelito B.
Cervantes of the dental services given for the conduct of dental civic action
program dubbed as "Operation Bunot". Similarly, military commendation
medals were given to ten enlisted personnel headed by Chief Master Sgt. Allan
B. Brabante, Philippine Army, for their successful formulation of policies for
the enhancement of the Western Command's operational thrusts both in internal
peace and territorial defense operations under the office of the assistant
chief of staff of the unified command. (NFW/RVC/PIA9-ZBST)