By Gideon C. Corgue
LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – The Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division based in this town will celebrate its 78th founding anniversary come May 5.
Tabak, which specializes in anti-guerilla warfare, was established on May 5, 1936 as the 1st regular division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and was stationed at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
On December 4, 1989, it was transferred and stationed in Camp Major Cesar L Sang-an in Barangay Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur.
The division is known as world's best anti-guerilla fighters in Asia combating terrorists in Southern Mindanao.
In a press release issued by the Division Public Affairs Office, it said that several activities were lined up for the month-long celebration, which formally commenced last April 8 with no less than the Tabak commander, Maj. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. as guest of honor and speaker during the opening ceremony held at the division grandstand.
A squad challenge was held on the opening day with participants from the different battalions under 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division. They competed for a week to test their individual and collective competence as squad and to promote teamwork, leadership and unity.
An inter-color sports fest was also held with eight teams actively participating in different fun games, basketball, lawn tennis and badminton.
On April 26 at 9 a.m., a photo exhibit will be conducted at Gaisano Mall to update the public on the army’s capabilities in safeguarding Filipino people and protecting the country’s sovereignty. This will be followed by a fun run on May 3 to be held at Pagadian City starting at Plaza Luz to rotunda.
The event, which will start at 4 a.m. will have the following features: a 3-kilometer, 5-kilometer, and 7-kilometer run. It aims to foster harmonious relationship with the stakeholders in support of the Army’s Internal Peace and Security Plan dubbed as “Bayanihan.”
Following the fun run, a motorcade will also be held from Plaza Luz to barangay Kawit to be capped by a clean-up drive at the coastal area of said barangay.
On May 3, a medical and dental outreach program for indigent patients will also be conducted at Barangay Deburok, Pagadian City.
At 10 a.m. on May 7, an anniversary parade and arrival honors will be held at the Tabak Grandstand, and in the evening, an anniversary night will be held at the 1st Infangtry Divisions old parade ground.