By Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY – “The Tabak Defense Press Corps (TDPC) is a vital partner in the promotion of peace and prosperity in our area of responsibility.”
This was the statement of Capt. Jefferson Somera, outgoing Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief, during the election of TPDC officers for calendar year 2014-2015 held recently at the regional office of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in this city.
“Without them the programs and activities of the 1ID will not be materialized,” he said adding “the TPDC has greatly contributed to the successful implementation of the division’s successful implementation of its programs especially the Internal Peace Security Plan or ‘BAYANIHAN’ campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).”
“We are certain that the Philippine Army could not effectively implement its programs sans active support and cooperation of TDPC,” Somera said quoting 1st Infantry Tabak division commander MajGen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. as saying.
Somera also received a plaque of commendation from outgoing TPDC President Leah Agonoy in recognition of his unwavering and steadfast support to the organization during his incumbency as DPAO chief since April 2013.
Agonoy said the TDPC commended Somera for his admirable leadership as DPAO chief and for strengthening relationship between 1ID and TDPC by providing assistance in doing coverage of various events, conducting live interviews, disseminating press releases, holding sports fest, fellowship gatherings, etc.
“This is the first time that TDPC gave a commendation to DPAO chief. We hope that the award will serve as an inspiration for him to improve his performance in the Philippine Army,” Agonoy emphatically said.
TFDP Director Vic del Pilar said the group was impressed with Somera’s leadership in that what he had done to the group was unsurpassed. “He always listened to our suggestions and he acted swiftly on our problems,” del Pilar stressed.
Somera has served the 1ID for about eight years and six months and is now reassigned at 5th ID at Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM).
Meanwhile, the newly elected TDPC officers were: President – Ellen C. Ajijul (GMA7-ZamPen), vice president for electronic media – Jeesrel Himang (dxWO) , vice president for broadcast – Joan Guangco (dxBZ), Vice Pesident for Print - Charnyl Albararacin (Hardline News), Secretary – Gideon Corgue (PIA9) and Board of Directors: Noemi Edaga (PIA9), Vic Del Pilar (Hardline News), Albert Sumalpong (dxBZ), Audee Hampong (GMA7-Zampen) and Leah Agonoy -(City Press Bureau)
The officers will take their oath on Feb. 15 before Major General Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. at the 1st Infantry Tabak Division headquarters, Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. (PIA9)