Navy marks 109th foundation rites today
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By YUL MALICSE
The Philippine Navy (PN) celebrates its 109th founding anniversary today, May 22, with activities honoring its men and women at its headquarters on Roxas Blvd., Manila.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag will lead Navy officers and men in welcoming the guest of honor and speaker Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. as well as Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., defense and military officers, and other government officials.
Ebdane, former chief of the Philippine National Police and secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways, is expected to speak on this year’s anniversary theme "Team Navy: Bantay ng Karagatan, Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran."
Calunsag will present the Navy 2006-2007 accomplishment report, including update on the command’s operations against terrorism, piracy, smuggling, and illegal logging.
At present, the PN strength consists of 2,097 officers and 21,264 enlisted personnel or a total of 25,313 active force.
Recognition and merit awards will be presented to Navy officers and enlisted personnel for heroism and meritorious service.
Among the anniversary activities already undertaken were a demonstration and physical inventory of troops and assets for preparation to secure life and property for approaching typhoon season at Bonifacio Naval Station (BNS), the 2007 Admiral’s Cup Regatta in cooperation with the Manila Yacht Club, participated in by 22 sail boats and 10 yachts in Manila Bay, and the PN health care fair at Fort Bonifacio Naval Station in Makati City.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy Public Information Office, headed by Commander Giovanni Carlos J. Bacordo released early last night the names of 2007 PN anniversary awardees.
They are Commodore Feliciano A. Angue, distinguished service star; Marine Corporal Melvin N. Pico, gold cross medal; Commodore Roberto Q. Estioko, distinguished navy cross; Lt. Junior Grade Joel V. Cabigon; 1st Lt. Kristine B. Salon, outstanding achievement medal; Commander Elmer C. Carilla, Gawad sa Kaunlaran award;
Vice Admiral Eduardo Ma. R. Santos (ret.), plaque of appreciation for invaluable support to the maritime training of PN personnel; Technical Sergeant Rogelio O. Obillo, plaque of merit as PN enlisted personnel of the year 2007; Midshipwomen Commander Annamarie N. Roque, plaque of merit as the Naval ROTC midshipwomen of the year 2007; Midshipman Captain Ellirey B. Atelano, plaque of merit as the Naval ROTC midshipman of the year 2007; Silvino L. Mendoza, plaque of merit as PN civilian model employe of the year 2007.
Others to get awards are Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Mariano Alvarez (PS 38), plaque of merit as patrol ship of the year 2007; BRP Bacolod City (LC 550), plaque of merit as service ship of the year 2007; BRP Dioscoro Papa (PG 320), plaque of merit as patrol gunbeat of the year 2007; Diesel Fast Craft (DF) 20, plaque of merit as patrol craft of the year 2007;
Philippine Islander (PNI) 310, plaque of recognition for providing naval air patrol throughout the archipelago; University of Cebu, 504th Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Unit, plaque of merit as naval reserve officer training corps unit of the year 2007; Naval Task Force 61, in naval operations; and Marine Battalion Landing Team 9, Flag Officer In Command, PN streamer for outstanding administrative and operational services.