BALOI, Lanao del Norte (PIA) -- The Philippine Army's Combat Engineer Regiment (PACER) held an awarding ceremony on honoring five enlisted personnel for their outstanding service. The ceremony also recognized the invaluable contributions of civilian stakeholders and members of the regiment's multi-sector advisory board (MSAB).

"Each of you has shown exceptional leadership, initiative, and resilience despite challenges. For that, I commend you," Brig. Gen. Ulpiano Olarte, commander of the Philippine Army's Combat Engineer Regiment (PACER), said during the ceremony on March 27.

The awardees were Cpl. Judy Ann Pedroso, Sgt. Irene Joy Genete, Sgt. Rosalia Tarona, Sgt. Roque Domasig Jr., and Pvt. Rofeljon Malaggay.

Olarte lauded the five soldiers' outstanding achievements, emphasizing how they embody its core values of integrity, courage, and excellence.

“As your commander, I am extremely proud of your progress and milestones throughout your tenure. Your tireless efforts and determination inspired your fellow troopers and left a lasting mark on everyone you met while serving," he said.

On the same occasion, the PACER commander commended civilian partners and members of its multi-sector advisory board (MSAB), who were instrumental in the unit's success, stressing the equal importance of their firm support to the army's exemplary performance. 

These allies included government officials like Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo and Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao, with executives from various organizations. These organizations included the Inner Wheel Club of Lanao del Norte, Iligan Light and Power Corporation, NJS Construction, and Service, Philippine Red Cross Iligan Chapter, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, GN Power Kauswagan, Holcim Philippines, AFPSLAI Cagayan de Oro Branch, PAFCPIC Cagayan de Oro Branch, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Training Center-Lanao del Norte, Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Lanao del Norte Information Center, and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Office 10. 

Media correspondents and reporters from Manila Bulletin, MindaNews, The Philippine Post Publication, GMA, Radyo Pilipinas Iligan, and Brigada News FM Iligan were also honored. 

MSAB members, on the other hand, are NJS Construction and Service general manager Nabil Sarip, Inner Wheel Club of Lanao del Norte president Rasmila Cosain, Al-Jalis As-Salih Inc. Muslim Information Center director Ustadz Abdul Jabbar Ansao Montañer, PIA-10 Deputy Regional Head Apipa Bagumbaran, Eagles Club Iligan City Chapter chairman Fernando Perez Chan, Rev. Msgr. Ramonito Torres, and Pastor Alfredo Obina Jr.

“The strong bond we forged proves the power of cooperation. It strengthens our military might, showcasing how civilians are crucial partners in our mission,” the army commander said. 

Highlighting the impact of their collaboration, he stressed it boosted the unit's operations and community ties. 

"Let's keep fostering this partnership, knowing that unity is vital for national security and prosperity of our nation," Olarte said. (APB/PIA 10)