THE First Infantry Division of the Philippine Army has accorded honors to its troops and civilian personnel for their meritorious accomplishments.

Major General Generoso Ponio, 1st Infantry "Tabak" Division commander, led the awarding ceremony, which was held after the flag ceremony Monday, September 14, at Camp Major Cesar Sanga-an, which houses the division headquarters in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Ponio presented the award of Military Merit Medal to the troopers, who responsibly maintained the ground and facilities and successfully constructed the Tabak Water Spring Phase 2 and Medical Healthcare Facility of the command.

Ponio also presented Plaque of Recognition and Service pins to 10 civilian employees for their valuable contributions and faithful services to 1st Infantry Division.

Ponio has thanked the civilian employees for their support to the command in accomplishing its goals.

Ponio recognized the awardees, especially those who built the Spring Resort, for it answered the needs of water and could boost the morale and welfare of the troops.

He reiterated that dependents are free to visit the resort and that it will be opened soon to civilians if the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic is over.

In the same occasion, Ponio and his staff welcomed the 16 newly-assigned officers of the command, whose ranks range from Second Lieutenant to Captain.

The division commander pinned "Tabak" patches to the uniform of the newly-assigned officers as a gesture of warm reception and acceptance to the unit. (SunStar Zamboanga)