MEMBERS of the Army's 53rd Infantry "Matapat" Battalion (IB) are encouraged to render duty with renewed passion to achieve greater goals.
Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, commander of 53IB, made the word of encouragement as the battalion celebrated its 36th founding anniversary Wednesday, January 13, with a simple ceremony held at Camp Major Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.
"I look forward on pushing our passion to the best, to excellence that we have built and let's continue our passion, and sustain our momentum. Our achievements are only as good as yesterday. We will continue looking forward to achieve more gains and better results in Zamboanga del Sur," Herrera said.
The 53IB, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur, inaugurated the "Matapat Covered Court" as one of the highlights of the unit's 36th founding anniversary celebration.
Herrera said the newly constructed covered court will provide the troopers, former rebels and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) Active Auxiliary (CAA) a venue for various activities and events.
Affirming to the theme of the anniversary, Herrera said the covered court symbolizes good partnerships and collaborations, and a token of gratitude.
"We, soldiers of Zamboanga del Sur, will be forever grateful because we are blessed with the useful facility, efficient leaders and opportunities for the troops' welfare," Herrera said.
Representative Divina Grace Yu of the Zamboanga del Sur first district emphasized the significance of the covered court on the campaign to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the province, as it will serve as venue for collaborations of Government agencies and the vulnerable sectors.
"We gave priority to the covered court as it is a venue for general assemblies and sports activities. I hope that it will be serve as an inspiration, every time we look at the covered court. It will remind the people, the constituents, that there is a government taking care and looking for their welfare," said Yu, the guest of the anniversary celebration.
Fr. Peter John Cardos blessed the Matapat Covered Court and dedicated the facility for God's glory. (SunStar Zamboanga)