FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija -The Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army, Major General Andrew D. Costelo PA vowed to strengthen the unit’s reserved and regular forces interoperability as the Philippine Army shifts its focus on territorial defense during the celebration of the 35th Founding Anniversary of 7ID at Zagala Field Grandstand, Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on Tuesday, August 01.
In his message, MGen Costelo recognized the significant role of the reserve force as the solid pillar of the country’s territorial defense wherein as part of its preparation, they conducted the Reserved Personnel Leadership Enhancement Program (RPLEP) with the nine Ready Reserved Battalions in 7ID’s Area of Responsibility in collaboration with the Maneuver Center, Training and Doctrine Command through the Office of the Assistant Division for Reservist and Retiree Affairs led by Colonel Harold Anthony F. Pascua.
During the anniversary rites, as part of its strong commitment to supporting the reserve force, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker, led the ceremonial handover of a complete set of uniforms to the Reservists in 7ID.
Inspired by the challenge given by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to end the communist insurgency and the Commanding General’s “SERVE” principle, the Kaugnay Division facilitated the surrender of 385 Former Rebels to the folds of the law as it intensified its internal security operations in sustaining and protecting the gains to prevent the resurgence of insurgency in its Area of Responsibility resulting to the weakening or dissolution of all guerrilla fronts.
Apart from that, the Kaugnay Division also highlighted its current innovative programs, activities, and developments in line with the CSAFP’s Command guidance with an acronym ‘U.N.I.T.Y,’ which means Unity, Normalization, Internal Security Operations, Territorial Defense, and Youth.
Meanwhile, General Brawner Jr. lauded the accomplishments of the Command and said that the 7ID has been the face of the Philippine Army to its allies and partners as it is in Fort Magsaysay under the leadership of 7ID, where they conduct bilateral and trilateral exercises.
“As General Costelo was showing me around, I was impressed and happy because the 7ID serves as the showcase of the Philippine Army, halos po lahat na ka exercise natin, ka ally they come to Fort Magsaysay, and they get the impression about our country and the Army from what they see in 7th Infantry Division,” General Brawner said.
During the anniversary rites, the 7ID also recognized its partner stakeholders, Reserved Officers, Battalions, Officers, and Enlisted Personnel, for their exemplary performance that contributed to the overall accomplishments of the Command.
Among the guests during the ceremony were Lt.Gen. Fernyl G Buca PAF, Commander, Northern Luzon Command; MGen Luis Rex D Bergante PA, Commander, TRADOC; MGen Facundo O Palafox PA, Commander, Armor Division; BGen Ferdinand B Napuli; Regiment Commander, SFR(A); MGen Freddie T Dela Cruz PA, Commander AFP Special Operations Command; Colonel Galileo G Goyena Jr., Regiment Commander, Army Aviation Regiment; and Colonel Jose Jesus C Luntok, Regiment Commander, Light Reaction Regiment.
