DAVAO ORIENTAL – For being a staunch advocate for peace and development and for his active role in the pandemic response, Davao Oriental Governor and Battalion Commander of the Ready Reserve Battalion of the 1104th Community Defense Center, Army Reserve Command of the Philippine Army, Lt. Col. Nelson Dayanghirang was conferred the Military Merit Medal with Bronze Anahaw Leaf from the Philippine Army on Monday, September 7.
Lt. Col. Dayanghirang received the accolade during the 15th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry “Agila” Division held in Camp General Manuel T Yan Sr, Brgy. Tuboran, Mawab, Davao de Oro.
As the Governor of the Province of Davao Oriental, Lt. Col. Dayanghirang consistently endeavored in programs that has provided holistic development of communities, particularly those in impoverished hinterland villages which, for years, have been affected by the armed conflict.
Among these well-meaning programs is his flagship program Nagkakaisang Lingkod-Bayan ng Davao Oriental-Barangay/Sitio Outreach Caravan and the localized implementation of the President’s Executive Order 70 or Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, which has made government services more accessible to hinterland communities, thus, helped foster good relationship and made the people closer to the government and driving away the Communist ideology and influence.
Moreover, he forged a strong partnership with the military which has led to the significant reduction of the NPA forces. He accepted and led the force augmentation in support of the security mission of 701st Infantry “Kagitingan” Brigade in securing the province from the threats of the New People’s Army rebels and other lawless elements.
“His leadership significantly contributed to accomplishing the 701st Infantry (Kagitingan) Brigade’s mission as a force multiplier in the different control/checkpoints within Davao Oriental. Likewise, despite limited capability on matters of financial, mobility of troops, and Personnel Protective Equipment, he performed his duty with pride and honor as Battalion Commander of Ready Reserve Battalion under 1104th Community Defense Center, Army Reserve Command, Philippine Army,” an excerpt from the citation reads.
All these efforts, as well providing more incentives to NPA rebels who wish to surrender, has resulted to more rebels yielding to the government. It has also led to the dismantling of Guerrilla Front South, SRC1, SMRC; and the successful evaluation and validation as cleared and completed CSP-immersed barangays under Guerrilla Front North, SRC1, SMRC.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Dayanghirang was also cited for his strong leadership in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his capacity as the Battalion Commander of the Ready Reserve Battalion here, Lt. Col. Dayanghirang tapped reservists and volunteers in the COVID-19 response. Under his command, the reservists complemented the security forces in the conduct of security, crowd control, rescue, and other interventions to help contain the deadly virus.
Leading the presentation of award to Lt. Col. Dayanghirang and the rest of the awardees are Eastern Mindanao Command Commander Lt. General Greg T Almerol and 10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Ernesto C Torres, Jr.
Also present is Assistant Division Commander Brig. Gen. Nolasco A Mempin and other high-ranking military officials.
Also present and given the same award are Tagum Mayor Allan Rellon and Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy.
Promising more years of sustainable peace and growth in collaboration with the Local Government Units and partners, the 10th Infantry Division’s 15th Anniversary is bannered with the theme “The Eagle’s Flight: 15 years of Collaboration and Synergy.” By Mark Alvite
