DAVAO ORIENTAL— Amidst the Provincial Government’s relentless support to the Philippine Army as its key partner on peace and development, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang has recently turned over and led the groundbreaking of new facilities inside the 701st Kagitingan Brigade camp.

On November 30, Governor Dayanghirang led the turn-over of a newly completed firing range to the camp.

The outdoor firing range which costs P500,000, is a six tactical shooting bay which also includes a kiosk and bleachers.

Brigade Commander Brigadier General Manuel Sequitin invited all shooting enthusiasts in the province to use their new facility as their new firing range is open to all ‘qualified’ shooters.

“You are free to coordinate with us if you want to conduct a shoot fest here. This was donated by the Governor so this is for everybody,” he said.

“The firing range is beautifully made. We have already made an expansion and we will continue to improve it. We have nothing else to say but to say thank you. Our gratitude is overflowing for helping us out,” he told Governor Dayanghirang in his speech.

“This could probably be the best brigade facility in the whole country,” Brig. Gen. Sequitin added.

Deputy Brigade Commander Col. Oliver Maquiling also thanked the Governor, saying that the infrastructure will let them improve their skills and sportsmanship.

Held in time for the open shoot fest, the ceremony was witnessed by shooting enthusiast from the Philippine Shooters Confederation, 7th Infantry Division, 10th Infantry Division, 28th Infantry Battalion, 66th Infantry Battalion, and the 67th Infantry Battalion.

Meanwhile, aside from the firing range, Governor Dayanghirang also led the series of groundbreaking ceremonies for the brigade’s new Administrative Building and the refurbishment of its existing Reception Building.

Through the relentless efforts of Governor Dayanghirang, the funding worth P10-Million for the Administrative Building was downloaded by the National Government to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

According to Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) OIC Provincial Engineer Ruel Dumadag, the state-of-the-art Administrative building will consist of the brigade commander’s office, guest room, kitchen and pantry, conference room, receiving area, and signal room, and PWD-accessible comfort rooms.

Other administrative offices of the brigade will also be housed at the building, Brig. Gen. Sequitin said. These offices include the personnel, intelligence, operations, tactical operations center, and signal room.

Meanwhile, to enhance hospitality by catering to the brigade’s visitors, the unit’s existing Reception Center will be renovated.

Worth P3.5-Million, the funding for the renovation was sourced out from the province’s Administrative Operational Expenses. The scope of work includes the refurbishment of its museum, receiving area, VIP guest room, and Officers’ mess hall.

“We are truly thankful for the groundbreaking of these projects. Our dream of having a facility such as an admin building and reception center are finally coming true and the project will start probably early January,” Brig. Gen. Sequitin added.

Governor Dayanghirang, who has also turned-over the P3 million Covered Court to the brigade last September, said that the infrastructure projects he has given to the military is “nothing compared to their efforts in sustaining peace in the province.”

He said improving their facilities and boosting the troops’ morale is the least he could do to reward their efforts in building peace in the province.

Governor Dayanghirang plans to convert the Provincial Government – owned site into a Military Reservation Area.

Moreover, Engr. Dumadag also revealed that their office is now designing a two-storey building for the brigade, which, among others, will consist of headquarters commandant’s office, fitness room, and civilian conference room.

“This is the result of our strong partnership and collaboration,” Governor Dayanghirang added. By Riza M. Golez/ Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan