DAVAO ORIENTAL – Recognizing their crucial role in maintaining peace and order and their sacrifices in serving and protecting the people, the 701st Kagitingan Brigade of the Philippine Army has formally accepted and inaugurated its new administrative building funded by the national government.
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, Second District Representative Congressman Joel Mayo Almario, and top officials of the Philippine Army led the blessing and inaugural ceremony of the new facility on Monday, January 31, at the 701st Brigade Headquarters in Sitio Magay, Barangay Don Martin Marundan, City of Mati.
With a project cost of P10 million, the new facility was funded through the Office of the Second Congressional District and implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 2nd District Engineering Office.
Governor Dayanghirang congratulated the Brigade for its new facility, noting that it is more than just an infrastructure project but the government’s way of honoring the “sacrifices and services of the gallant Kagitingan soldiers.” He further recognized the soldiers’ efforts in helping create peaceful communities in the province under his leadership.
Congressman Almario, whose office facilitated the funding for the facility, also extended his congratulations to the Brigade as he hopes that this would encourage them even more to do their part in safeguarding the people and the province from security threats.
Both officials, who are active reserve officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, extended their gratitude to the soldiers who have made a difference in the province’s peace over the years.
Boosting Morale of Soldiers
Named after the first Commander of the 701st Kagitingan Brigade, BGEN Franklin C. Acosta, the facility was constructed to provide a well-organized, convenient, and comfortable working environment for the Kagitingan Troopers. It was built to boost their morale and encourage them to do their best in carrying out their duties.
Its construction started in 2021 during the stint of Former Brigade Commander Brigadier General Krishnamurti Mortela and was completed under the present command of Brigadier General Oliver Maquiling.
7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Andrew D. Costelo, who graced Monday’s event, said he has always been in awe of the strong partnership of the provincial government of Davao Oriental and the Philippine Army, which has made significant impacts in the state of peace and order in this part of the country.
He assured the local government that, in return, the soldiers will do their very best to further adhere to their duties and responsibilities in protecting the people and safeguarding the peace.
Maj. Gen. Costelo was joined by Army Artillery Regiment Commander Brigadier General Romulo A. Manuel Jr. and other officials.
Accepting the key to the new facility is the 701st Brigade Deputy Commander Colonel Edgar Delos Reyes, representing Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Maquiling.
Aside from the new facility, the provincial government has also funded the ongoing construction of another P15 million worth Admin Building with Perimeter Fence set to be completed this year.
Over the years, the provincial government has implemented scores of infrastructure projects for the Brigade and its units. It has also been working on the conversion and declaration of the three-hectare military camp into a Military Reservation Area, enabling the Brigade to have full ownership over the land currently owned by the provincial government. Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan
