For his active role on peace and development programs, Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang received two military decorations during the 701st Kagitingan Brigade’s 13th Re-activation Anniversary on Friday, September 17, 2021 at the Headquarters in Sitio Magay, Brgy Don Martin Marundan, City of Mati, Davao Oriental.
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang received the Military Commendation Medal and Military Civic Action Medal which were pinned by no less than 701st Brigade Commander Col. Oliver Maquiling.
“Through Governor Dayanghirang’s continuous launching of the Nagkakaisang Lingkod-Bayan ng Davao Oriental Barangay Outreach Caravan in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas and former Conflict Affected Areas of Davao Oriental, leading to a huge contribution in terms of a generally peaceful environment in the province of Davao Oriental. The program was proven highly effective as it addressed immediate needs of the far flung communities driving the insurgency away from their former mass base and convince more insurgents to go back to the folds of the government,” an excerpt from the citation reads.
Aside from being the province’s Chief Executive, Gov. Dayanghirang was also hailed for his accomplishments in his capacity as Battalion Commander of the Ready Reserve Battalion of the 1104th Community Defense Center, Army Reserve Command of the Philippine Army.
During the ceremony, Gov. Dayanghirang lauded the achievements of the 701st Brigade in providing security and its endless efforts and sacrifices making the province more peaceful. He also expressed his gratitude to the Brigade for demonsrating strong partnership with the provincial government in the bid to maintain peace and order.
“Years back, the province had experienced terror due to the presence of armed conflicts which left people living in fear, this, became hindrance to productivity. But today – as we look at our current state, our communities are becoming more peaceful,” said Gov. Dayanghirang.
Over the years, with the strong convergence of the Provincial Government and the Brigade, many programs were initiated, bringing the hearts of the people closer to the government especially those from the geographically isolated villages. Moreover, scores of New People’s Army Fronts were dismantled.
During the ceremony, Brigade Commander Col. Oliver Maquiling expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of development partners who are part of the Brigade’s milestones and exemplary service.
Furthermore, Lt.Col. Dayanghirang urged the Brigade’s continued support to the province’s programs that bid to achieve lasting peace, ‘Sana’y wag kayong mapagod, wag kayong paghinaan ng loob na tapusin natin ang laban para sa katahimikan sa probinsya sa Davao Oriental’.
The celebration was also joined online via zoom by the guest speaker and Division Commander Major General Alfredo B. Rosario Jr. PA of the 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division, 10th Infantry “Agila” Division Commander Major General Ernesto C. Torres Jr.
Also gracing the ceremony with two similar medals was Davao De Oro Governor and Lt.Col. Jayvee Tyron Uy, a Military Commendation Medal was also awarded to 2nd District Representative Congressman and Col. Joel Mayo Z. Almario. Other awards and appreciations were also given to concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) and other stakeholders. By Mark Oliver Alvite | Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan
