53rd EB reviews accomplishments, moves ahead for peacebuilding activities

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY – The 53rd Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army reviewed its accomplishments and move ahead to continuously build the highways and byways of peace at the countryside in its first Command Conference and other related activities for 2021 on February 9-11 at the HQ 53E at Camp Lapulapu in Cebu City.

53^rd EB Commander B/Gen. Gerardo Catindoy, PA with his Battalion Commanders from 542ECB, 543ECB, 546ECB, 552ECB and ESCo; General, Special, Technical and Personal Staff gathered at the Camp, February 9 to review and discuss the command’s mission accomplishments in 2020 and culled lessons from there to improve ongoing and future projects undertaken by the unit.

Catindoy told his commanders and other staff personnel to continue to adhere and maintain the culture of excellence and professionalism in the unit in all their endeavors; give utmost importance and care to the health and well-being of personnel and Civilian Human Resource.

He said that the human resource is the unit’s most important resource the pursues purposive and sustainable partnerships with stakeholders; capacitating the force; actively supporting nation-building and taking part in the eradication of insurgency through the support of the National Task Force on the Elimination of Conflict at the Countryside (NTF-ELCAC).

 All Battalion Commanders also presented their respective unit briefings and open discussions and sharing of best practices, issues and concerns of every battalion.

“As we move forward, we will strive to do better and sustain the momentum in capacitating the Brigade and its personnel towards greater mission effectiveness – an embodiment of a world-class Army Engineers. We are the Visayas Builders; we are proud to build and serve,” Catindoy stated.

On February 11, the 53^rd EB also conducted a Joint Ceremony for the Pinning of Brigade Seal to newly assigned personnel, assumption of chief of office (OBIG) and recognition of best NCO for 4th Quarter CY 2020 at Headquarters, 53E, Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City.

53E Commander B/Gen Gerardo Catindoy assisted by his Deputy Commander Col. Maximino Almuete, Jr., awarded Cpl Ruby Hazel Carilla (Inf) PA as the Best Non-commissioned Enlisted (NCO) personnel of the Brigade for 4th Quarter CY 2020.

Staff Sergeant Edwin Upod (CE) PA and Private First-Class Kevin B Borbon (Inf) PA were also welcomed as the newest addition to the force of Brigade and Lt./Col. Roque Dupa GSC (CE) PA was also installed as the new Brigade Inspector General.

Meanwhile, in partnership with the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)-Sugbu Chapter and Department of Health (DOH-7), 53rd Engineer Brigade once again conducted a bloodletting activity at its Headquarters on February 11 to stay true to its commitment of saving lives, most especially in time of the pandemic.

The blood donation drive obtained 16 bags or 8,000cc of blood from 16 qualified Enlisted Personnel of the Brigade. This is the third bloodletting activity conducted this year. Blood donated will be made available to all Cebuanos who are in need as a testament of the unit’s firm fulfilment of its mandate of serving the people of the Visayas. (Photos: 53rd EB)