The 79th Infantry ‘Masaligan’ Battalion welcomes its new commander on May 28, 2021 at the Battalion Headquarters, Brgy Bato, Sagay City, Negros Occidental.
In a change of command ceremony that was presided over by MGen. Eric C Vinoya, Commander of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Lt.Col Gerard T Alvaran who had just assumed leadership of the 82nd IB, formally relinquished his command to Lt. Col J-Jay T Javines.
Lt.Col. Alvaran thanked the “Masaligan” troopers, the stakeholders and even the Commander of 3ID for the unwavering support during his stint as commanding officer of the battalion.
Meanwhile, Lt.Col. Javines expressed his gratitude for the trust and confidence given to him by MGen. Vinoya and vowed to continue to fulfill the task given to him as he gives emphasis on his priorities which is anchored on ‘Mission Accomplishment’ and ‘Moral and Welfare’ of personnel.
“Our efforts shall always be geared towards achieving our mission, while maintaining the moral and welfare of our troops, at its best. Let our mantra be — MISSION ACCOMPLISHMENT first and MORAL and WELFARE always”, he said.
Lt. Col Javines, in his assumption speech emphasized a more collaborative and participative approach to end insurgency in the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of 79IB. He ended his message assuring the Stakeholders that “the Masaligan troopers will always be a responsive and reliable partner in pursuit of genuine peace and equitable development in Northern Negros. Makasalig gid kamo sang matuod, madasig kag sinsero nga serbisyo sang 79IB, Lt. Col Javines said in Ilonggo. Together, let us build a community that is inhospitable to the presence and influence of any threat group who seek to undermine our efforts for nation building”.
In his message, MGen. Vinoya acknowledge the contribution of Lt.Col Alvaran to the peace that Northern Negros is now experiencing at the same time, he challenge Lt.Col. Javines to continue what his predecessor has started coupled with strong commitment, passion,and dedication.
“The expectations I have for you are as high as my regard for your skills and abilities. Do not let us down, continue our unfinished tasked here in this particular area. Sustain our gains and ensure that our communities within your area of operation will be completely insulated from the recovery efforts of the CPP-NPA-NDF. We cannot afford to lose the things that we have achieved and gained here in Northern Negros”.
“Hence, you have to hit the ground running. Reinvigorate the masaligan troopers’ will to fight and continue to inspire them to achieve greater heights as what your immediate predecessor did”, MGen. Vinoya added.
