Army engineers renew commitment, vows more mercy projects

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 18, 2010) – The Philippine Army’s 55th Engineer Brigade renewed its commitment to serve the people and country and support the government’s peace and development efforts in Mindanao.

The brigade, now based in Zamboanga City, recently celebrated its 18th anniversary with various activities, including a medical mission that benefitted some 200 villagers here.

With the theme “55E: Rendering the Best of Service for Peace, Unity and Progress across Western Mindanao,” civil-military officer, Major Alfonso Enriquez, said “the anniversary celebration renews our commitment to vanguards of freedom, peace and development by serving God, protecting our country and people.”

He said Lieutenant General Arturo Ortiz, commander of the Philippine Army, graced the occasion and spoke during the program attended both by soldiers and civilians. He also congratulated the awardees of this year’s Unit Best and those behind 55th Engineer Brigade headed by Brigadier General Michaelo Salvaleon.

The engineer brigade was largely credited for many infrastructure projects in Western Mindanao, among them were the rehabilitation and concreting of roads, electrification and water system, construction of health centers and school buildings and hospitals and the rehabilitation of the Basilan circumferential road. (Jung Francisco)