1st Marine Brigade 32nd Foundation Day in Basilan island. (Photos contributed to the Mindanao Examiner by the 1st Marine Brigade)BASILAN ISLAND (Mindanao Examiner / 03 Jul) - The 1st Marine Brigade celebrated its 32nd Founding Anniversary with humanitarian mission that benefited hundreds of civilians in poor communities in Basilan island in the southern Philippines.
Brigade chief Col. Ramiro Alivio said the celebration on Monday was honored by the presence of dozens of government and military officials. He said Rear Admiral Emilio Marayag Jr., was the guest of honor and speaker during the three-day celebration held in Isabela City.
Ramiro and his deputy, Lt. Col. Mario Montejo, led soldiers to a tree planting activity on Monday in the village of Panunsulan in Isabela City which was attended by Isabela Water District (ISAWAD) officials headed by its general manager Aleli Almodovar and students from the Basilan National High School and other local nongovernmental organizations.
“We have planted some 500 assorted seedlings in consonance with the project of Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Green Philippines or Berdeng Pilipinas Program,” Ramiro told the regional newspaper, the Mindanao Examiner.
He said they also held free circumcision to young villagers from Tabiawan, Busay and Calavrio and was held inside the marine headquarters. Dr Nilo Barandino was among those who participate in the operation.
The 1st Marine Brigade, in coordination with the Philippine National Red Cross, Zamboanga and Basilan Chapters headed by Roseller Rojas and Jonathan Cabayao also held a blood drive.
“The group was able to extricate 13, 500 cc of fresh blood donated by 29 volunteers from the officers and enlisted personnel of the unit headed by Maj. Pablo Manarin.It is traditional in the Marine Corps that every time the unit celebrates its founding anniversary, volunteer and qualified marines will donate blood to PNRC to help those who may be in need and who could not afford to acquire from a commercial blood bank,” Ramiro said.
On Monday, soldiers and civilian gun owners participated a shooting competition sponsored by Ramiro at the 1st Marine Brigade Firing Range and headquarters of the Marine Battalion Landing Teams 6 Firing Range.
“The main objective of the activity is to foster camaraderie and maintain good rapport with the constituents,” he said.
The main event of the celebration, Ramiro said, was Catholic mass held at the headquarters 1st Marine Brigade. It was officiated by Rev. Filemon Libot, President of the Claret College of Isabela.
It was followed by the blessing of the newly constructed Headquarters and Service Company and an armory.
“An awarding ceremony was conducted with the deserving personnel as recipients. After which the launching and blessing of the newly constructed speed boat followed at Tabiawan wharf. This is in line with our effort to enhance fleet-marine concept of operations, enhance rapid deployment, rescue and evacuation,” Ramiro said.
Marayag and several guests went for its maiden run along the Basilan Strait, he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
