The celebration will feature a reenactment of Tejeros Convention at 5:30 a.m. in Tejeros, Rosario, Cavite, to be followed by the traditional activities and ceremonies in Fort Bonifacio at 7:30 a.m. revolving around this year’s anniversary theme "Transforming the Philippine Army, Creating Tomorrow’s Formidable Force."
General Senga, together with Secretary Cruz, will confer various awards on Army soldiers and nongovernment organizations who distinguished themselves in their respective fields in support of the Army’s mission.
The awardees will be led by Lt. Col. Dennis B. Villanueva (posthumous) who will be given the Distinguished Conduct Star Medal to be received by his wife Mrs. Evangeline Villanueva for acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in action as commander of the 53rd Infantry Battalion during a series of encounters against undetermined number of MNLF breakaway fighters and Abu Sayyaf in the vicinity of Barangay Bitan-ag, Panamao, Sulu, on Feb. 1, 5, and 10, 2005.
Major Rosante C. Larios will receive the Distinguished Service Star for eminently meritorious and invaluable service rendered in a position of major responsibility as commander of the 26th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
Capt. Leo E. Diaz, team leader of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion, Special Forces Regiment, Socom, will be awarded the Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in action during an encounter with 200 armed men on Feb. 13, 2003, at South Taga, Barangay Tinumiquez, Lambayong, and Sultan Kudarat.
The same award will be given to SSgt. Fernando A. Abadines for gallantry in action as squad leader of the Striking Force of Charlie Company, 1st Provisional Battalion, Kaugnay Security Force, 7th Infantry Division, PA, in an encounter against 15 armed men in Barangay San Agustin, Sta. Ana, Pampanga, on Feb. 27, 2003.
Pfc. Muhaimin A. Muanih will receive the Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in action as member of operating elements of Bravo Company, 27th Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Division, PA, during an encounter against 40 Abu Sayyaf men under Commander Bedis Binago at Sitio Lapak, Barangay Lumitan, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, on Jan. 5, 2005.
The Outstanding Achievement Medal will be given to Lt. Col. Ronald Z. Manahan for extraordinary and distinguished service rendered as chief, Central Monitoring Station, and chief, plans and programs branch, G2, Philippine Army, from April 1, 1999, to Oct. 16, 2002.
The Award of the Gawad sa Kaunlaran will be presented to 2Lt. Jean Alia Y. Robles, chief of the Civil-Military Operations Section of 4th Light Armor (Masigasig) Battalion, Light Armor Brigade, PA, for conspicuously meritorious and valuable achievement in the pursuit of socio-economic and non-combat activities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, providing job placements to 82 civilians at Heinz UFC Cabuyao Plant at Pulo, Cabuyao, Laguna, in coordination with Protemps.
The Bronze Cross Medal will be awarded to TSgt. Emerson A. Saavedra Jr. for an act of heroism involving risk of life by responding to two holdup incidents in Metro Manila in July, 1999, and January, 2005.
The Kagitingan sa Barangay (Category of Maginoo) will be awarded posthumously to Atty. Ricardo B. Nepomuceno, to be received by his wife Mrs. Aracile Nepomuceno, for invaluable services in the quest for peace and development in Albay province by organizing the Local Resistance Force (LRF) against the local communist movement.
Recipients of Command Plaques during the anniversary are TSgt. Leopoldo C. Diokno, Best Philippine Army Enlisted Personnel; CAA Jose C. Flores, PA CAFGU Active Auxiliary of the Year; Mrs. Merlin T. Mondero, PA Model Civilian Supervisor; and Mr. Manuel C. Manzano, PA Model Civilian Employe.
The Award of Recognition will be presented to Christian Children Fund Basilan, to be received by Ms. Elisa del Puerto, for invaluable services rendered in partnership with the Philippine Army, religious sectors, and local government units in a quest to bring about lasting peace and development for Basilan.
