NEW FACILITIES. Maj. Arturo A. Llaso, the division chaplain of the Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division, blesses the new facilities inside the headquarters of the 91st Infantry Battalion at Camp Jaime Bitong Jr. in Baler, Aurora on Thursday (March 24, 2022). The new camp facilities include a gym, sleeping quarters, and office. (Photo by Jason de Asis)
BALER, Aurora – Nine facilities inside the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB) at Camp Jaime Bitong Jr., Barangay Calabuanan here were inaugurated on Thursday.
Col. Norwin D. Pasamonte, commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade, said the facilities will benefit “the valiant men and women of the Philippine Army, who are undaunted in the face of challenges, to ensure the peace, security and development efforts in the province.”
Pasamonte along with Rep. Rommel Rico T. Angara, Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of 91IB, and Maj. Arturo A. Llaso, the division chaplain of 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly constructed and renovated camp facilities that can accommodate some 400 personnel of the 91IB.
Rubio said the project was implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways – Aurora Engineering District Office.
The new and renovated camp facilities were the Laang-Sibol Hall, Sinagtala Gym, Bayanihan Hall, Sasapan Hall, Mallari Hall, officers’ quarters, security office, female barracks, and commanding officer’s quarter.
Pasamonte thanked Senator Sonny Angara and his cousin Rep. Angara for their full support to the battalion.
“I think the project is rare and unique in the battalion level wherein the support of the government pours to our soldiers. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, our government has remained committed to constructing facilities that cater to the needs of the 91st IB and contribute to the further modernization of the Philippine Army. Pangalagaan natin itong mga facilities nating ito (Let us take care these facilities),” he said.
Rep. Angara, for his part, said of the troops: “Sila po yung kahit saan nakikita kong madalas na tumutulong. Walang reklamo at napaka-disiplinado kaya na-appreciate ko sila. I never heard a single na sila ay napapagod or nahihirapan na (They are the ones I see everywhere, always helping others. They do not complain and they are well-disciplined. That’s why I appreciate them. I never heard a single one say they are tired and having a hard time)." (PNA)
