CAMP MELCHOR F. DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela – The Army 5th Infantry Division formally opened its museum here on Tuesday, May 2, to showcase and preserve the unit’s rich history.
Major Gen. Audrey L. Pasia, commander of the 5th ID, said the museum will also enable the public to know more about them.
He also wants to bring the rich historical value of the 5th ID closer to the public for educational, informational, entertainment, and tourism purposes.
“It’s now time to reveal the sacrifices and heroism of the Startoopers, and make it known to everyone,” Pasia said.
Isabela Provincial Senior Tourism Operations Officer Natalie CB Almazan was the guest of honor during the open house ceremony.
Almazan encouraged everyone to take care of the museum as a reminder of the heroic acts of the Startroopers.
The event was also graced by Ilagan Councilor Jayveson Diaz, Councilor Reynante Agustin of Gamu, Barangay Captain George Gatering of Upi, Froilan Pareña, the master teacher of Isabela National High School, 120 senior high school students of Gamu Rural High School and Isabela National High School with their advisers and ROTC students.
The 5th ID was established on Oct. 16, 1972 as the 5th Army Brigade. It was a major unit of the Philippine Army and its first station was located in Camp Servillano S. Aquino in San Miguel, Tarlac.
Its territorial jurisdiction covered Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, and a portion of Quezon, north of the Umiray River.
Some of the significant and distinguished victories of the 5ID that are featured in the museum are the heroism of Lt. Col. Melchor F. dela Cruz, whom this camp was named after; the dismantling of the renowned Marag Valley in Cagayan as the headquarters of the Far North Luzon Regional Party Committee of the Northern Luzon Commission of the New People’s Army; the history of Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz; and the recovery of the MV Karagatan in Digoyo Point in Palanan, Isabela with thousands of firearms and ammunition.