DAVAO CITY – A prominent family donated on Monday, September 11, a land for the new operational headquarters of the Philippine Navy in Sitio Batinao, Barangay Lawigan, Mati City, Davao Oriental.
OFFICE of the Presidential Assistant for Mindanao-Eastern (OPAMINE) Leo Tereso A. Magno (left) speaks at the signing of the deed of donation for the land on which a new Navy facility will be built in Mati City, Davao Occidental on Monday, September 11. (FB)
Office of the Presidential Assistant for Mindanao-Eastern (OPAMINE) Leo Tereso A. Magno, in a speech at the Philippine Navy Naval Installation Command here, thanked the Taojo family from Mati City for donating the land on which the Navy will construct a forward operating base.
Magno said that such a generous act demonstrates that together with the government, a significant portion of the Filipino population actively participates and contributes to combating terrorism, criminal activities, and external threats to the nation.
"I am grateful for people like you (Taojo brothers) who come to our support voluntarily. Who sees that the future of the country does not rely solely on the government but on the citizenry as well," Magno said.
Magno also thanked the Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for their dedicated service in safeguarding the well-being of Filipinos and maintaining the integrity of the country’s territories and guarding against all types of potential threats.
"All your efforts are for our children, the next generation, and the future of the Philippines. As a father myself, I understand your effort. We will do everything possible to give our children a peaceful and free country. Rest assured that your sacrifices will not be put to waste," he said.
Magno said the Philippine Navy's new forward operating base is essential in the internal security operations in Eastern Mindanao. He added that the operating base will also boost security measures, especially since Mati is a coastal city.
“It is a strategic area wherein our Philippine Navy can carry out their functions and duties for the improvement of our national security and achieving a peaceful country,” he said and vowed to monitor the base plan, ensuring its priority under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.
Magno urged the public to play their part in safeguarding and maintaining the nation's territorial boundaries, especially in light of reports of foreign government intrusions into Philippine territory.