BACOLOD CITY – Sixty-two soldiers from the 79th Infantry Battalion assigned to Negros Occidental have been promoted to the next higher rank.

Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79th IB commander, led the donning and pinning of ranks of 59 enlisted personnel and three officers in a ceremony at their headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City, on Saturday, February 10.

SIXTY-TWO personnel of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), including three officers, were promoted to the next rank in a ceremony at their headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City, Negros Occidental on Saturday, February 10. (Photo courtesy of 79th IB)

In his message, Calaoagan cited the soldiers' families for their sacrifice and commitment.

“Let us not forget that in every step of a dedicated soldier’s achievements, there’s a family, a wife, a son and daughter, a mother and father who share the burden of sacrificing their happiness for the sake of duty and service,” Calaoagan said.

The 79th IB recognized their dedication which serves as inspiration in their quest for stable internal peace and security in their area of responsibility. 

Calaoagan said their new rank will enable them to take on greater responsibilities and lead by example.

Newly promoted officers and personnel were Capt. Ricky Bartolome, battalion operations officer, 1st Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, Civil-Military Operations (CMO) officer, 1st Lt. Atinna Marie Nerona, battalion headquarters commandant, and Sgt. Mateo Aguiling, CMO chief.

A pinning of unit seal was also conducted on two newly assigned enlisted personnel and two officers – Major Ronald Ebdalin, battalion executive officer, and Capt. Michael Deaño, battalion supply and logistics officer, which expresses the unit’s acceptance and encourages them to perform and contribute in attaining the unit’s mission.

The activity concluded with a boodle fight and fellowship, the unit’s tradition that ties the bond of the 79th IB personnel’s endless brotherhood and camaraderie.