Businesswoman Merian Reyes and AFP-SOLCOM Commander Lt. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV sign the Deed of Donation formalizing the Reyes family’s 100-hectare land grant in San Narciso, Quezon.
The military’s Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) will soon expand its base operations in Quezon province and nearby areas with the donation of 100-hectare land in San Narciso town.
The donation of the significant tract of land was formalized with the signing of the Deed of Transfer between Solcom chief Lt. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV and the Reyes clan of Quezon represented by philanthropist and shipping magnate Merian Reyes.
Palafox said donated property is expected to significantly enhance the military’s regional capacity for operational readiness, territorial defense and humanitarian response.
“On behalf of our entire personnel, I express deep gratitude to Reyes and her family as the land donation represents not only a contribution to military infrastructure, but also a demonstration of patriotism and shared responsibility in securing the nation,” said Palafox.
The donated land was designated as a future site for Solcom's strategic base expansion in Southern Luzon. It was also eyed for further development in the area—including a possible airstrip and docking facility that could serve both civilian and defense needs.
For her part, Reyes said the donation was intended not only to serve as a physical foundation for the expansion of military infrastructure, but also as a gesture of trust and collaboration between private citizens and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“This land is our family’s humble contribution to strengthening our nation’s defenses. We see it as both a foundation for future development and a symbol of the unity between civilians and our Armed Forces,” said Reyes, who heads the Starhorse Shipping Lines Inc.
She emphasized that similar acts of support arise from a collective responsibility to help protect and uplift the nation, with hopes that her family’s contribution encourages greater unity between communities and institutions working toward the country’s peace and progress.