“In recognition for your unwavering support and unconditional partnership to promote the capacity of women through the WOMAN project in the province of Lanao del Norte, we sincerely wish for you to continue to be an advocate for women empowerment, to actively protect their vulnerabilities, and to engage men and women alike in preserving the peace in humanity.”
The citation above reads in the plaque of recognition awarded by the XSF-WOMAN to Lieutenant Colonel Galileo R Goyena, CAV (GSC) PA, out-going Battalion Commander of the 5th Mechanized Infantry (Kaagapay) Battalion. The Kaagapay Battalion is one of XSF-WOMAN’s partners in the pursuit of inclusive development and social entrepreneurship in the province of Lanao del Norte.
The Change of Command Ceremony was celebrated and presided by Major General Gilbert I Gapay of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. MGEN Gapay lauded the litany of accomplishments received by LTC Goyena adding that it is a “test of your worth and to the brand of leadership, a kind of commander you led as an effective leader, a hard worker, and efficient manager.”
In his response to the recognitions received, LTC Goyena simply gave praise and thanks to four powerful groups that contributed much to his accomplishments – his family, his friends, his partners, and more importantly, his GOD.
LTC Goyena together with his troops in the 5th Mechanized Battalion, along with the other Mechanized Battalions, was the forefront soldiers during the Marawi crisis and helped in the liberation of the sieged city in five (5) months. The 5th Mech Bn was also instrumental during the havoc brought by Typhoon Vinta doing search and rescue, and recovery operations in the Municipalities of Tubod, Salvador, Magsaysay and Munai.
XSF-WOMAN looks forward to work with the newly installed LTC Ronel Manalo, (CAV) PA in continuing the efforts to serve the people in the province of Lanao del Norte.
XSF Deputy Director, Thieza Verdijo handed over the WOMAN plaque of recognition of LTC Galileo R Goyena, CAV (GSC) PA during the Change of Command Ceremony in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte