GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines ? Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pac- quiao officially assumed Monday as deputy commander of the Army reserve battalion covering this city and Sarangani Province.
Pacquiao, who was recently commissioned as lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve Command (Arescom), was designated executive officer of the 1st Sarangani Ready Reserve Battalion, during a simple ceremony at the headquarters of the 1205th Community Defense Center, Arescom here.
Col. Eufronio Catalan, commander of the 12th Regional Community Defense Group and Lieutenant Colonel Warren Manilay, the commander of the 1st Sarangani Ready Reserve Battalion, led Army officials and reservists in honoring Pacquiao during the program.
Manilay said because of his feat as a world boxing champion and congressman, Pacquiao could be of big help to the mission of Arescom which is anchored on disaster and rescue operations and environmental protection.
?We really welcome lieutenant colonel Pacquiao to be part of the leadership of the 1st Ready Reserve Battalion in the implementation of the Army?s mission in protecting the environment and disaster relief mission,? Manilay said.
In his speech, Pacquiao has assured Army reservists of his assistance in any undertaking that will redound to peace and development of the community.
He also promised to donate a land to be used as a site for the Arescom headquarters in the city. At present, the 1205th CDC, Arescom headquarters is occupying a property within the road right of way along the national highway in Barangay Sinawal here which does not have any deed of donation.
