Army inaugurates renovated camp in Leyte

By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
August 17, 2014

KANANGA, Leyte – The so-called home of the commandos in Leyte which was turned ground zero after Super Typhoon Yolanda, stood again with its reconstructed and newly-built facilities being inaugurated here on Saturday morning, August 16.

The Inaugural Ceremony was graced by Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, Commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division as Guest of Honor with some of his staff who came all the way from Catbalogan, Samar.

MGen. Velarmino commends the leadership of 19th Infantry Battalion, with its commanding officer, Lt. Col. Nedy Espulgar who self-engineered the rehabilitation of their camp without compromising tasks mandated by higher headquarters.

In his message, MGen. Velarmino said he can imagine how the battalion was destroyed when Super Typhoon Yolanda struck.

Maj. Gen. Velarmino was himself a survivor and among those who have seen the face of actual disaster in Tacloban City when the devastating super typhoon hit.

With Fr. Christopher Ligason, the officiating priest, MGen. Velarmino inaugurated half-concrete structures such as the camp’s admin building, liaison offices, dining park, supply rooms, guard post, people center, officers and enlisted personnel quarters, and chapel. The camp’s perimeter fences, organic garden and five (5) bay firing range were also rehabilitated.

Lt. Col. Nedy Espulgar said his troops can fully focus on Internal Peace and Security Operations (IPSO), now that its camp is restored.

Espulgar said the rehabilitation of their camp was started six (6) months ago when the frequency of humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) operations in areas severely affected by ST Yolanda has dropped.

“The timeline for our camp rehabilitation does not include our joint undertaking with the members of Joint Task Force 630 of the Australian Defence Force in December last year which resulted to the clearing of our camp from all debris and the reconstruction of some facilities like our mess hall, water system and comfort rooms”, Espulgar stressed.

What we have built would not be possible without the helping hands of the stakeholders and friends who believed on our cause. This is not just a traditional military camp, but a home to peace-loving people.

The Inaugural Ceremony was highlighted with a five-stages Inaugural Shoot Fest shoot which was participated by a total of 68 enthusiasts and members of gun clubs from Ormoc, Baybay, Kananga, Matag-ob, Tanauan and Samar.

In attendance during the fun shoot were Leyte Board Member Allan Ang, Congressman Rogelio Espina of Biliran’s lone district, Mayor Elmer Codilla of Kananga, Vice-Mayor Michael Torrevillas of Matag-ob, and Superintendent Niel Montaño of Ormoc City Police.