MikeLigalig.com

source: PNA

President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his utmost gratitude to the modern day Filipino heroes who risked life and limb in ensuring that the lives of their fellow Filipinos who were affected by the recent natural calamities that struck the country were protected and those who bravely searched for former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, whose plane crashed just off the coast of Masbate City last month by presenting them with the Bakas Parangal Award.

The President led the presentation of Bakas Parangal awards to these selfless and dedicated heroes at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers Club in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Wednesday.

The Bakas Parangal is given in three categories namely: Bakas Parangal ng Kadakilaan- given to honor the noble service of units or groups and organizations who participated in rescue efforts despite the obvious hardships of the situation; Bakas Parangal ng Kabayanihan- given to the leader of a unit or group that exhibited exemplary acts of heroism; and Bakas Parangal ng Kagitingan- given to individuals who exhibited extraordinary acts of bravery by extending assistance to those in need in times of disaster.

The President presented the third category (Bakas Parangal ng Kagitingan) to the members of Task Force Kalihim and the agencies and private groups who rose beyond the call of duty to assist their fellow countrymen affected as the country was pummeled by the southwest monsoon.

“’Nagpamalas kayo ng di matatawarang dedikasyon at katapangan sa pagtulong sa mga kababayan nating nalugmok sa mga nagdaang kalamidad at trahedya. Mulat kayo sa halaga ng pagsisilbi sa kapwa at sa bayan, lalo na sa mga panahon ng pagsubok,” the President said in his speech after leading the awarding ceremony.

“Mula sa ating mga lingkod-bayang tumindig upang pamunuan at bigyang-lakas ang kanilang mga nasasakupan; sa ating mga kasundaluhang buong-loob na pumronta sa mga apektadong lugar upang pangunahan ang pagsasalba sa ating mga kababayan; hanggang sa mga nagboluntaryong Juan at Juana dela Cruz na nag-alay ng kanilang panahon at lakas para umalalay sa kanilang kapwa—para sa inyo po ang okasyong ito, at taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat at tumatanaw ng utang ng loob sa inyong kabayanihan. Maraming, maraming salamat po,” he added.

To the members of Task Force Kalihim, the President said he saluted their perseverance and valor to plunge headfirst into the depths of the sea searching for a lost comrade.

“Lalo pa pong tumitingkad ang diwa ng kadakilaan ng pagtitipong ito dahil kasama natin ngayon ang mga indibidwal at grupong naging bahagi ng search and rescue operations para kay Secretary Jesse Robredo at ng dalawa pa niyang mga kasamahan. Sampu ng sambayanang Pilipino, sumasaludo ako sa alay ninyong sigasig at kagitingan,” the President said.

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