Combat Leader’s Knife Formally Handed-over to Deserving NCOs of 7ID

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The 7^th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division headed by MGEN HERNANDO DCA IRIBERRI AFP formally bestowed the Combat Leaders Knife (CLK) to deserving Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of 7ID during the Monday flag raising, today (February 03, 2014).

            Being the backbone of the Philippine Army, capacitating and empowering the NCOs to handle the daily grind of their respective units of offices administrative and operational functions has been among the ARMYs top priorities.   The Combat Leader’s Knife (CLK) is an emblematic symbol of an NCO carrying exemplary leadership qualities with attitude to seek, absorb and accept responsibility to make his/her unit in the frontline more effective and more efficient.

            The NCO Empowerment System is the process by which the organization enhances the capacity of the individual soldier or unit in decision-making and transforming these decision-making outputs into desired actions or outcomes. Its primary objectives are to empower and encourage NCOs to take a more proactive role in running their unit’s affairs and to develop their job competences by making them understand and internalize their leadership roles, especially in the Philippine Army major units.

            Recipients of the much coveted Combat Leader’s Knife were Chief Master Sergeant Elpidio V. Calugay, Command Sergeant Major; and other Sergeant Major on line units namely; Master Sergeant Antonio F. Cura of 3^rd Infantry Battalion; Master Sergeant Dionisio C Cameros of 24^th IB; Master Sergeant Usodan M. Benasing of 48IB; Master Sergeant Joselito S Sotomil of 56^th IB; Master Sergeant Rolando L. Cortez of 70IB; and Master Sergent Henry G. Claudio of 81IB.

           

            Besides the handing-over of CLKs, the Command also honored Master Sergeants Nilo A Trucilla of 70^th IB, who is retiring compulsory on February 16, 2014 after almost 35 years of active service. He was given a Command Plaque in recognition of his utmost dedication and invaluable service rendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines since April 1, 1979.

            “To the awardees of Combat Leaders Knife, you should wear it with pride; because not all NCOs have the chance to wear it. That Combat Leader’s Knife is not only an accessory in your uniform, but a symbol of your exemplary performance. May you continue to excel and seek perfection in your chosen field and continue to bring pride to your respective units and the AFP.” The Commander said.

“To the retiring Enlisted Personnel, Master Sergeant Nilo A. Triculla who had served the country for almost 35 years, I am wishing you good luck in facing another chapter of your life. I admire you, for despite of the hardships and challenges of being a soldier, you still able to effectively perform your role as a responsible husband and father to your wife and children.  May you continue to bring inspiration to others as you’ve been an inspiration to all of us present here today. Thank you for your utmost dedication, patriotism and services rendered to Army, to the AFP and to our country,” the Commander ended in his remarks.

SBMA posts new profit record of P1.2-billion

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT-Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has shattered its 2012 net profit record of P824 million when based on preliminary reports, it posted last year a net profit of P1.2 billion, the agency’s highest in its entire 21-year history. 

 

SBMA 2013 gross revenues of P2.09 billion and EBITDA of P992 million likewise posted the highest levels in the Agency's history.

 

Comparatively, the gross revenue of P2.1 billion that the agency generated in 2013 was 26.6 percent higher than the gross revenue of P1.6 billion in 2012.  The growth in revenue came mainly from Seaport operations of P588 million an increase of 46% over 2013 and Regulatory operations of PP404 million which increased by a hefty 82% over the previous year.

 

While net income was buoyed by favorable exchange rates, Chairman Roberto Garcia noted that SBMA’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased significantly by 52.2 percent from P652 million in 2012 to P992 million in 2013.  This is the true test of the Agency's effective strategic initiatives and the efficiency in the execution of such initiatives.

 

“This has made 2013 another banner year in succession for SBMA, and we are pleased to report that our financial performance continues to improve substantially while investments also significantly exceeded the 2012 level,” Garcia said.  Approved investments in 2012 of P3 billion spurted to P24.7 billion in 2013 or an increase of 723%.  This will provide over 10,000 jobs over the next few years as these projects get implemented.

  

Through the continuing austerity program and effective cost control measures, the Agency was also able to minimize the rise in operating expenses to 10%, thereby increasing its net income substantially.

 

To cap off 2013, SBMA was able to secure final approval of its USD27 million loan refinancing package.  Garcia said that this will strengthen SBMA's balance sheet and will allow the Agency to invest in much needed capital expenditures to improve security and vital Freeport infrastructure.  To this end, SBMA has programmed P617 million in capital spending for 2014.

 

Garcia is set to deliver his State of the Freeport Address before the Freeport community and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce Inc. on February 27 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. (SBMA)