NAVFORSOL’S Flagship Serves Albayanos

By: LIEUTENANT DARWIN F NIEVA PN
Director, NFSL Public Affairs Office

LEGAZPI CITY, September 19, 2009 – “Ang Philippine Navy o Hukbong Dagat ay napakahalaga dahil pinangangalagaan nito ang ating bansa laban sa mga dayuhan na gustong sakupin ang ating bansa, sa mga taong may masasamang loob at sa mga sumisira sa ating mga likas na yaman. Ang Philippine Navy ay nagpuprotekta sa ating bansa. Kung wala nito, magiging magulo ang ating bansa, walang mga batas na matutupad at maraming suliranin ang magaganap sa ating bansa...” ("The Philippine Navy is important because it protects our country from foreign invaders and against lawless elements who ruin our natural resources. Without the Philippine Navy, there will be no order in the country, laws will not be implemented, and more problems will arise...")

Above passage was an excerpt taken from the winning piece of Mary Joy Demetillo, a grade 6 student of Victory Village Elementary School, Legazpi City in an Essay Writing Contest sponsored by Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas Iloilo or PS32 of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon, Philippine Navy in connection with its weeklong community service at the city.

Consistent with the Philippine Navy’s commitment of a vital partner in lasting peace and sustainable development, Team BRP Iloilo lead by its commanding officer, CAPT NARCISO A VINGSON PN(GSC), collaborated with local government units of Brgy 27 and 28 of Victory Village and school officials on September 14 to 19, 2009 in bringing social services and further strengthening rapport between the Philippine Navy and the Legazpenos. The weeklong community service included the following:

• “Open Ship” or Tour for 365 pupils aboardship;
• Educated 100 pupils on National Geography and Philippine Navy highlighting it’s role for lasting peace and sustainable development of the country;
• Held Essay Writing Contest to reinforce lectures and develop writing skills.
• Donated fabricated trash cans to Victory Village Elementary School, and Brgy 27 and 28, of Legazpi City;
• Facilitated feeding program to 100 children and emphasized the importance of good nutrition;
• Facilitated goodwill basketball game with Team Navy and Brgy basketball team;
• Participated in the celebration of the 24th International Coastal Clean-up Day.

BRP Iloilo (PS-32) is one of several Miguel Malvar class Patrol Corvettes in service with the Philippine Navy. She is formerly an ex-USN Patrol Craft Escort based on the Admirable class minesweeper hull that were produced during World War II, and is now classified as a corvette protecting the vast waters of the Philippines. BRP Iloilo is presently deployed at Bicol to complement efforts in affirming lasting peace and sustaining prosperity in the region.