3 Malitano achievers cited in “Parangal ng Bayan”

MALITA, Davao Occidental, June 30 (PIA) – Three achievers from the municipality of Malita have been cited as outstanding individuals during the Parangal ng Bayan awarding rites held recently in Digos City as part of the weeklong celebration of the 48th Araw ng Davao del Sur.

Malita Mayor Benjamin Bautista, Jr. said his town is honored to have outstanding achievers in the fields of peace and development, as well as sports.

The provincial government of Davao del Sur recognized and cited 73rd Infantry (Neutralizer) Battalion Commander Lt. Col Ronnie B. Babac, 73rd IB Platoon Leader 2nd Lt. Jerson F. Sanchez, and athlete Nicole Anne S. Bautista, for their achievements.

Babac, who assumed command January this year, has proven himself for just a short period of time by his remarkable contributions for peace and development.

He is directly involved in the construction of various development projects for the 2nd District of Davao del Sur or the newly created Davao Occidental province that covers the municipalities of Sta. Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani Island.

Babac also always assures security measures which resulted to unhampered developments even in the remotest areas.

Sanchez successfully led an encounter operation on February 16, 2015 that resulted to the killing of seven members of the New People’s Army and recovery of nine high powered firearms.

This eventually paved way to the surrender of thirteen NPAs and the downgrading of Guerilla Front 75 in just five months.

The exemplary and conspicuous leadership of Babac enabled rookie (with barely one year in the service) Sanchez to confidently lead his platoon in the successful encounter against the New People’s Army.

In the field of sports, 15-year old Nicole Ann S. Bautista received the award as Outstanding Athlete for being a gold medalist in the lawn tennis event during the Palarong Pambansa 2015 held in Tagum City in May this year.

Nicole Ann is the only child of Malita Vice-Mayor Bradly Bautista and granddaughter of Congressman Franklin P. Bautista of Davao Occidental.

The young achiever shared her secrets to become a champion, saying that one should stay focused, strategize and play for fun.

She also urged the youth to be contributors, catalysts of change and to become hope of the country.

Nicole Ann thanked her grand uncle Davao del Sur Governor Claude P. Bautista, saying “Super thank you po for making me bida sa larangan ng sports.”

The provincial LGU is dedicating the tagline “Sa Davao del Sur, Ikaw ang Bida” to the province’s outstanding achievers. (CDIO-Malita/Alona Estrella/PIA-XI, CLC)