Newsmen, soldiers take time off

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay PILI, Camarines Sur --- Soldiers of the 9th Infantry Division and members of the 9th ID Press Corps took a break from their respective routines and assignments to give way to a day of fun and relaxation at Camp Elias Angeles here over the weekend. Last Saturday, close to a hundred media practitioners from the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Camarines Sur, each representing their corresponding media outlets and organizations, took time out to take part in various activities that were lined up for 2017 Media Fellowship Day. Initiated by the 9th ID Press Corps under the stewardship of Arnel Eclarinal of GMA 7, the weekend celebration started with a Holy Mass. The mass was followed by tree planting within the camp’s grounds. The traditional boodle fight prepared the media and the troopers for the clash of their talents later in the afternoon. The Yellow team, composed of media practitioners from Camarines Sur, gave their opponents, the red, blue and orange teams – a hard time in catching up with their accumulated points making them the over-all winner in the competition. Each team’s capacity and cooperation were also seen during the basketball game and the weaponry challenge which measured the practitioner’s agility and precision in the use of various weapons like spear and sling, javelin and target shooting using a hand pistol and long firearm. In his message, Eclarinal thanked the participants – the media and the 9th ID under the leadership of Division Commander Major Gen. Manolito P. Orense, for their support and cooperation to finally make the gathering happen despite the hectic and simultaneous activities being conducted at the camp, which was on top of ensuring the safety of the community from the threat of terrorism. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the leadership of the 9th ID, the men and women who comprise the division, for allowing the members of the 9th ID press corps, to do their job without pressure, not even a favor in exchange, so long as we are within the bounds and limits of informing the community as part of our commitment as public servants.” Eclarinal added. He also lauded the Philippine Army officers for instructing their battalion and camp leaders to assist the media in getting the information as swiftly as possible before it reached the national media. This, he said, is a testament of the existing good relationship and collaboration between the military and the local press. Col. Nilo R. Perfecto, chief of staff for reservist and retirees affairs delivered Major Gen. Orenses’ message. Perfecto lauded the press corps for the camaraderie and sportsmanship that the group has shown and pointed out that the best thing during the fellowship, liking it to the Warriors and Cavalier’s game, is not who actually won the game but how the game was played, and how everyone enjoyed the experience. In his message, Orense said that knowing the dangers that the media practitioners encounter in pursuit of their profession, they are welcome to hone their talents in shooting and that the 9th ID shooting range and range officials are ready to assist them anytime. Orense wrapped up his message by assuring the media of the 9th ID’s support. “Rest assured that the 9th division remains committed and will continue working with you side by side in the name of public service.”