Garcia receives AFP's second highest award for civilians

CEBU, Philippines -  Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday received the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Gawad Kaunlaran Award for helping the Philippine Navy’s campaign against illegal fishing.

The commanding officer of the Naval Forces Central, Commodore Zyril Carlos, presented the award to Garcia during a simple ceremony at the Capitol.

According to Carlos, the award is the second highest form of award given by the AFP to civilians who assist them in its mission in non-combatant ways. The highest award is the Philippine Legion of Honor.

“I’m very overwhelmed with this gesture. The honor should be given to you for helping the province protect our environment,” Garcia told Carlos.

Carlos said Garcia’s leadership as organizer of the Cebu Provincial Anti-illegal Fishing Task Force has contributed a lot to the accomplishment of the Philippine Navy and NAVFORCEN’s thrust to eradicate illegal fishing in Cebu.

NAVFORCEN, in its general order number 391, said Garcia’s efforts motivated and harnessed their skills in the conduct of naval operation in the Visayas area, which resulted to the confiscation of fishing boats, blasted fish, and endangered corals.

Carlos said Garcia’s effort posed a greater positive impact not only on environment conservation but also on both short and long-term socio-economic development for the Cebuanos.

“By these achievements, Gov. Garcia significantly contributed towards the protection of our Mother Earth and the lasting admiration and gratitude of the Cebuano people, the Philippine Navy and the AFP,” reads the general order. — (FREEMAN)