MANILA, Philippines - Filipino peacekeepers in the Golan Heights have been awarded the United Nations Service Medal, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.
The members of the 7th Philippine Contingent to the Golan Heights received the award on March 22 at Camp Ziouani.
Ambassador to Israel Generoso Calonge and United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) commander Lt. Col. Iqbal Singh Singha led the awarding ceremony.
Lt. Col. Ted Dumosmog, commanding officer of the 7th Philippine contingent and the first recipient of the medal in the group, congratulated his fellow peacekeepers, noting that the award is one of the most significant events in a peacekeeper’s life.
It is also in recognition of the contribution of the Philippine contingent in maintaining peace in the Golan Heights by the international community, he said.
He said he is proud to be part of a group of people who are not only brave and talented, but also dedicated and focused in carrying out their duties.
Singha also commended the performance of the Filipino peacekeepers and said that they have done exceedingly well in their mission.
He also cited their proactive steps to achieve safety and security in their respective positions.
Calonge, for his part, called on the Filipino peacekeepers to carry on their good work in the mission and continue performing their duties with honor and dedication. He also congratulated them for their hard work.
The Filipino peacekeepers, with the support of the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv, took the opportunity to promote Philippine tourism, culture and traditions to the guests during the awarding ceremony.
The embassy set up a booth to exhibit various local products, such as piña barong, capiz shell placemats, key chains and brochures featuring the best tourist spots in the Philippines.
The Philippines has been sending troops to UNDOF since 2009, and with its 332 men, remains the second biggest troop contributor.