Gazmin visits Leyte, confers award on South Korea's ARAW troops

PALO, LEYTE, Philippines — National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin yesterday visited the Republic of Korea's Joint Support Group, known as ARAW contingent, at its base camp in Brgy. Candahug of Palo, Leyte.

Accompanying his visit were: National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council  executive director Alexander Pama; AFP Central Command chief Maj. Gen. John Bonafos, 8th Infantry Division commander Jet Velarmino and Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Hyuk, among other Philippine officials.

Gazmin arrived in Tacloban at around 8:30am and visited the different schools and buildings repaired by the ARAW troops. He expressed his satisfaction over the works of rehabilitating the Yolanda-damaged structures.

Gazmin's purpose in visiting the 280-strong ARAW troops was actually to give them an award in recognition of their rehabilitation efforts in Yolanda-battered areas. He presented them with the Bayanaing Likas Parangal Award, which is given to the group "for exhibiting exemplary dedication and selflessness in all the help they offered and inspiring the Filipinos."

ARAW commander, Col. Lee Chul-won, received from Gazmin the plaque of appreciation for the troop's works in helping Leyte rise from the devastation of Yolanda.

During the awarding ceremony, Gazmin said: "The Philippines is really grateful to the South Korean government and most especially to the ARAW troops for their help and dedication.  Thank you for your noble service, exemplary heroism and friendship."

Governor Dominic Petilla, in his speech, also thanked the Korean troops for being in Leyte and helping the province stand up again from ruins of Yolanda. "You deserve the honor and recognition."

The ARAW troops had rehabilitated a total of 15 school buildings in various parts of Leyte, the damaged building of DepEd-Region 8, four municipal police stations, the Tanauan Municipal Hall, and the Leyte Provincial Hospital in Palo. They had also conducted a series of medical missions in Palo, Tolosa and Tanauan towns.