TEL AVIV PE ATTENDS CHANGE OF COMMAND OF THE PHILIPPINE CONTINGENT TO THE UNITED NATIONS DISENGAGEMENT OBSERVER FORCE (UNDOF)
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The Ceremonial Signing of the Change of Command of the Philippine Battalion. |
UNDOF Force Commander MGen. Natalio Ecarma formally hands over to Lt. Col. Sanny Gadot the flag which signifies that the 3rd batch of Philippine contingent assumes the duties and responsibilities in their area of operation in the Golan Heights. |
The Officers and Staff of the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, headed by Mrs. Greg Marie Concha-Mariño, attended the change of command of the Philippine Contingent in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) stationed at the Golan Heights.
UNDOF Force Commander MGen. Natalio C. Ecarma III, the respective contingent commanders of Croatia, India, Japan Australia, Austria and Canada, Philippine Embassy Officials and some members of the Filipino Community in Israel were among those present during the ceremony.
Lt. Col. Alexis Gopico, in his farewell speech, thanked his colleagues for extending support to his leadership during his six-month term as Commanding Officer of the Philippine Contingent. He said that it was a great honor and privilege to have worked with them, and, at the same time noted that the entire contingent learned many lessons during their tour of duty.
Lt. Col. Sanny Gadot, in his acceptance speech, accepted the challenge of leading the new contingent. At this point, he vowed to equal, if not surpass, the commendable performance of his predecessor.
He also noted that his new assignment was a blessing and dream come true. He said that he, together with the entire contingent, will work hand in hand with the other contingents in order to maintain the peace and stability in the area of operation of UNDOF.
Mrs. Greg Marie Concha-Mariño, Third Secretary and Vice Consul, delivered the message of H.E. Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia. The Ambassador congratulated the outgoing contingent for the job well done and commended them for their exemplary service rendered during their tour of duty.
She welcomed the new contingent and noted that their deployment was a manifestation and affirmation of Philippines' commitment to UNDOF, to the community of nations and to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. She expressed confidence that the new batch of Philippine soldiers will build upon the work of the second battalion.
UNDOF Force Commander MGen. Natalio C. Ecarma congratulated Lt. Col. Alexis Gopico and his contingent for having completed his mission in the Golan Heights, and thanked him for his leadership and professionalism. He expressed confidence that the new batch of contingent, under the leadership of Lt. Col, Gadot, will work hard and will build upon what was started since the Philippines assumed the command last year.
The ceremony ended through the ceremonial planting of olive trees, symbolizing peace and security in the region.