Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil said the parcel of land donated to the Brigade is part of a 10- hectare lot which is being developed by the local government as an eco-tourism site and government center.
He thanked the Brigade for wanting to put up a facility in the area as he noted that the EB is not only into construction but also performs rehabilitation, socialized housing projects and other emergency duties.
“The presence of the Army’s Engineer Brigade here will serve as a deterrent to crimes. Ang mga mag-aattempt na gumawa ng kaguluhan will have to think twice. That is why this is a very important project not only for Lingayen but for the entire province and the national government as well,” Bataoil said during the simple program held at the town hall, Tuesday.
Brigadier-General Lyndon Sollesta, commander of the 51st EB, said the Brigade has a long proven record in providing necessary support not only in combat support mission but also in development progress, humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
“You send the Army when the place is troublesome. You send the Army to keep a place safe and secure. But when a place is safe, you send the Army to participate in development progress and to keep it more secure,” BGen. Sollesta said.
He said the grand plan for the development of the place is wonderful and they would want to participate in the development.
“The place is so beautiful, it is worth defending. It is our potent weapon against urgency. Pag nakikita ng tao na nabubuhay sila ng tahimik, definitely all issues against the government, especially those of the communists, will be ruled out,” Sollesta added.
