Lanao del Norte Vice Gov. Allan Lim, Lanao del Norte Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, assistant division commander Brig. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV, and 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Rey Alemania led the ribbon cutting and unveiling of the building marker.
The building dubbed “Saber Hall” is named after the Maranao warrior Rajah Palawan, also known as “Saber sa Radapan” (Martyr of Radapan). He was considered as the first Mindanao hero to stand against the Spaniards and died as a martyr in 1759.
The building is also a symbol of recognition to the dedication and sacrifices of the Magbalantay Brigade in ensuring that peace and order is sustained in Lanao del Norte.
“Itong admin building ay naumpisahan last year. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa unang endorsement ng NEDA 10, na sinuportahan na mapondohan ni Cong. Khalid Dimaporo. Ito rin ay mag-eensure na tuloy-tuloy ang presence ng military brigade na magpoproteka sa peace and order dito sa province ng Lanao del Norte (Construction of the building started last year. We thank NEDA 10 for endorsing the building and Rep. Dimaporo for funding support. The building ensures the presence of our military brigade that will protect and maintain peace and order in Lanao del Norte),” Alemania said.
The construction of the building was made possible through the initiative of Dimaporo with supervision from the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Dimaporo expressed support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and said that he will be lobbying for the needed equipment of the military and will support battalions with infrastructure projects.
Several infrastructure projects are under way in the 10-hectare land of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade – concreting of roads, construction of infirmary, medical and dental facility, and two barracks with support from the DPWH.
During the inauguration, newly acquired armor capabilities which include one mounted mortar system and two remote controlled weapon systems were featured.
In gratitude for their support to the peace and security efforts of the Army, Lim, Dimaporo, Palafox, and DPWH personnel received tokens of appreciation from the 2nd Mechanized Infantryv Brigade.