THE Manila Times and The Manila Times TV launched on Monday its “Tribute to Soldiers” at the Department of National Defense (DND) Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

A memorandum of agreement to hold the “The Manila Times and The Manila Times TV’s Tribute to Soldiers” in August in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines was signed by The Manila Times Chairman Emeritus Dr. Dante A. Ang and DND Officer in Charge Carlito Galvez Jr.

Also present during the launching were Brig. Gen. Arvin Lagamon, commander of the AFP’s Civil Relations Service (CRS); The

Manila Times President and Chief Operating Officer Blanca Mercado; Director Arsenio Andolong, DND spokesman/chief of Defense Communications Service; Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray 3rd, deputy chief of staff for CMO, J7; and Assistant Secretary for Human ResourceDND Antonio Bautista.

The event will honor 10 military personnel and one military unit for exemplary achievements during the previous year.

The awards are grouped into four categories: Contribution to the Combat Zone, Outstanding Community Service, Innovations in Administrative and Logistics Functions, and Achievement in Education.

With the exception of the Education Category, each category will have three awardees.

There will also be a special recognition for military personnel who are manning outposts in the West Philippine Sea.

In his remarks during the event, Galvez thanked Dr. Ang and the executives of The Manila Times for their “overwhelming support” to the AFP by initiating the awards.

“I am overflowing with happiness that you in the private sector, especially in the industry of journalism, are finding ways, not only for the entire nation, to recognize the bravery, greatness and skill of our soldiers,” Galvez said in Filipino.

He said since the mass media wields tremendous influence as “gatekeepers of information and as a cornerstone” of democracy, this “third-party advocacy” is one of the most appropriate and effective ways of making Filipinos appreciate the “noble profession of arms.”

“As some would say, soldiery is not simply a job but a vocation — a firm commitment to serve,” said Galvez.

He noted that the timing of The Manila Times event “couldn’t be more perfect.”

“It must be providential that we are formally launching this partnership today as we lead the nation in the observance of the Philippine Veterans Week next month or a week from today,” Galvez said.

He said the event will “fittingly” culminate with the awarding ceremony proper during National Heroes’ Day on August 28 and will be witnessed by the entire nation through The Manila Times TV, its broadsheet and social media platforms.

“To the leadership of The Manila Times, headed by Dr. Dante A. Ang, be assured that you can count on the full support of the One Defense Team to this worthy endeavor. We believe that together, we can create positive change and make a difference in our country. We stand with you, and we will do so until the aspirations of the Filipino people are achieved,” Galvez said.