Battalion Vulcanizing Shop Reborn

For six (6) years that this unit has terminated vulcanizing operation for heavy and ordnance equipment, expenditure for tire problems is growing. With the initiative of the Commanding Officer, LTC ARNOLD F FERNANDEZ (CE) GSC PA, a vulcanizing shop is now re established. This project is proven cost efficient. The shop is under the responsibility of the Engineer Maintenance Company as part of its mandated task for equipment maintenance.

GHQ Bike Lane Completed

The start of the year 2009 for the Engineer Maintenance and Support Battalion sparked a new book for project missions. Some are yet to come, some are ongoing, but only one was completed for a period of barely two (2) months without any process of proper POW or Detailed Estimates for approval - The Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Bike Lane, GHQ, AFP.

This project was directed by The Deputy Chief of Staff, LTGEN RODRIGO F MACLANG, AFP with the support of the J4 for Logistics and J5 for Planning. With the effort of the Brigade Commander, BGEN FELIZARDO A SIMOY AFP, he tasked this unit to implement the said project. Under the leadership of CO, EMSBn, LTC ARNOLD F FERNANDEZ (CE) GSC PA, he took the initiative to execute the hasty plans and employ all available personnel and equipment for the realization of the project. Given 28 Feb 2009 as the target date and in accordance with the monthly activity of the CSAFP Fun Run, the project was successfully opened and utilized, but only for military personnel for the moment.

Under the close supervision of 1LT ACE RONALD B AMPONG as the project officer and with the help of the 51E Candidate Soldiers, 514ECB and H51E personnel as the workforce, the site was deliberately prepared and maintained. All the routes were defined so with the small obstacles. Weather was not a reason for delay and Weekends were unnoticed, this project integrates total power of the TEAM ENGINEERS as a whole.

This project has been through so many changes along with the expansion of the area. The routes were diverted several times and were extended. From the original plan of 2km-route, the final lane reached up to 5.0kms good enough for bikers to see perfect exercise to complete the circuit. Obstacles were scientifically researched by the J5 people with which contributed much thrill for the bikers to trudge.

The Bike Trail, though completed however, is still subject for improvement. Actual plans are still under studied by J5 with regards to camp security and site isolation purposely focused for the civilians to safely use the trail. It is expected to extend distance twice as the completed one using bridge ladder circuits and more cloverleaf pathways. More with the plans are some outside utilities such as Bleachers, Comfort Rooms, Parking Areas, Lighting System and some significant works ideal for evening bike events. This project aims to be opened to the public before this year ends.

EMSBn: The History

The Engineer Maintenance and Support Battalion (Provisional), 51st Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army was organized and activated on 09 November 1988, pursuant to the provisions of General Orders Number 178, Headquarters, 51st Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army under the leadership of LTC SALVADOR S LUCZON (CE) PA. It established the Battalion Headquarters at an area of Brigade Headquarters at Camp Gen Rigoberto J Atienza Libis, Quezon City alongside Marikina River. This unit was organized with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHCo), Engineer Equipment and Maintenance Company (EEMCo), Support Company (SPTCo).

It may be interesting to note that this unit has, since its activation played a major role not only the rehabilitation/restoration of unserviceable ordnance and engineer equipment of the Brigade but also involved in the construction of different infrastructure project of the unit such as vertical and horizontal projects. Both base and fields maintenance/repair works have bailed the Brigade’s operating units out of predicament with respect to deadline equipment. Physically, the total number of rehabilitated/repaired equipment may not be impressive or appreciated. However, if cost is to be considered, one would marvel in disbelief that the Battalion exceeded to normal rate of production on man-hour basis. This unit also supported the Brigade’s ECB’s in Civil Works and Civil Military Operations Projects, Civic Action and Security Works. There, however, have not caught the notice of the critical observers whose only focus is the motor pool job.

In line with this, the unit had been commanded by the following
officers:

LTC SALVADOR S LUCZON (CE) PA 09 Nov 88 – 19 Jul 90
LTC PLACIDO S ABUAN (CE) PA 19 Jul 90 – 20 Oct 90
MAJ RAUL N CALUAG (CE) PA 20 Oct 90 – 11 Feb 91
LTC EDUARDO F YOUNG (CE) PA 11 Feb 91 – 01Jun 91
LTC RODOLFO B BERNAL (CE) PA 01 Jun 91 – 03Feb 92
LTC ROBERTO G MANDAR (CE) PA 05 Feb 92 – 01 Oct 92
MAJ FRANCISCO C PALABRICA (CE) PA 01 Oct 92 – 17 Jul 94
LTC REMIGIO L ENRIQUEZ (CE) PA 18 Jul 94 – 20 Jul 95
MAJ RODOLFO B PAULINO (CE) PA 16 Oct 96- 16 May 97
CPT RIZALITO A TIBON (CE) PA 16 May 97– 03 Jan 99
LTC EXEQUIEL A BARROZO (CE) GSC PA 03 Jan 99-31 Mar 99
LTC VIOLETO V REYNOSO (CE) PA 01 Apr 99 – 30 Jun 00
LTC JOSE B BARALLAS (CE) GSC PA 01 May 04-19 Jan 06
MAJ MAXIMO R AQUINO (CE) PA 19 Jan 06-27 Jul 07
MAJ SERGIO B CUADRA (CE) PA 27 Jul 07-16 Sep 07
LTC LYNDON J SOLLESTA CE (GSC) PA 16 Sep 07-16 Jan 09

LTC ARNOLD F FERNANDEZ CE (GSC) PA 16 Jan 09-present

Presently, this unit continues to move forward to attain its goals and aspirations. With its personnel led by:

LTC ARNOLD F FERNANDEZ CE (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer;

MAJOR RONILO H CUDAL (CE) PA, Bn Executive Officer;

CPT GERRY H JUELE (CE) PA, Bn Operation Officer;

CPT MARTE (CE) PA, Bn Intelligence Officer;

CPT BOBBY A RICO (CE) PA, Bn Logistics Officer;

1LT MAURICIO P AUSTRIA JR (CE) PA, Bn Personnel Officer;

1LT ACE RONALD B AMPONG (CE) PA, Bn CMO Officer;

MSg Jimmy Trinidad (CE) PA, Bn Sgt Major,

there is no doubt that the Battalion will soar to greater achievements.

On 2004, upon activation of Special Project Company (SPCo) on 07 May 2004, pursuant to Sec II, General Orders Number 37, Headquarters 51st Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army dated 06 May 2004. All Personnel and equipment were sourced out from the deactivated Special Project Group (SPG). Finally, EMSBn, 51EBde, PA will now be involved in the monitoring and supervising the implementation of various projects being undertaken by the Brigade within NCR.