Army officer grateful for 2017 TOPS nomination

TACLOBAN CITY, May 29 -- An army major has expressed his thanks for the support he got from the public after he was included in the final list of eligible nominees for this year’s The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS). 

Major Arturo M. Dumalagan of the Office of Civil Military Operations, 8th Infantry Division based in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar is the only nominee coming from Eastern Visayas and the only reserved officer who was included in the list.

The 42-year old military officer is a native of Maasin City. Dumalagan, who has been in the service for 17 years already, started as enlisted personnel before he became an officer.

He served two years and a half serving as enlisted army personnel.

“To be included (in the TOPS nomination list) is a rare opportunity. It’s a great honor already,” said Dumalagan.

The eldest among nine siblings, Dumalagan grew up in a family of farmers.

He finished his studies and rose from his military career through sheer determination and hard work. He is married with two children, ages 7 and 17.

As part of his job, Dumalagan has been in the forefront in bringing an end to the insurgency problem in the region, urging everyone that “shining moments” will come to those people and communities who would throw away communism ideology and start to adopt a peaceful life with the support from the government.

Dumalagan and his troops were also instrumental in ensuring the security of the relief goods and its swift distribution after super typhoon "Yolanda" pummeled this city and nearby towns in November 2013.

His previous posts include being the Civil Military Operation Officer of 65th Infantry Battalion, 9th Infantry Division, stationed at Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur, helping in bringing government services closer to both Moros, indigenous tribes, and Christians in the area.

Recalling his past assignments in Mindanao, particularly in Marawi City where an ongoing clash between government security forces and Maute terror group is ongoing, Dumalagan expressed “sadness” on how their efforts in preserving peace and security in the area were being destroyed again by rogue Muslims. 

The TOPS nomination is one of the component search programs in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Makati Metro and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the prestigious 2017 Ten Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Awards during Metrobank’s 54th-anniversary celebration in September.

Other Philippine army 2017 TOPS eligible nominees include Col. Henry M. Doyaoen, Col. Joel M. Paloma, Col. Thomas R. Sedano, Ltc. Gulliver L. Señires, Ltc. Edwin L. Sadang, Ltc. Alvin V. Luzon, Ltc. Elmer B. Suderio, Ltc. Felix Ronnie B. Babac, Ltc. Ricky B. Bunayog, Maj. Ronaldo R. Riva, SMS Rogelio P. Caacbay, MSg. Joel B. Alegre, MSg. Joseph F. Fernando, SSg. Ely Anecito D. Avila, SSg. Narding N. Pascual, and Sgt. Jun Rey E. Perasol.

Four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers who have shown remarkable contributions to their respective fields will be recognized during the event.

Winners of the Ten Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos will each receive PHP1 million cash, a trophy, and a medallion, aside from being conferred the title as “2017 Metrobank Foundation Fellows in Public Service.” (Ronald O. Reyes/PNA)