02/06/2026
501st Brigade Kicks Off June with Recognition, Renewal, and Commitment to Mission
CAMP LUIS F. BERSAMIN SR., Brgy. Tagodtod, Lagangilang, Abra – The 501st Infantry (VALIANT) Brigade together with the 50th Infantry (DEFENDER) Battalion, Philippine Army conducted its first Monday Flag Raising Ceremony for the month, on June 1, 2026 at the Brigade Headquarters in So. Barbarit, Brgy. Tagodtod, Lagangilang, Abra.
The ceremony highlighted the Brigade’s strong esprit de corps and served as a platform to recognize the dedication, professionalism, and exemplary service of its personnel. Presided over by the Acting Brigade Commander, COL DAVICE CHRISTOPHER G MERCADO GSC (INF) PA, the event reinforced the Brigade’s enduring commitment to its mission of sustaining peace, security, and development within its area of responsibility.
A significant highlight of the ceremony was the formal recognition of outstanding soldiers through an Awarding Ceremony whose dedication and performance contributed to the Brigade’s operational success. Newly assigned Officers and Enlisted Personnel were officially welcomed into the VALIANT family through the symbolic pinning of the Brigade Unit Patch, signifying their integration into the unit and commitment to its proud traditions. Likewise, deserving personnel received awards in recognition of their exceptional accomplishments and unwavering dedication to duty.
In his message, COL MERCADO commended the awardees for their professionalism, commitment, and invaluable contributions to the recent Brigade’s mission accomplishments. He emphasized that recognizing excellence fosters a culture of high performance, strengthens morale, and enhances the operational readiness of the organization.
The Acting Brigade Commander also warmly welcomed the newly assigned personnel, encouraging them to uphold the VALIANT spirit and embody the core values of honor, patriotism, integrity, and selfless service as they assume their new responsibilities. He likewise reminded all troops, including operationally controlled units, to remain steadfast and focused in carrying out their mandated missions in support of peace and development efforts across the Brigade’s Joint Operations Area (JOA).
As it continues to build on its achievements, the 501st Infantry (VALIANT) Brigade remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence, service, and nation-building, faithfully upholding the values that define the Philippine Army and the Filipino soldier.