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Airman who wants better armed PAF named among 2016 'TOPS' awardees

The 2016 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (from L-R top row): From the Philippine Army: Lieutenant Colonel Eliglen Ferrer Villaflor PA, Technical Sergeant Danilo delos Santos Ramos PA, Technical Sergeant Bernardo Labao Tacbas PA; from the Philippine Navy: Lieutenant Colonel Wilfredo Baylon Manalang, Jr. PN(M), Staff Sergeant Albert Dangan Eleazar PN(M). (L-R bottom row): Intelligence Specialist Chief Fernando Junio Parcon PN, from the Philippine Air Force: Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Alina Bañaria PAF, Master Sergeant Abel Lim Idusma PAF, Technical Sergeant Andersen Daing Avellana, PAF; from the Technical Administrative Services: Colonel Jocelyn Pancrudo Turla MC. Photo: Metrobank Foundation

MANILA, June 21 (PNA News Feature) -- For his desire to have a better armed Philippine Air Force (PAF), Technical Sgt. Andersen Daing Avellana was named one of the country's 10 outstanding soldiers Monday.

This event was sponsored by the Metrobank Foundation-Rotary Club of Makati Metro.

Avellana, assigned at Armament Branch, 463rd Avionics Armament Maintenance Squadron, 15th Strike Wing, Sangley Point, Cavite, landed in the sights of above-mentioned group for his sterling work in overhauling and repair of 10 rocket launcher intervalometer and three MG-520 attack helicopters optical sights.

By using local means to repair the intervalometers, the former managed to save PHP1.5 million from the PHP13,465,000 budget allocated for the repairs.

And in overhauling the MG-520 attack helicopter optical sights, using again local skill and resources, Avellana was able to save the PAF PHP400,000.

Aside from this, the former has undergone numerous specialty courses such as the Basic Electronic and Communication Course, Ground Radio Course, Basic Weapons Mechanic Course, and Aircraft Engine Mechanic Course in New Zealand, which made him a skilled weapons mechanic technician.

Avellana is also a recipient of many awards, including the PAF Enlisted Personnel of the Year & INSTEP Awardee for Professionalism, this award is given to those personnel who religiously shown commitment in improving the current state of PAF in terms of existing equipment and weaponry innovation.

Aside from the former, other members of this year's "The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers" are the Army's Lt. Col. Eliglen Ferrer Villaflor, Technical Sgt. Danilo Delos Santos and Technical Sgt. Bernardo Labao Tacbas.

While awardees from the Navy include Marine Lt. Wilfredo Baylon Manalang, Marine Staff Sgt. Albert Dangan Eleazar and Intelligence Specialist Chief Fernando Juinio Parcon.

And from the PAF side, feted were Lt. Col. Oliver Alina Banaria, and Master Sgt. Abel Lim Idusma.

While Col. Jocelyn Pancrudo Turla from the Technical Administrative Services completes this year's TOPS winners.

Each TOPS awardee received a cash prize of PHP500,000 and a trophy.

“The Search for TOPS is the civilian society’s expression of genuine appreciation and gratitude for the men and women in the Armed Forces - for their sacrifices and dedication in pursuing our shared dreams of a safe and peaceful nation. We believe that the civilian and private sector’s support, cooperation, admiration, and respect should accompany the role of our soldiers as protectors of our sovereignty and defenders of our national patrimony," Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña said. (PNA) BNB/PFN/Tammy Delos Reyes (OJT)