FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — As part of its modernization efforts, the Philippine Army’s Kaugnay Division based here put up four solar-powered satellite ground stations to boost the communication systems of their patrol bases in far-flung areas of four provinces under their area of jurisdiction.

7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division commander Major General Andrew D. Costelo said they installed four “Very Small Aperture Terminal” (VSAT) ground stations in four far-flung detachments of the division to strengthen the communication capabilities of their troops and to ensure that their patrol bases can readily communicate with the battalion headquarters here.

The said VSAT station was put up in the patrol bases of the 24th Infantry (WILDCAT) Battalion in Sitio Talipugo, Bgy. Buneg, Lacub, Abra; 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion in Bgy. Dimanayat, San Luis, Aurora; 70th Infantry (MATATAG AT MATAPAT) Battalion at Sitio Macua, Bgy. Kabayunan, Doňa Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan; and 84th Infantry (VICTORIOUS) Battalion at Sitio Bin-bin, Bgy. General Luna, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.

MGen Costelo said that the newly installed communication equipment has also been a big help to the students who are having their online classes as it gives free internet access to the communities.

Teachers, students, and barangay officials in the said communities have expressed their gratitude to the Army for the internet convenience that is highly necessary for their activities.

“Natutuwa ang inyong kasundaluhan dahil hindi lang nagagamit ng tropa ang VSAT para sa mabilis na pagbato ng impormasyon sa mga Battalion headquarters in terms of their operations, naging malaking tulong din ito sa mga studyante at guro na ngayon ay kinakailangan ang internet para maipagpatuloy ang kanilang pag-aaaral,” said MGen. Costelo.

The VSAT installation is part of the implementation of the Army Modernization Act that aims to improve the performance of the troops in its field operations, added the 7th ID chief.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Steve A. Gosuico