FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, leads the donning of rank ceremony, conferring the rank of second lieutenant to Army reservist and actor Matteo Guidicelli here today, August 20.
Guidicelli received the rank after President Rodrigo Duterte approved his commissionship last August 7. The actor-reservist was recognized for his volunteerism in using his influence to promote peace and impart patriotism especially to the Filipino youth in Mindanao region in addition to his completion of the Scout Ranger Orientation Course last June.
“We need somebody who will speak for us. Somebody who we take from the outside na makikita nya yung totoo at masasabi nya sa mga tao hindi lang sa mga press, pero lalo na sa kabataan. Napakahalaga ng kabataan,” said Alberto.
The family of Guidicelli, other Army senior officers and Ms. Sarah Geronimo, who assisted Alberto in pinning the rank insignia to the actor, were also present during the event. In his speech, Guidicelli thanked the Philippine Army for letting him not just to spread a message of peace but also to tell and represent the lives and sacrifices of the Filipino soldiers. “I will do my best to give my part as a Filipino citizen and part of the Army reserve to represent the Army in the best way possible and to tell the people how important the Army is for each and every individual,” said Guidicelli.
“These celebrities who are part of the Reserve Force, they can help project a better image for our country, better image for the Armed Forces because people listen to them. So it will encourage other members of the society to join the Armed Forces lalo na yung mga kabataan natin,” Alberto added. (Philippine Army)
