Army Holding Center, HHSG, PA

Army Holding Center Joins 3rd Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill

Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City – The Army Holding Center (AHC), Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (HHSG), Philippine Army, under the leadership of COL ANTONIO V BURTON INF (GSC) PA, Director, actively took part in the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill conducted within the AHC compound at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The activity was spearheaded by LTC MERRY AN G SIAO GSC (AGS) PA, Deputy Director, and began with the sounding of the alarm, which prompted personnel to immediately execute the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” procedure. Participants then proceeded to the designated assembly area in an orderly manner, guided by safety marshals and unit leaders to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols.

The earthquake drill served as a vital test of Army Holding Center's preparedness, highlighting the importance of vigilance and disaster readiness in safeguarding lives. It also reaffirmed the Philippine Army’s unwavering commitment to national disaster risk reduction efforts, ensuring that its personnel remain trained, disciplined, and capable of responding effectively to emergencies.

Army Holding Center Conducts Mental Resiliency Seminar

The Army Holding Center (AHC), Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (HHSG), Philippine Army, under the leadership of COL ANTONIO V BURTON INF (GSC) PA, Director, successfully conducted a Mental Resiliency Seminar on September 10, 2025, at the Conference Room, AHC, HHSG, PA, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The activity featured LTC SHARON Q GOMEZ (RET) PA as the Guest Lecturer, who delivered an engaging discussion on the importance of building mental strength, coping with stress, and fostering resilience among military personnel.

The program formally opened with an invocation led by MSg Carlo M Sonaco (CE) PA, Chief Clerk, followed by welcome remarks from MAJ JERSON M PALAWAN (INF) PA, Logistics Officer. The introduction of the Guest Lecturer was delivered by 1LT ALLYN JOY S CABARDO (OS) PA, Admin Officer.

In recognition of her valuable contribution, a certificate and token of appreciation were presented to LTC GOMEZ by LTC MERRY AN G SIAO GSC (AGS) PA, Deputy Director, assisted by 1LT CABARDO.

The event concluded with closing remarks from LTC SIAO, who emphasized: “Remember, resilience is not a destination but a journey. The tools and strategies you explored today are here to guide you, but your growth will come from practicing them consistently in your daily life. Let us carry forward the reminder that taking care of our mental health is just as important as caring for our physical health, and that reaching out for help is a sign of courage, not weakness.”

A total of 39 participants attended the seminar, gaining practical knowledge and strategies to strengthen their mental well-being both in service and in daily life.

This initiative underscores the Army Holding Center’s continuous commitment to the holistic development and welfare of its personnel, ensuring a resilient and mission-ready Philippine Army.

Army Holding Center Hosts Financial Seminar: Empowering Troops Through Financial Literacy

Taguig City, July 2025 — In a continuing effort to promote holistic well-being among its personnel, the Army Holding Center (AHC) conducted a Financial Seminar under the theme “A Quick Discussion on Insuravest and How It Can Help Us Achieve Our Financial Goals.” The seminar was held at the Headquarters Service Battalion, HHSG, PA and was attended by enlisted personnel and officers in active training and service.

The activity aims to raise awareness on sound financial management, proper investment planning, and the importance of early financial preparation, especially for military personnel whose careers are often bound by time and operational demands.

The resource speaker, Mr. Anthony P. Mateo, a Certified Wealth Planner and Senior Financial Advisor of AIA Philippines, shared his expertise and personal experiences in managing finances. With engaging storytelling and practical insights, Mr. Mateo discussed the importance of “Insuravest”—a combined insurance and investment product that empowers individuals to protect their future while building wealth.
In his presentation, Mr. Mateo emphasized three major pillars of financial wellness: Savings, Investment, and Protection. He encouraged attendees to start planning early, highlighting that financial discipline and knowledge are key components in building long-term security and stability.

Participants, most of whom are soldiers in uniform, were highly engaged throughout the session, asking questions and actively participating in discussions. The seminar concluded with a reminder on the value of making informed decisions not just in the battlefield, but in one’s financial journey.

This initiative forms part of AHC’s continuous efforts to foster a well-rounded environment for its personnel—developing not only physical resilience and discipline, but also financial capability and personal growth.

Army Holding Center Conducts Gender Fair Language Seminar: Promoting Equality Through Words

Taguig City, 29 July 2025 — The Army Holding Center (AHC), HHSG, PA in its continuing commitment to gender sensitivity and organizational professionalism, conducted a Gender Fair Language Seminar at the Headquarters Support Battalion (HSBn), Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group, Philippine Army (HHSG, PA).

The seminar aimed to raise awareness on the use of inclusive, respectful, and non-discriminatory language in military communication. Assigned and Unassigned Personnel from AHC actively participated in the event, reflecting AHC’s growing culture of equality.

In her Opening Remarks, LTC MERRY AN G. SIAO (AGS) PA underscored the influence of language in shaping values and unit culture. She emphasized the power of inclusivity: “Our choice of words reflects our values. As soldiers and leaders, we must speak in ways that uphold dignity and respect for all, regardless of gender,” she noted.

The main lecture was delivered by Mr Charles Sacen P. Sacay, LPT, MaVE, who expertly unpacked the foundations of gender equality and provided real-world examples of biased language that often goes unnoticed. His session encouraged self-reflection and offered practical strategies for adopting gender-fair communication.
A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, where participants raised relevant questions and shared personal insights. The dialogue highlighted challenges and opportunities in applying inclusive language among peers.

COL ANTONIO V. BURTON INF (GSC) PA, Director of the Army Holding Center, closed the event with an inspiring message of support: “This is more than just a seminar. It’s a movement toward a more inclusive organization, one where fairness, equality, and respect are embedded not only in how we speak but also in how we lead.”
As the Army Holding Center upholds progressive standards, this Gender Fair Language Seminar marks a vital step in cultivating a respectful, inclusive, and forward-looking military environment.

Army Holding Center Holds Communication and Customer Service Training

The Army Holding Center, HHSG, PA conducted Training on Communication and Customer Service Skills on June 17, 2025, with 20 personnel in attendance.

The Training was Led by Ms. Leilanie U Unciano, LPT Senior TESD Specialist and English Language Trainer which focuses on effective communication techniques, professional correspondence, and respectful interaction. COL Antonio V. Burton, Director of AHC, closed the event by underscoring the value of communication in military service.

This initiative supports the Army’s drive for professionalism, efficiency, and strong stakeholder engagement.

AHC Joins 64th HHSG SportsFest Kick-Off

The Army Holding Center (AHC) actively joined the opening of the 2025 HHSG SportsFest on July 1 at the Philippine Army Wellness Center, marking the 64th Founding Anniversary of the Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (HHSG), Philippine Army.

The event brought together HHSG sub-units for a day of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and physical fitness. The program featured an opening prayer by MAJ JULIUS A. LANA, CHS, the Oath of Sportsmanship led by Acting Sergeant Major MSg Rey J. Infante (OS) PA, and an inspiring message from BGEN ALEXEI C. MUSNGI, PA, who highlighted the importance of fitness in military readiness.

The Army Holding Center under the leadership of COL ANTONIO V BURTON GSC (INF) PA, Director remains committed to promoting wellness, unity, and discipline through its participation in activities like this SportsFest.

Army Holding Center Joins 2nd Quarter National Earthquake Drill 2025

In support of disaster preparedness, the Army Holding Center participated in the 2nd Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on June 19, 2025, led by the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations.

At the signal, personnel swiftly performed the “duck, cover, and hold” procedure, evacuated to safe zones, conducted headcounts, and later returned to workstations—all in line with the drill's objective of strengthening earthquake readiness.

This activity reflects the Army Holding Center’s commitment to safety, readiness, and resilience in responding to potential seismic events.

The organic and a/u personnel of Army Holding Center, HHSG, PA led by COL ANTONIO V BURTON INF (GSC) PA, conducted Urban Farming in support Philippine Army Food Sustainability Program on 14 June 2025.

This activity will ensure food security, sustainable lifestyle, and environmental consciousness among our ranks. With collective effort and hard work, the Organic and a/u personnel, transformed available areas into lush, productive gardens —showing that with determination, even in the city, we can produce our own food and be resilient.

, we grow. Together, we serve.

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