Governor Sharee Ann Tan attended the 39th Founding Anniversary celebration of the 801st Brigade, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, held on July 2, 2025, at Camp Daza, Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar.

As Guest of Honor and Speaker, Governor Tan shared her journey in promoting peace and order as the province’s Local Chief Executive. She recalled the challenging processes and key initiatives undertaken in the pursuit of ending insurgency in Samar.

The governor emphasized the importance of unity in addressing insurgency and sustaining peace and order across the province.

She also introduced the One Values Program (OVP), her flagship moral recovery and values transformation initiative, which aims to instill core values across all age groups. The OVP highlights themes such as family, inclusivity, women and children’s welfare, youth development, environmental stewardship, and spirituality.

“I have a strong conviction that once we nurture the values of our people here in Samar, they will become productive citizens and they will learn to have a pride of place and love of country,” she said.

In addition to the governor’s message and the values-centered discourse, the event also served as a venue for recognizing military personnel. During the said occasion, three soldiers received the Gawad sa Kaunlaran medal, a commendation accorded to individuals for their invaluable contributions and accomplishments.

On the other hand, four soldiers received the Military Merit Medal for their heroic achievements in combat operations.

The event marked not only a celebration of the Brigade’s establishment, but also a reaffirmation of the strong partnership between the local government and the armed forces in building a safer, more resilient Samar.