Jerwin Ancajas gets 'Gawad sa Kaunlaran' award for successful title defense

Rear Admiral Dorvin Legaspi hands the Gawad sa Kaunlaran award to IBF junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas. Philippine Navy

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Philippine boxing's newest hero, Jerwin Ancajas, received a commendation from the Philippine Navy after he successfully defended his title recently.

On Saturday, Ancajas, a Navy reservist with the rank senior chief petty officer, was awarded the "Gawad sa Kaunlaran" plum, the second highest award the Armed Forces of the Philippines can give to civilians and government officials.

He received the award in person at the Navy headquarters here with Rear Admiral Dorvin Legaspi, the current Naval Reserve Command commander, giving it.

"I see in this fine navy reservist his dedication and commitment in boxing as he brought honor and pride to the country, the AFP, the Philippine Navy, and the Naval Reserve Command in particular for being a member of the navy reserve force," Legaspi said in a speech.

In gratitude, Ancajas, who made a long awaited return to the ring in style by beating Jonathan Rodriguez to keep the IBF junior bantamweight title, said, "Nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoon sa binigay na pagkakataon na makapagsilbi sa ating bayan at sa Philippine Navy. Sobrang masaya po ako na mabigyan ng karangalan sa Philippine Navy."

Legaspi, on the other hand, believes Ancajas is an example of what a soldier should look like.

"The courage and bravery that you have displayed represent the finest values of our military and our country," Legaspi told Ancajas in his speech.

In response, Ancajas vowed that he will continue to represent the Navy in his upcoming fights.

"Hangad ko na makapagbigay ng karangalan, at dadalhin ko ang pangalan ng Philippine Navy at Marines sa buong mundo," he said.

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