The Armed Forces of the Philippines recognized two of its soldier-athletes with Meritorious Achievement Medals on Monday, November 9, 2026, in a ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, that also marked the turnover of ₱1 million in proceeds from the Heroes Golf Tournament to the AFP Educational Benefit System Office.
At a glance
- Awardees: Sgt. Jason D. Huerte PAF and ASN Carlo C. Paalam PN
- Award: Meritorious Achievement Medal, for their service and accomplishments as soldier-athletes during the 20th Asian Games
- Presented by: AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete with MGen. Ramon P. Flores, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, J1
- Donation: P1 million in Heroes Golf Tournament proceeds to the AFP Educational Benefit System Office (EBSO)
- Date and place: November 9, 2026, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
Huerte and Paalam Receive Meritorious Achievement Medals
AFP Chief of Staff General Antonio G. Nafarrete conferred the Meritorious Achievement Medal (MAM) on Sergeant Jason D. Huerte of the Philippine Air Force and Apprentice Seaman (ASN) Carlo C. Paalam of the Philippine Navy, according to a press release issued by the AFP Public Affairs Office on November 9, 2026.
The awards were given in recognition of the two soldiers' "invaluable service and accomplishments" as athlete-representatives of the AFP during the 20th Asian Games, the AFP Public Affairs Office said in the release. The release cited their "dedication, discipline, and commitment" in bringing military values and sporting excellence to the international arena.
Major General Ramon P. Flores, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (J1), joined General Nafarrete in formally presenting the medals to both Huerte and Paalam during the ceremony.
₱1 Million Turned Over to AFP Educational Benefit System Office
The ceremony also featured the formal handover of ₱1 million in proceeds from the Heroes Golf Tournament to the AFP Educational Benefit System Office (EBSO), according to the AFP Public Affairs Office press release.
General Nafarrete received the donation on behalf of the EBSO during the same November 9 ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo. The EBSO administers educational assistance programs for AFP personnel and their dependents.
AFP Sergeant Major and Senior Officials in Attendance
First Chief Master Sergeant Feliciano M. Lazo, the AFP Sergeant Major, was also present at the awarding ceremony alongside General Nafarrete, the two awardees,, according to photo documentation released by the AFP Public Affairs Office.
The event was held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Photo credit: Photos by PFC Carmelotes PN(M) / PAOAFP