Batch 79 hosted an appreciation dinner for man-of-the-hour, Col. Ernesto Ravina (79), who played a leading role in the rescue and relief efforts for the thousands affected by Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. The dinner, held last Oct. 15, at the Papilla Conference Room, was attended by 25 batch members and graced by former mentors, Fr. Ismael Zuloaga, Fr. Maximo Barbero, and Ms. Nelly Yu.

As Deputy Commander of the Combat and Service Support Brigade (Philippine Marine Corps), Ernie is also the go-to guy during flood disasters and his group is regularly activated by the NDCC for rescue and relief operations. Needless to say, this was his most challenging mission ever, covering a non-stop two-week period that saw him deployed in the hardest-hit areas of Cainta, Marikina, Pasig, Rizal, and Pangasinan. He became the de facto ground commander in these areas. (Read his first person account under Reflections.)

Prior to his present duty, Col. Ravina was Battallion Commander for the Inshore Boat Battallion that operates in marshlands, rivers, inter-island and coastal waters. After graduating from Xavier School in 1979, he studied Marine Science for one year at UP Diliman before entering the Philippine Military Academy where he graduated in 1984. He obtained a Masters degree in Information Technology from the University of New South Wales in 2003.

He has been deployed in the field of combat several times, in areas such as CamSur, Jolo, Basilan, Zamboanga, Palawan, and Lanao. His distinguished duty has been honored with the Bronze Cross Medal for bravery.  His contribution in the relief and rescue mission will likely be honored with the Navy’s Distinguished Naval Cross for outstanding service. He has served the country for 25 years and is the only Xaverian in military service.