By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division formally welcomed 239 neophyte soldiers into its folds following their graduation ceremony on July 28, 2020.
The 239 new soldiers are expected to complement the 3ID’s anti-insurgency campaign and the on-going COVID-19 efforts in Western and Central Visayas.
Police Major Cenon Pancito, 3ID spokesperson, said the new soldiers comprised the CSC Classes 624 and 625 – 2020.
They were enlisted to the rank of Private after completing the five-month Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) and Jungle Warfare Mountain Operation Course (JWMOC) facilitated by the 3rd Division Training School (3DTS).
Pancito underscored the importance of a graduation ceremony in formally welcoming the new soldiers into the 3ID ranks.
He explained that the ceremony is a time honored tradition in the military service that highlights the transition from then carefree civilian life to a regimented profession in service to the flag and the Filipino people.
Professor Mary Ann Gumban, Vice Chancellor for Administration of their University of the Philippines, was the guest of honor and speaker.
She also led the ceremonial entrustment of firearms to the newly enlisted soldiers.
Meanwhile, Private Herje Catedrilla, a TESDA NCII passer from Barangay Tahing, Calinog, Iloilo, received the 3rd ID Commander Award for topping the 121 CS Class 624 – 2020 with a General Point Average (GPA) of 92.98 % in all evaluated subjects.
Private Joel Delmonte Jr., also a TESDA NCII passer from Barangay Bangac, Mina, Iloilo, got the same award after besting the 117 other members of Class 625- 2020.
On the other hand, the Chief of Staff, 3ID Awards were given to Private Trestian James Dagang of Barangay Baclayan, New Lucena, Iloilo, and Private Cristian Macatigos of Barangay San Remegio, Antique for graduating number 2 in Class 624 and 625, respectively.
Recipients of the 3DTS Commandant Award are Private Christian Paul Sablon of Barangay Tubungan, Lambunao, Iloilo and Private Jenny Landero of Barangay San Miguel Ilaya, Tapaz, Capiz for graduating number 3 in Class 624 and 625, respectively.
Further, Private Ian Bryan Quejada from Class 624 and Private Jefferson Sermida from Class 625 bagged the Commander’s Physical Proficiency Awards for obtaining the highest rating in Physical Fitness Test in their respective classes.
Major General Eric Vinoya, 3ID commander, challenged the newly enlisted privates to always do good and value soldiery to the highest level.
“Much has always been required in the profession of arms, ours is no easy job. As soldiers, we need to sacrifice a lot, thus, my call to you is to meet the expectations of true service to God, country and people,” he said.
He stressed that service to one’s country is always coupled with sacrifices and heroism.
