By Jennifer P. Rendon
A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration graduate from Panay, Capiz, bested 226 candidate soldiers in a six-month basic military training (BMT).
Private Kimberly Ambuan bagged the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) Commander Award after garnering a general average of 93.82 percent.
Ambuan and the 226 others went from being candidate soldiers to Army privates after finishing the BMT cross-trained with Infantry Orientation Course (INFOC).
The closing ceremony was held at the 3ID headquarters at Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz on Friday, Jan 20, 2023.
The 227 new soldiers – 204 males and 21 females – are members of the Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) class “SANIB-TIKAS” 725-2022.
Another lady soldier also topped the class. The Chief of Staff Award was given to Private Melanie Quia-ot, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education graduate from Pinamungahan, Cebu.
Quia-ot garnered a general average of 93.51 percent.
Meanwhile, Private Mil Rey Alanza, a graduate of BS Criminology from Patnongon, Antique, received the Commandant Award for graduating Number 3 with a general average of 93.48 percent.
Alanza also bagged the Commander’s Physical Proficiency Award for obtaining the highest rating in Physical Fitness Test.
Of the 227 newly enlisted privates, 180 will join the Infantry, and 47 will join the Army Engineers.
The Ceremonial Entrustment of Firearms to the new privates highlighted the activity.
Mayor Luzviminda Labao of Mambusao, Capiz officiated the ceremony.
The rites emphasized to soldiers that firearms are tools to perform the mandates of the AFP and symbolize the protection of the rights of the Filipino people.
Meanwhile, Major General Benedict Arevalo, 3rd ID commander, served as the keynote speaker.
He congratulated the new privates for enduring the rigorous training while recognizing the officers and enlisted personnel of the Division Training School for making the course a successful one.
Arevalo also reminded the newly graduated soldiers to be watchful, remember their instructor’s and training models’ teachings, and continue learning and praying for their safety.
“Bring with you our mantra ‘Loved by the People, Feared by the Enemy’ as your guide in performing your duty. Help the people all the time and always be ready to face the enemy to ensure victory,” he said.
