CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-The long wait is over. After the backbreaking 16-week basic military training, a total of 226 new privates now join the regular force of the Philippine Army.
In a graduation ceremony held at Gen. Lukban Grandstand on February 15, the 9th Infantry (SPEAR) Division welcomed the troops who formed part of the Candidate Soldiers Course "Makaragtas" Class 740-2022.
During the training, this new breed of soldiers were transformed into a competent, confident and capable military men who will uphold the Army's core values and warrior ethos.
They also underwent another 60-day infantry orientation course which equipped them with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to effectively and efficiently conduct jungle and mountain operations as well as urban operations.
In his message, MGen. Adonis Bajao, Division Commander of 9ID, congratulated and thanked the parents of the graduates for raising up their children well.
“Alam niyo po kailangan ng isang komunidad para magpalaki ng isang sundalo, alam kong ang mga anak ninyo, na nasa harap natin ngayon, ay nanggaling sa inyong mga tahanan ay dinala dito sa amin sa 9th Infantry Spear Division upang aming sanayin sa propesyong kanilang tatahakin bilang mga sundalo ng ating bansa. Kaya gusto kong pasalamatan ang ating mga magulang at kanilang mga mahal sa buhay”, MGen. Bajao said.
Topping the class is Pvt. Aquilino Jazo of Donsol, Sorsogon.
One of the highlights of the graduation is the entrustment of firearms to the new Army privates.
Meanwhile, unlike the past years, loved ones of the graduates were allowed to personally witness this year's closing ceremony as the strict health protocols were finally lifted.