231 candidate soldiers graduate from training

By Luis Eli San Jose CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur -- The 9th Infantry (Spear) Division, Philippine Army under the leadership of Major General Jesus A Manangquil Jr AFP held the Graduation Ceremony of Candidate Soldiers (CS) Class 539 – 18 and the Symbolic Entrustment of Firearms here, Friday, July 27. The graduation ceremony of the 231 successful candidate soldiers was graced by Jonah Pimentel, Acting Governor of Camarines Norte, as the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the simple yet meaningful occasion. It can be recalled that the group took their oath as trainees on March 19 and underwent 4-month of Basic Military Training under the supervision of 9th Division Training School. Majority of the graduates are Bicolanos comprising 91 percent of the class. With this, it is expected that there will be additional soldiers that will be augmented to the front-line specifically for those units deployed within Bicol Region and in some parts of Mindanao. Emerging as the top graduate is CS Azucena P. Sola of Milanabac, Camarines Sur. Being one of the 11 female recruits, she was able to display woman superiority among her classmates by besting them in terms of both academics and non-academics requirements. With her accomplishment, she was the first female to top candidate soldier course conducted in 9ID. The pinning of ranks was also conducted on the privates headed by the Commander, officers and enlisted personnel of 9ID as a manifestation that new responsibilities are bestowed upon their shoulders as professional soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It was followed by the Ceremonial Entrustment of Firearms symbolizing the magnitude of the responsibility, duty, and authority vested upon the new soldiers in protecting the Filipino people. In his message, Gov. Pimentel gave his salutation to the men and women in uniform by emphasizing the nobility of the military profession.He further reminded the graduates about the essence of discipline and dedication in the performance their duties as members of Philippine Army. He also gave assurance that the local government of Camarines Norte will remain active partner in peace and development initiatives of 9ID. Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Manangquil expressed his heartfelt thanks to the parents for giving their all out support to their sons and daughters in order to be successful in their training. The commander urged the graduates to give importance to all things they’ve acquired from training as they begin their military careers. He also reminded the soldiers about the responsibilities bestowed upon them as members of 9ID and public servants. Furthermore, he said that the leadership of 9ID is confident that they will become instruments in the pursuit of peace and development in the region.