9ID welcomes 226 new soldiers from “Makaragtas” Class 2022
By Ana-Liza Macatangay
PILI, Camarines Sur --- The 9th Infantry “SPEAR” Division welcomed 226 new graduates from the “Makaragtas” Class 740-2022 as part of its mission to bolster the Philippine Armed Forces. The symbolic ceremony was held Wednesday, February 15, during the graduation and entrustment of firearms ceremony for candidate soldiers at the Gen. Lukban Grandstand, here.
“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”, 9ID Commanding General MGen. Adonis R. Bajao said in his speech as he acknowledged the sacrifices of the graduates’ parents.
The Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) emphasized in a press release that the “Makaragtas” Class underwent the arduous 16-week training and an additional 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.”
9ID Commander MGEN Adonis R. Bajao delivers his keynote message to the 226 new graduates from the “Makaragtas” Class 740-2022 during the Graduation and Entrustment of Firearms Ceremony for candidate soldiers hed at the Gen. Lukban Grandstand, Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur, Feb. 15, 2023. || Photo credits: 9th ID -DPAO
The DPAO continued, “throughout the training, these new breed of troops were turned into knowledgeable, confident, and capable military men who would uphold the Army’s basic values and warrior spirit.”
One of the peace agenda of President Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos is “ending the local communist armed conflict by expanding the transformation programs for local conflict peace process and the enhancement of the resilience for peace of communities and vulnerable groups.”
One criminologist, one psychometrician, one class valedictorian, 11 certified teachers, and 82 college students and graduates make up the 226 new private graduates. They will now become a member of the Philippine Army’s regular force who will help the government maintain law and order in the Bicol region.
Bicol Regional Evangelistic Association for Development (BREAD), Inc. Chairman Pastor Joey Piano stressed in his invocation that as the new graduates become full-pledged soldiers, they shall remember these things:
“A good soldier endures hardship; Satan [may] want to destroy you—physically and/or spiritually, We must stand our ground when Satan attacks. 1 Peter 5:8 states ‘Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. But don’t worry because the Lord, our God always provides a way to endure.”
He also emphasized that a good soldier should focus on his task, should have a heart and must exhibit faith in His plan and His command.
“Be a good soldier of God and our country,” Pastor Piano said.
Also present during the occasion were 9ID Asst. Division Commander BGEN Jaime A. Abawag Jr., 9ID Division Training School Commandant COL Angelo Z. Lutera, Division Inspector General COL Zacarias B. Batalla, Division Adjutant MAJ Jose L. Aceret Jr., Division Chaplain MAJ Rommel F. Gacias, Division Sergeant Major CMS Abundo Q. Nopre and Donsol, Sorsogon Municipal Mayor Teodoro B. De Guzman.
Mayor De Guzman took part in the symbolic entrustment of the firearms to the new soldiers, which is one of the major highlights of the event.
“Makaragtas” stands for Magigiting na Kawal, Raragasa upang Magligtas. (With reports from DPAO,9ID-PIA5/Camarines Sur)