149 Candidate Soldier
graduates!
By Maj. FELIX M. MANGYAO (INF) PA
November 8, 2006
CAMP LUKBAN,
Catbalogan, Samar – At least one hundred forty nine (149) Candidate
Soldiers (CS) graduated after six (6) months of rigorous military
training under the auspices of the 8th Infantry Division based here on
November 06, 2006.
The new graduates came
mostly from different municipalities of Region 8 while some came from
Luzon and Mindanao. They will be distributed to different military
units of this Command to serve as additional force to go after the
remaining elements of the New People’s Army.
The highlight of the
graduation ceremony was the message of the Commanding General of the
8th Infantry Division, MajGen. Rodrigo F. Maclang, who challenged the
new graduates to do their share in nation building and in combating
the Communist Terrorists (New Peoples Army) who are continuously
preying on the people of this Region through their extortion
activities.
He also offered five
(5) points of advice to the new soldiers that would be of great help
as they go along their chosen career. Maclang encouraged them to look
for a role model and make sure that they should replicate everything
that is good from his role model. Secondly, he reminded them to save
money – “be judiciously in spending your money and be wise in applying
for loans which is every soldiers pitfall. Be weary of loan sharks
lurking in the dark, ready to deceive you.” Maclang added.
He also emphasized
that learning is a continuous process as they discover the intricacies
of the service. He reminded them that, we are all public servants and
the civilian populace expect nothing less, so don’t let it get into
your head. Further, Maclang also advised the new soldiers to stay away
from troubles and drugs, for he will not hesitate to discharge anyone
who cannot measure-up to standard set by the organization. Finally,
Maclang challenged the soldiers to strive for excellence, and should
not be content with what they already know, “do with your utmost best
in all your endeavor, as you bring the 8th Infantry Division to
greater and glorious heights,” Maclang ended.
In a short
conversation with CS Andro A. Aberia, the top of the Class, he avowed
that the 149 strong members of his Class are ready and duty bound to
protect the people of Samar and Leyte from the claws of Communism. He
further stressed, “we are well prepared, mentally and physically, to
crush these lawless NPA in order to free our constituents from their
evil doings.”
