TERNATE, Cavite – After having successfully completed the six-month long military training, about twenty-two (22) yApayao candidate soldiers proudly marched as graduates of classes 496th ,497th, and 498th of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) on September 1, held at the Basic School Grandstand, MBGL, Ternate Cavite.
These newly-minted marines joined the other 156 candidate soldiers who hail from the different parts of the country during the conduct of the 6-month comprehensive training that included lectures and practical exercises from land navigation to combat water survival and marksmanship under the guidance of the drill instructors.
The training, designed by the Philippine Marine Corps Force Development Center’s Basic School, also provided the candidate soldiers a deep appreciation for the organization, competency, and military prowess of the PMC.
MGen. Arturo G Rojas PN(M), Commandant Philippine Marine Corps, as the guest speaker, conveyed his congratulations to the graduating classes and commended them for their dedication to military service through his message read by BGen Jimmy D Larida PN(M), Deputy Commandant Philippine Marine Corps.
He lauded the graduates for wanting to serve in the Corps and for their perseverance in the training, which involved activities at sea and on land that tested the candidate soldiers’ physical, mental, and moral strength.
In addition, BGEn Larida on his part, thanked the parents, guardians, and other family members of the graduates for allowing their children to undertake the comprehensive military training and pushing them to be part of the country’s military force.
Fermin Borja of the municipality of Conner, who belonged to Class 497 graduated with an exemplary performance during the training which earned him the top 3 of the class.
In an interview, the candidate soldier expressed gratitude to the people who formed part of his journey, particularly to the provincial government of Apayao which paved his way to becoming an official servant of the nation.
Meanwhile, Diway Benbinan of Class 497, rank 8, shared his experience during the training and encapsulated that this endeavor transformed him and his fellow marines.
“We underwent several challenges that we needed to survive. Through our efforts and dedication to serve our country, we were able to face all of these. I am always grateful to this endeavor because it has transformed us to be disciplined, generous, and brave individuals,” Benbinan proudly shared.
This graduation ceremony signifies the beginning of a military career for the 178 strong and capable individuals who have proudly surpassed the trainees’ training standards. They are now the newest members of The Few, The Proud, The SMARTER Marines, and will be deployed to different battalions of the PMC.
The proud graduates are among the successful products of the Apayao AFP recruitment under the leadership of the Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. and is being led by its focal person, Jejet Lopit. By PIO Apayao
