CAMP GEN. MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Some 203 new soldiers have joined the regular force of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division after completing their four-month rigid Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) at this camp here.
2ID Commander Major General Rhoderick M. Parayno officiated on Thursday the Joint Closing Ceremony of Candidate Soldiers (CS) Class 510-2017 and Recognition Day of CS Class 529 and 530-2017 at 2nd Division Training School (2DTS) view deck.
Parayno welcomed into the army’s regular force the all-male 203 soldiers describing their graduation from the military’s rigid training “as no small thing since the new soldiers were properly nurtured with the basic knowledge and skills of soldiery in order to develop their character worthy to become members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).”
Representing Brigadier General Felipe B. Vejar Jr, commander of the 51st Engineering Brigade as guest of honor at the graduation rites , Deputy Brigade Commander Colonel Anthony T. Cacayuran congratulated the new soldiers.
Cacayuran also extended his felicitations to the soldiers’ parents for their moral support and inspiration as well as the army’s training officers and staff.
“Always bear in mind the military professionalism and loyalty that were taught to you during your training”, he said, adding that "the culmination of the solidiers’ training also signals the beginning of their genuine and dedicated service to the government."
Cacayuran also led the symbolic entrustment of firearms to the new army privates, assisted by Sampaloc Barangay Chair Alvin Belsa of Tanay, Rizal.
Captain Patrick Jay M. Retumban, chief of the 2ID public affairs office the ceremonial entrustment of firearms bear with it the spirit of nationalism and service-oriented attitude among soldiers.
Retumban said this military tradition of the firearms entrustment also symbolizes that the new breed of soldiers willfully accepted the magnitude of the responsibility, duty and authority vested upon them in protecting the country and the Filipino people.
He also said that the 2ID also observes its customary practice in inviting the local government officials during the ceremonial entrustment of firearms to mark the occasion that the new soldiers are now partners in promoting peace and development in their respective localities. (PNA)
