By Sarwell Meniano/Philippine News Agency
TACLOBAN CITY — A top official of the Philippine Army has asked the 289 aspiring soldiers to develop a sense of discipline during their four-month training.
Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division commander, Major Gen. Raul Farnacio, said in a statement issued Thursday that they expect “boys to be men” after the rigid training, one of the prerequisites for applicants to become officially enlisted soldiers.
“This is a major turning point of their lives from being a civilian. They will be trained and tested and it is not going to be easy. The army will not just test their physical strength, but their mental and psychological capability as well,” Farnacio said.
The 289 qualified applicants took their oath of duty and service to the country in a simple ceremony held at the Army’s 8th Infantry Division Headquarters in Catbalogan City, Samar on Wednesday.
The four-month course is expected to transform and mold the new recruits, Farnacio said. Intensive training will be held at a military camp in Bagacay village, Hinabangan Samar.
After the rigid training, they will be enlisted into the Philippine Army with the rank of private.
Candidate soldiers hail from different provinces in the country. Of the 289 qualified applicants, 79 are college graduates, 79 are college level, five are vocational graduates, 41 senior high school completers, and 85 high school graduates with special skills from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
Once enlisted, they will boost the current troops who have been fighting the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army, which has been trying to deter development efforts in the Eastern Visayas region.
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