MANILA — Two natives of Ifugao topped two Candidate Soldiers Course (CSC) conducted by the Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division.
Capt. Jefferson Somera, 5th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the graduation of the candidate soldiers took place at the 5th Division Training School, Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela on Saturday morning.
He identified the Ifugao natives as Candidate Soldier (CS) Roberto M. Balinon, 23, of Barangay Kiling, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao; and CS Jasper Jay B. Tacang, 21, of Barangay Lawig, Lamut, Ifugao.
Balinon, a licensed criminologist from a family of farmers bested the other members of his class – CSC Class 508-2017, by garnering a total grade of 90.01 percent from both the academic and the non-academic requirements of their course.
While, Tacang, also a licensed criminologist whose an orphan, topped his class – CSC Class 509-2017, with a general average score of 89.33 percent from all the requirements of the course.
Somera said Balinon and Tacang were also recipients of Physical Proficiency Awards in their respective classes.
The Physical Proficiency award is given to candidate soldiers who obtained the highest grades in the non-academic requirements of their course.
The other graduates who made it to the top of their respective classes were; CS Jovenal B Batawang (89.71 percent) of Barangay Bagumbayan, Tabuk City; and CS Sernan Dave B. Belington (89.06 percent) of Barangay Cabua-on, Maddela, Quirino as numbers 2 and 3 respectively of CSC Class 508-2017.
On the other hand, CS Anacleto C. Pavo III (88.69 percent) of Barangay Sta. Margarita, Baggao, Cagayan and CS Dandro D. Palangyo (88.25 percent) of Barangay Camandag, Asipulo, Ifugao landed on second and third ranks respectively of CSC Class 509-2017.
The three provinces, where the majority of the graduates came from, are Isabela, Kalinga and Cagayan.
Of the 305 graduating CS; 41 are college graduates and eight of whom have eligibilities; 98 are college levels; and 166 are high school graduates with special skills.
“Today (Saturday), marks the beginning of your journey as soldiers of the Filipino people. We and the people are now expecting that every day from now on, you will dedicate your life serving and protecting the rights of every Filipino anytime and anywhere,” 5th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Perfecto M. Rimando Jr., said. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
