ZAMBOANGA CITY – Forty-one new recruits with special skills took oath Monday at the 1st Infantry Division (1ID), the Philippine Army’s premier command.
This, as the 1ID has implemented a need-based recruitment scheme, giving priority for enlistment to candidates with special skills that are direly needed by the command.
The 41 newly-enlisted privates composed of 25 males and 16 females. They took oath during the flag raising ceremony at Camp Maj. Cesar Sang-an that houses the 1ID headquarters in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
The 1ID said Monday that they were selected by the Division Candidate Soldier Selection Board based on their courses and capabilities, such as social workers, journalist, computer programmers, multi-media professionals, nurses, psychiatrists and emergency medical technicians.
The recruits will undergo a 16-week rigid military training to be conducted by the 1st Division Training School.
Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, Jr., 1ID assistant commander, who represented Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, 1ID commander, was the keynote speaker of the activity, and he reminded the new recruits to use their skills that they possess in order to contribute in fulfilling the unit’s mission.
“You were called to serve, always bear in mind that this is a lifetime commitment. It is important to give your best and excel in all your undertakings,” Gaerlan said. – Nikolai Gonzalo
