ZAMBOANGA CITY – One hundred fifty-five candidate soldiers undergo basic military training at the 1st Division Training School of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division (ID) in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
The training started Monday with reception rites, which marks the start of training process and to challenge, as well as test the physical and mental attributes of the trainees.
Col. Jose Randolf Sino Cruz, 1ID assistant commander of Retirees and Reservist Affaris, said that the trainees will undergo 16 weeks of rigorous basic military training that primarily transform them into competent, confident and capable soldiers guided by the Army core values.
Sino Cruz, who represented Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, 1ID commander in the training’s opening ceremony, assured the trainees that their trainers were professionals who will mold them to be competent and proficient as well.
“You were called to serve, always bear in mind that this is a lifetime commitment. It is important to give your best and survive,” Sino Cruz told the recruits.
“By the time that you have developed your combat skills, you must maintain the integrity and honesty to serve the country,” he added.
The recruits, once they complete the training, will be assigned to the different units of the 1ID, the premier command of the Philippine Army. – Nikolai Gonzalo