A female teacher from Conner, Apayao is now a soldier after finishing the Philippine Army Candidate Soldier Course at the top of her class.
Private Carmencita Alberto led the 125-strong Philippine Army CSC Class 761-2023 during their graduation rites held at Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz in Upi, Gamu in Isabela on Dec. 15.
Alberto topped her class with a rating of 92.78 percent. She is among the 14 new soldiers from Apayao and the 15 females of the class who will join the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Northern Luzon.
The 24-year old licensed professional teacher (secondary level) accomplished this feat with focus and determination during the six-month long rigorous military training.
“Kapag nangarap kang magsundalo, dapat pinaghahandaan ‘yan, hindi lang physically at mentally kundi sa lahat ng aspeto dahil hindi madali ang training. Magulang ko ang inspirasyon ko para malagpasan ang lahat ng pagsubok sa training school,” Alberto said.
“May mga times na pinanghihinaan man, pero inisip ko talaga yung mga reasons na dapat ako ay magpatuloy, never give up, laban lang,” she said.
Alberto expressed gratitude to the people who had been her constant source of inspiration in her journey, primarily her family, friends, relatives, and the provincial government of Apayao.
She hopes that she will inspire more i-Apayaos especially women to join the military.
“Sana ito ay mag-inspire pa lalo sa mga kapwa ko na babae na sumubok at maging kasangga natin sa pag-defend ng ating bansa.” M/Gen. Audrey Pasia, 5th ID commander and Apayao Gov. Elias Bulut, Jr. who served as the guest of honor and speaker during the graduation rites, commended Alberto and the graduates for their accomplishment. – Redjie M. Cawis
