CATBALOGAN CITY, SAMAR – Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober Jr., Regional Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Office 8 graced the Closing Ceremony of the Philippine Army Candidate Soldier Course (PACSC) Class 696-2021 and Ceremonial Entrustment of Firearms as a special guest at the 8ID Grandstand, Camp General Vicente Lukban last May 13, 2022.
The ceremony was lead by Major General Edgardo Y de Leon, Commander of the 8th Infantry Stormtroopers Division Philippine Army (8ID PA).
The PACSC Class 696 “Kalasag” 2021 started their journey as candidate soldiers last November 29, 2021. The new breed of soldiers is composed of eighty-one (81) privates. Out of the 81 candidates, 58 came from Samar Island, 14 from Leyte, 1 from Biliran, 1 from Negros Occidental, 1 from Cebu, 1 from Bohol, 1 from Albay, 1 from Apayao, 1 from Lanao del Norte, 1 from Cotabato and 1 from Zamboanga Sibugay.
The program included Capability Demo and Pekiti Tirsia Kali by the PACSC Class 696-2021, entry and formation of troops, presentation of students, distribution of certificates and awarding of individual, oath taking of new soldiers, symbolic entrustment of firearms, inspirational message by RD Isko, Panata ng Isang Kawal, Panata sa Karapatang Pantao and Culmination Message from MGen de Leon.
Alongside MGen de Leon were Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon, Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, Lt Col Juan Gullem, Division Training School Commandant and Col Cesar Molina, Chief of Staff.
Guests present were Judy L. Batulan, Provincial Director of DILG Samar Provincial Office, Hon. Galahad O. Vicencio, Mayor of Catubig, Northern Samar, Atty. Don L. Abalon, Mayor of San Roque, Northern Samar and the representatives of the mayors from Las Navas and Lapinig, Northern Samar.
“Ngayon pa lamang ay nagpapasalamat na ako sa inyong taos-pusong pagtanggap sa hamon na ito, ang protektahan ang ating bansa at ang ating mga mahal sa buhay. Congratulations to all our new soldiers, Class 696-2021!”, said RD Escober.
