73 new Army lieutenants deployed for action

Tagle commends resilience, sacrifice of Filipino seafarers

Some 73 new second lieutenants have been deployed by the Philippine Army in the field. Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto, the Army's commanding general, led the recent send-off ceremony of the Class 51-2018 at the Army Officers Club House in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

"Your position holds high expectations and great responsibilities, as you will lead our soldiers in development support and security operations," Alberto told the newly deployed officers.

"I also advise you to maintain your integrity, as it entails discipline and utmost loyalty to duty and service. You have entered this profession with work realities that will, at times, test your morals, but always look back to our core values of honor, patriotism, and duty," he said.

During the ceremony, the new members of the Army Officer Corps received Glock 17 pistols to symbolize their role as "vanguards of security, peace, and progress in the country."

The officers took the Officer Candidate Course in December 2017.

After a year of rigorous training, they underwent a 45-day Scout Ranger Orientation Course, the Common Module Phase, and the recently concluded Service Orientation led by Army’s Commanding General, Vice Commanding General and Chief of Staff.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Sunday lauded the resilience of Filipino seafarers as well as their sacrifices and love for their families and country.

Tagle described Filipino seafarers one of the country's "best exports" because of their good character which is being recognized worldwide.

"Isa kayo sa best exports ng Philippines. Hindi produkto kundi tao... marangal na Pilipino, iyan ang kinikilala ng maraming bahagi ng mundo. Salamat sa inyo (You are one of the best exports of the Philippines. Not as products but humans... dignified Filipinos, who are being recognized in many parts of the world. Thank you all)," said the Cardinal as he presided over a Holy Mass in celebration of the 24th National Seafarers’ Day in Paco Arena in Manila.

Tagle said that it is not easy for the seafarers to leave their families to work overseas.

"Isa rin itong palatandaan ng inyong pagmamahal, nang inyong lakas ng loob, nang iyong pananampalataya na ang kirot na ito ay dala-dala ninyo at inyong dinadala bilang alay sa kabutihan ng inyong pamilya at ng ating bansa (The pain brought by separation is a sign of your love, strength, and faith for the good of your family and the country)," he noted.

The hardships, he said will not weaken but will make them even stronger.

"Kahit na tayo ay nagdurusa sa paglayo sa pamilya at sa bansa, ang sakit na ito ay hindi dahilan para maparalyze kundi lalo pang magpunyagi at magsikap (Even if you feel sad as you leave your family and your country, this suffering is not a reason for you to be paralyzed, but inspire you to strive for more)," said Tagle.

The prelate also reminded the seafarers not to forget to always have a good relationship with other people.

"Ang paalaala lamang ng mga pagbasa: Minsan pag-umaayos na ang buhay, ang kayamanan at rangya, ang comfort–maaring makabulag; ang pera maaring mauwi sa pagkamanhid dahil komportable na ako wala na .... nakakalimutan yung kapwa tao," said Tagle.