Dedicated lady soldier

From the Sun Star-Davao (Dec 7): Dedicated lady soldier

WITH her strong character, competence and dedication to her work as a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Major Rosa Ma. Cristina Rosete Manuel, executive officer of the Army's 10th Infantry Division's Civil Military Operation Battalion (CMOBN), proved that women can also serve and protect the nation. Manuel's courage to build excellence for the welfare of the nation sent her to the military forces for more than 12 years now, which leaves a mark to her colleagues and to people she had serve. Indeed, she is no ordinary woman. "It is always my dream to become a soldier ever since I was child. I was inspired by a relative (Retired Major Douglas Rosete) who always appeared on the news whether television, radio, or print. It's not that I wanted also to appear on the tri-media, but I wanted to follow his footsteps, to serve our country and protect the people. And thanked God because my dream turned into a reality," Manuel said.

Manuel holds a Master in Public Management from Samar State University where she finished the course in 2005. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from University of Immaculate Conception and graduated in 1992. Manuel is described as a hardworking and resilient woman. Her military experiences are honed by the positions held both on the administrative aspect and tactical level. Manuel was the first female line officer who was assigned to 8th Infantry Division headquarters in Visayas in 2001.  She completed her staff duty at the battalion level where she was assigned and designated as a staff officer handling multifarious positions such as adjutant S1 or Human Resource (HR) officer, Battalion S7 or CMO Officer, S4/RSO or Logistics Officer, DO/SDO or Finance Officer and Battery Commander of the Headquarters Service Battery of the 8th Field Artillery Battalion. The need for staff officers at the division headquarters provided her an opportunity to improve her capabilities when she was assigned at the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1, 8ID, PA to handle important duties.

Manuel was also designated as a Chief of the Strength and Management Section, Information System Officer, Admin Officer and eventually designated as Acting Adjutant and Acting Deputy for having performed and handled well the duties and functions. Significant to her assignment with the office of G1 were her efforts in improving the system and database management of the said office and as Procurement Officer for the Candidate Soldiers (CS), she was assigned for the establishment of the procedure in Screening and Acceptance of Candidate Soldier applicants by conceptualizing system, which was accepted by the 8th Infantry Division CS Screening Board.

Manuel was reassigned back to the field sometime in 2004 and commanded a tactical unit. She also became a Battery Commander directly supporting an Infantry Brigade. And due to the massive clearing operation in Samar, Manuel was molded as seasoned Female Line Officer, where her managerial insights aside from her leadership qualities were seen of great importance giving her additional responsibilities. She also commanded the Provisional Special Operations (Kamurayaw or Peace) Company serving three 8th Infantry Division Commanding Generals as incumbent Battery Commander.

Manuel was also given the opportunity to be exposed with the works and functions of the 8th Civil Affairs Unit wherein she was designated as the officer-in-charge of the same unit in the absence of their commanding officer, who was on schooling at that time. Such designation was over and above her primary duties with the Artillery Battery and SOT Company. Moreover, she was instructed to handle the two regular training on Community Development for Operators and Trainers. She supervised the simultaneous immersions and practical exercise of the students that were augmented to her Company that resulted not only an improvement on the economic status of the communities but also multiple encounters with recoveries, the mass surrender of members and supporters of the underground mass organizations with and without firearms.

Manuel was assigned at the Office of the Asst Chief of Staff for Operations of the 8th Infantry Division wherein she was designated as Chief of the SOT Branch, Budget Officer for the SOT Operations and Admin Officer sometime in 2006–2007. After her Advance Field Artillery Career Course, Manuel was transferred to 10th Infantry Division in 2007 and was given the task to operationalize the 10th Division Public Affairs Office, which at was not yet functioning.

Imbued with the right attitude towards work and guidance from her immediate superiors, Manuel then, who is a Lieutenant, started from scratch. She procured the needed equipment and materials, researched media contacts, and coordinated with other Infantry Divisions on the concept of operation for Division’s Public Affairs Office and eventual personal coordination with the various media outfits and personalities. She was designated Officer-in-Charge of 10th Infantry Division’s PAO in the absence of a field grade officer but during her stint, she primarily functioned as the assistant chief or deputy of PAO. Likewise, considering that the DPAO was collocated with the OG7, she also assisted the said office on some administrative matters due to limited number of personnel. Manuel made the press releases, appeared on TV and radio interviews as she was responsible in the preparation, coordination and implementation of the various media engagements.

Manuel also held special duties as member/secretary of the Candidate Soldier Screening Board and Secretary/Recorder of the Housing and Camp Rules and Regulations Board during her stint at the 8th Infantry Division. On the other hand, during her stint with the 10th Infantry Division, Manuel was responsible for the command publications as member of the Editorial Staff of the Agila Journal and Newsletter. Aside from being the layout artist, Manuel is also the Managing Editor and conceptualizes the actual design output. She also writes articles for the publications. Such skill was guided by her being a Computer Engineer by profession and as a former Computer Instructor of the High School and College Departments of the Philippine Women’s College of Davao. Her writing capability was sharpened through constant practice and mentoring by his immediate superiors.
Manuel was designated as the Admin Officer of G7, 10ID, PA in 2009. She also managed the funds for the office. As the Admin Officer, she is also one of those responsible for activation of the 10th CMO Company and now the 10th CMO Battalion. She ably assisted G7 and the Branch Chiefs of the Public Affairs, Civil Affairs and PsyOps in the policy making and program implementations. She is also responsible for the morale and welfare of the OG7 personnel.

In March 2011, she was reassigned to 10th ID CMO Battalion and was designated as the Battalion Executive Officer (Ex-O). She assisted her Battalion Commander in upgrading the capabilities of the unit and their personnel. Despite her hectic schedule, as a wife and mother of three children, Manuel ensured that she will able to balance her responsibilities at home and work. She also established an excellent rapport and working environment with her superiors, peers, and subordinates taking tasks with utmost professionalism and positive attitude. Manuel is humbled by some military honors and civilian appreciations that greatly conditioned unit mission accomplishments. In December 2011, she was recognized by the Mindanao Commission on Women as one of the women who broke the barriers for advancing the status of women and for performing duties in a field usually dominated by men. "There's nothing I could ask for more. I'm happy and contented with what I have now. All thanks to my love ones' who loves me unconditionally," Manuel said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2012/12/07/dedicated-lady-soldier-257256