PA joins nation in celebrating Father's Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): PA joins nation in celebrating Father's Day

The Philippine Army (PA) joins the rest of the nation in celebrating Father's Day this Sunday.

Fathers themselves, Army soldiers scattered all over the archipelago observe this day in the most unconventional way – no dinners with family, no hugs from children, and no gifts to remind them of this special day.

But PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang stressed that geographical restrictions do not pose any hindrance to our soldiers in their efforts to reach out to their families back home.

He added that this when modern communications technology, like the Internet and camera-equipped cellular phones, comes in handy.

Cabangbang cited the case of 31-year-old Capt. Frankjo C. Boral, who is the father of baby girl, two years and seven months old.

The latter is going to commemorate Father’s Day just like other soldiers in the field -– away from his family.

Since joining the military in 2004, Captain Boral has been assigned in Mindanao, first as platoon leader of Charlie Company, 33rd Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division in 2005 and now as commanding officer of the 10th Special Forces Company (Airborne), 5th Special Forces Battalion (Airborne), Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Special Operations Command.

Tasked with the greater responsibility of commanding his unit situated in Barangay Tawantawan, M’lang, North Cotabato, he seldom makes it home even during special occasions.

“I was lucky if I could visit them every after six months. When my daughter celebrated her second birthday, I was already in North Cotabato and failed to make it home. When she was born, I only had about ten hours to take a glimpse at her because I had to go back to Fort Magsaysay during my Special Forces Operations Course,” he narrated .

Boral is also married to a military officer.

“Our job is very challenging. As soldiers, duty comes first. Last year, when work became so demanding, we had to send our daughter, Sarah Eloisah, to my hometown in Bicol.

My mother looks after her,” he added.

“As much as I wanted to be a hands-on father, circumstances do not permit me to be such. But I know my daughter will understand this,” Boral stressed.

For soldier-fathers, one of the greatest challenges is striking a balance between family and duty.

“I wanted to be successful at both,” he added.

Just like other soldier-fathers in the field, Boral will spend his day away from the persons that he loved most.

This day will not go by without a phone call or a video call.

“Occasions such as this remind us that more than being soldiers, we are fathers. On Sunday, I’ll spend an hour or two in front of my computer, talking to my wife and daughter on Skype. I’m excited to see new tricks or dance moves from my Sarah Eloisah,” he concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=534638