Feature: Female soldier grateful for equal opportunities granted to women in military service

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 5): Feature: Female soldier grateful for equal opportunities granted to women in military service 

Grateful for Magna Carta

“I am grateful that the Magna Carta for Women have accorded us fundamental rights, protection and opportunities in our society,” said Sgt. Liezel Gonzaga-Soliven of the 1st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

In 2009, the Senate and House of Congress enacted a law protecting women and children - - Republic Act No. 9710 otherwise known as “An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Women,” a comprehensive women’s human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and promoting their rights.

Discrimination no longer exist
Soliven observed that the issue on the discrimination against women on the recognition, enjoyment, as well as in the exercise of political, economic, social, cultural and civil rights no longer happens.

Women are now able to enhance and develop their potentials and skills. Aside from that, they develop their fullest capabilities as partners in nation building.

For this reason, she was able to join the military. “Unlike before, only men were admitted and joined the ranks in the Philippine Army, but now,women enjoy the same opportunity to serve in the military.

Gov’t opened doors for women

The government has opened its doors for women in the Philippine Army, for those who are physically and personally suitable for the job.

Dreamed to be a soldier

Soliven said it’s been her dream since she was a child to be a soldier.

When she was 17 yrs old, she was an officer of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). After graduation in college, she underwent probationary training course and eventually enlisted in the military service.

“I was determined to be a soldier so I actively involved myself in the ROTC and Probationary Officer Training Course,” Soliven explained.

Protect, serve the people

In 2011, Soliven said she decided to join the military service because she wanted to serve and protect the people and support her family.

“As the eldest in our family, I needed a permanent job in order to support my terminally ill father and fund the college education of my two younger brothers and sister,” Soliven narrated.

“With the salary that I received from my work, I was able to provide the daily needs of my family, pay the hospital bills and bought the daily maintenance medications of my father,” Soliven said.

“My brothers and sister are now professionals and they help me provide and meet the needs of our family,” Soliven proudly said.

Military changed her life

She said she was taught discipline and learned to value the importance of physical and mental health. “Physical training has been a compulsory part of our daily military life,” Soliven said adding that it benefits soldiers to have a healthy life and improve their efficiency.

“One thing that everyone seems to agree with is that as female soldiers, we can do something for our society. We can make a difference,” she concluded.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371491355738/feature-female-soldier-grateful-for-equal-opportunities-granted-to-women-in-military-service-