NegOr guv says AFP chief 'worthy of emulation'

 From the Philippine News Agency (May 14, 2021): NegOr guv says AFP chief 'worthy of emulation' (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

CITATION AWARD. The province of Negros Oriental, headed by Gov. Roel Degamo (second from left) holds a recognition ceremony for AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana (center) at the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City on Friday (May 14, 2021). Sobejana hails from Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental. (Screengrab from the Facebook page of Negros Oriental)

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo on Friday called on his constituents, especially the youth, to emulate the example of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana in his commitment to serve the country with sincerity and dedication.

Degamo led other provincial leaders in giving due recognition to Sobejana for his outstanding contributions to the country and for being a son of the province worthy of emulation.

Sobejana, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang” Class ’87, hails from the town of Zamboanguita, about an hour’s drive south of this capital city, and is the first from the province to hold the highest position and rank in the AFP.

Degamo, in recognizing Sobejana’s achievements, notably being a recipient of the country’s highest military award for courage, the Medal of Valor, said in his message at ceremonies held at the Negros Oriental Convention Center here that the province wholeheartedly support him.

“Let us all learn from the lessons of Gen. Sobejana’s life. With all his achievements, Gen. Sobejana is not a superman but just an ordinary man doing his work with extra passion,” the governor said, while hoping that giving recognition to him would inspire the youth to strive for excellence.

“Makahatag kini ug panag-ingnan sa kabataan ining atong probinsya nga hatagan ug dakong pagtagad ang pagtungha alang sa maayong edukasyon (this will set an example to the province’s children to give priority to better education),” he said.

The values of a good education, sincere and transparent service, and love for the country, and showing respect in protecting the rights of the people are key to achieving the desired peace and order, Degamo said in a mix of English and Cebuano dialect.

Sobejana, for his part, told the political leaders and others in attendance in Friday’s ceremonies that public service is not just limited to the military but one can serve in other capacities as well. He thanked the province for the recognition that would encourage him more to serve the country and the people.

Recalling his early years in Negros Oriental, Sobejana said he lived a simple life with his parents in Zamboanguita, and he dreamed of being a pilot but that dream “died when my father passed away” when he was just five years old.

Sobejana said his life in the Armed Forces was not easy, “but I consider myself fortunate being deployed in the most troubled parts of the country because it will really test your tenacity, your bravery, your courage, your heroism, and of course, your combat leadership.”

The city government will also hold its own ceremony of recognition for the AFP chief of staff late Friday at the Pantawan 3 of the Rizal Boulevard, with Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo leading the activity.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140246