Prof. Mary Ann T. Gumban, Vice Chancellor for Administration of UP Visayas was the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the Joint Closing Ceremony of the Candidate Soldier Course of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division of the Philippine Army. The event was held at Camp Gen. Macario Peralta, Jr. Jamindan, Capiz on July 28, 2020.
A reception was organized for VCA Gumban who was welcomed by the 3ID Commander, Major Gen Eric C. Vinoya, PA and his command staff. Here it was learned that the Philippine Army is one of the few organizations in the whole country to have successfully Institutionalize the Performance Governance System which is a localized adaptation of Harvard’s Balanced Scorecard framework. The 3ID for two consecutive terms have surpassed the standard PGS requirement.
In her message to the graduating class composed of 239 completers, she acknowledged them to be the defenders of the country, “ you are the soldiers who will be defending me and my family and other families - making sure our rights and liberties are not violated. As I look at all of you I feel so proud that I am addressing the Protectors of our Country’s Sovereignty and our nation’s live heroes of today”, she said.
As graduates, the soldiers will soon be in their tour of duty and she reminded them to wear P.R.A.D.A. – an acronym for Power, Responsibility with Accountability and with a Duty to uphold Authority. “These five keywords I believe must be deeply embedded in your heart and mind as you carry on to “serve the people and secure our country and its land.”
She also reminded them the values of the Philippine army Honor, Patriotism, Duty as she led the entrustment of firearms to the new soldiers. This is to symbolically emphasize the supremacy of the civilian authority over the military as provided for by the constitution.
She was given a unique token called the “Infantry Squad” which is precast figurines of soldiers in different combat gears. This miniature represent the combat team of the infantry that is organized to perform combat, community support program, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
After the graduation ceremony VCA Gumban and her group were toured around the army facilities and were in awe of the infrastructures that are currently in place. They were also made to experience target shooting using the latest arms used in battle by the army.
