Tabuk City, Kalinga—Carrying the pride of both Abra and Kalinga, Ensign Jon Martin Odiem Torres is top 4 in the Coast Guard Officer’s Course (CGOC) Class 32-2025 Alpha this year.
The Philippine Coast Guard graduation ceremony took place today, August 19, at the Regional Training Center in Bagac, Bataan.
Jon Martin, the eldest among four siblings, is the son of Police Captain Benjo Torres, a native of Peñarrubia, Abra and Mrs. Maridel Odiem from Lubuagan, who works as an Administrative Officer V at Kalinga Provincial Hospital but is assigned to the Western Kalinga District Hospital in Balbalan.
The son of Torres, after graduating from the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) Masidlayang Batch in 2022, worked as an international seaman for two years under shipping lines and served as a Marine Engineer III.
The 25-year-old, officially took his oath as a PCG officer on December 30, 2024, and began his training last March 3, 2025 which concluded this August 19.
In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Benjo Torres described his son as a hardworking and disciplined man who embodies the Kalinga core values of Paniyaw (respect for the law of God and men), Ngilin (spirituality in human life), and Bain (sense of shame).
For him, the achievement signifies not just Jon Martin’s dedication and self-control but also the pride it brings to their family and to the Provinces of Kalinga and Abra.
“May his journey ahead be filled with purpose, moving forward with courage and confidence, and continued excellence in the service of God, our nation, and people. Soar high, ENS TORRES. Good luck, and may God’s blessings always be with you. Your family and relatives are very proud of you! ,” Benjo added as a message for Jon Martin.
Other iKalingas who finished said course include ENS Tristan Dumalan from Tanudan and ENS Jamreal Daliyong from Tinglayan.
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