25-yr-old from Tanudan is lone iKalinga to graduate from PH Navy officer Candidate School this year

Tabuk City, Kalinga - Coming from a family of public servants, a 25-year-old iKalinga brought pride to the province after graduating from the Philippine Navy Officer Candidate School this  2025.

Stephany Chris L. Ewos, from Lower Mangali, Tanudan, is the lone iKalinga in his batch to finish the said military course.

On Monday, July 7, during the provincial government’s flag-raising ceremony, Ewos received recognition from Governor James Edduba and other provincial officials not just for his achievement but also for bringing pride and honor to Kalinga.  

From a medical professional to a navy officer  

Despite having a stable job as a licensed medical technologist and a drug test analyst, Ewos made the decision to shift paths and enter the military service because he was inspired by his family.  

In his message during the ceremony, Ewos shared that the main reason why he decided to join the Navy was his family and his older brother whom he looks up to, also a uniformed personnel.  

Ewos’s mother is a public elementary teacher in Bulanao, Tabuk City, his father is a Police Chief Master Sergeant currently assigned in Calanan, and his brother, who graduated from the Philippine Military Academy, now serves in the Philippine Army. 

Apart from being inspired by his family, the young iKalinga admitted that joining the Navy is due to the high salary and support that come with being a military officer.  

“One important factor in making this decision was that military officers receive one of the highest salaries and most comprehensive benefits from the government, ensuring its stability and support not only for ourselves but also for our families,” he said.  

The third reason he mentioned is that the Philippine Navy has fewer officers compared to other branches, which gave him the chance to take on the challenge and grow within the organization.  

“I was also driven by the fact that there are still relatively few officers in the Philippine Navy, which makes it both a challenge and an opportunity to contribute and grow in the organization,“ he added.  

Message to iKalinga youth  

In a quick interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Ewos took the chance to encourage his fellow iKalinga youth, advising them to keep doing their best, keep learning, and stay rooted in faith in the almighty. 

As he begins his journey as a Navy officer, Ewos stands not only as a graduate but as a symbol of hope for other iKalinga youth who are still at the crossroads, deciding which path to take.