“Committed in giving best service”: 27 iKalinga Navy graduates vow to protect nation, promote peace

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Twenty-seven iKalinga graduates of the Philippine Navy’s Sailor Basic Course (SBC) Class 78 vowed to serve the country with discipline, loyalty and patriotism, while Governor James S. Edduba urged them to use their profession to promote peace and discourage tribal conflict.

The graduates made the commitment during the Provincial Local Government Unit of Kalinga’s flag-raising ceremony on October 12, where Arlene Oggas of Dananao, Lacnog, Tabuk City, spoke on behalf of her fellow graduates.

“As members of the Philippine Navy’s Sailor Basic Course (SBC) Class 78, we are committed to uphold the core values of the Philippine Navy. We believe that knowledge strengthens our capabilities, duty reminds us of our responsibilities to serve our beloved country, the Republic of the Philippines,” Oggas said.

She said discipline and dedication would guide them in fulfilling their responsibilities, while loyalty would keep them faithful to the country, the organization and the people they serve.

Oggas also invoked the national flag as a reminder of the sacrifices of Filipino heroes, urging the graduates to serve with honor, integrity and patriotism.

“As future sailors of the Philippine Navy, let us continue to give our best in service and remain committed in protecting our nation's sovereignty and strategic interests,” she said.

Beyond their military responsibilities, Oggas urged Kalinga families to help raise young people who value discipline, courage and responsible citizenship.

Meanwhile, Edduba congratulated the graduates and urged them to carry their identity and traditional Kalinga values of Paniyaw, Ngilin and Bain wherever their duties take them.

He also challenged them to become advocates of peace and help discourage tribal conflict, particularly among young people.

Edduba’s call comes amid the continuing conflict between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes in Tinglayan, which has prompted security deployments and peace efforts in affected communities.

Drawing from his experience with the effects of tribal conflict on children and their future, the governor urged the newly trained sailors to use their influence as professionals to discourage violence.

“...dakayo ti mangirugi nga professionals nga usto ko man didjayen (tribal war) ta agkakabsat tayo ti profession, agkakabsat tayo ti Kristiyano, agkakabsat tayo ti pagi-inasawa, agkakabsat tayo bodong. Dakayo koma ti mangdiscourage kadagiti kakailyan yo…Usto daytan, madi dayta. Sunga, kadakayo nga uubing, kadakayo nga professionals ekketan tayo,” Edduba told the graduates.

The governor said the graduates, as professionals and members of the younger generation, have a role in encouraging their communities to reject violence and pursue peaceful ways of resolving disputes.

For the 27 new sailors, their entry into the Philippine Navy now carries not only the responsibility of serving the country but also the opportunity to represent their Kalinga roots through disciplined and honorable service.