Of 150 graduates of CAA Basic Military Training in Isabela, the lone woman in the group is from Kalinga

Gamu, Isabela - In a class of one hundred fifty military trainees, only one was a woman, and she is a mother from Kalinga.

Novie Lyn Baliling, from Tanudan, stood out not only for being a mom to graduate from the Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) Basic Military Training  but also for her courage to take on a role traditionally dominated by men.

Baliling completed her training at the 5th Infantry “ Star” Division (5ID), Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz in Barangay Upi, Gamu, Isabela. The graduation ceremony, as reported by the  infantry unit on its Facebook page, was held on May 30, 2025, with a total of 150 new CAAs officially joining the force.

The event was led by Colonel Camilo Saddam, the Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retirees Affairs, who reminded the graduates to carry what they learned during their training into their future roles.

The graduates also took an oath before Col. Bernard Ragus, Director of the 202nd Community Defense Center, officially welcoming the graduates into the Army’s reserve force.

In a post-graduation interview, Baliling shared the personal struggles she encountered during the training, particularly as a woman among 149 men.

She expressed how the experience transformed her, impacting her not only physically but also emotionally and mentally. As a mom, she acknowledged that it was challenging to keep pace with the men, yet she discovered a method to adjust and gain their respect through collaboration and dialogue.

“Natuto po kami ng disiplina, responsibilidad, more on behavior…Marami pong nabago po sa amin. How to control yourself… Bilang isang nanay, actually, ma'am, mahirap makipagsabayan lalo po pag nakikita mo puro sila lalaki. Kaya ang ginawa ko nalang po maam is ako nalang nagadjust po, nakikipagusap ako sa kanila at kapag nakikita nila nagaadjust din naman sila sakin, sa attitude ko,” she shared.

Baliling, along with these new members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), will support military efforts in protecting the country’s peace and sovereignty.