Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur — Two soldiers with the Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion (53IB) were recognized Monday, December 29, 2025, for topping their respective Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Basic Courses, a testament to the unit’s focus on professional development. It begs the question: what does consistent investment in training mean for operational readiness in a complex security environment?
Soldiers Honored for Excellence in NCO Training
The 53IB celebrated the achievements of two enlisted personnel who demonstrated exceptional performance in their recent NCO courses.
- Corporal Manolito Macapobre Jr. graduated first in his class.
- Corporal Aljerico Alferez placed fifth in a separate NCO course.
- The recognition ceremony took place at Camp Major David Sabido.
- Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Vargas Jr. emphasized the battalion’s commitment to excellence.
What factors contribute to success in military NCO training programs? Consistent training, leadership development, and a merit-based system of recognition are key to building a highly capable force, according to the 53IB.
Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Vargas Jr., commander of the 53IB, led the recognition rites during a flag-raising ceremony at Camp Major David Sabido, the battalion’s headquarters. Certificates of Recognition were presented to Corporal Manolito Macapobre Jr., who achieved the highest score in the Infantry NCO Basic Course Class 935-2025, and Corporal Aljerico Alferez, who secured 5th place in the Adjutant General Service NCO Basic Course Class 89-2025.
Vargas stated that the recognition “affirms 53IB’s commitment to motivating its personnel to pursue excellence and uphold the highest standards of service in support of the Philippine Army’s mission.” The ceremony wasn’t just about handing out certificates; it was a deliberate effort to foster pride, inspire others, and reinforce the battalion’s dedication to a culture of continuous improvement.
The event highlighted the critical role of training excellence in developing a disciplined, capable, and mission-ready force. By prioritizing the professional development of its soldiers, the 53IB aims to maintain a high level of operational effectiveness and contribute to the overall success of the Philippine Army.
