Male nurse tops Army course

MANILA, Philippines—From caregiver to warrior.

Marc Henri Fermin, a registered nurse from Barangay Look in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, completed the Army’s Candidate Soldier Course on Thursday at the head of the 96-member Class 291-2011.

The second- and third-placers were criminology and computer science graduates.

The new soldiers also cross-trained in jungle warfare in Camp Macario Peralta Jr., headquarters of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division in Jamindan, Capiz.

Their graduation showed that the military is making headway in attracting professionals from other fields.

In fact, the Army said, more professionals are now joining the military due to its effort to recruit and retrain “the best and the brightest.”

Fermin topped his class with a general average of 90.26 percent in all evaluated subjects, academic and nonacademic.

His class trained from Dec. 2, 2011, to May 16.

Fermin received the Commander Award from Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., 3ID commanding general, during the closing ceremony on Thursday.

Benjie Artuz of Barangay Agdahon in Cuartero, Capiz, graduated No. 2. He is a criminology graduate and has passed the board.

The third placer was Kenneth Edmun Hilongos, from Purok Datu Kaka, Cotabato City. He is a computer science graduate.

Johnry Bryan Villafuerte, from Barangay Managupaya in Banate, Iloilo, received the Physical Proficiency Award for getting the highest rating in the physical fitness aspect of the training.