Panayam kay 1LT Cielo Rose Dolorican ng Philippine Army
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NewsTranscript
00:00 It is an inspiring story of a female soldier
00:03 that we will talk about for the celebration of International Women's Day.
00:08 To share her story, we will talk to 1st Lieutenant Celo Rose Dolorica of the Philippine Army.
00:16 Ma'am, good afternoon and welcome to the new Philippines.
00:19 Good afternoon, sir. Good afternoon, ma'am.
00:22 First of all, how many years have you been in the service and how many combat missions have you led?
00:29 I graduated in 2018 and most of those years, I was a combat leader as a platoon leader and as a company commander.
00:39 So, I have led quite a few combat operations.
00:43 That's amazing.
00:45 Yes.
00:45 I can't even think of a platoon combat leader.
00:48 Yes, they say that's their baptism of fire.
00:51 After PMA, they go straight to the line of fire. Is that so?
00:56 Yes, we were trained as platoon leaders after graduation.
01:01 So, that's what we usually do upon deployment.
01:05 Speaking of combat missions, can you share with us, Lieutenant,
01:10 the last mission that you led and how did you achieve victory from that mission?
01:17 Last February 2023, a concerned citizen reached us with the presence of an armed group in Barangay Guillaume, Cahuayan, Masbate.
01:29 After receiving that information, as per the order to maintain peace in the province of Masbate,
01:38 we prepared a plan and executed a combat operation.
01:42 While we were patrolling, there was a gunshot and the encounter transpired.
01:49 It's painful to think about it, but we had a citizen who died in that encounter
01:57 and we were able to get decalibrated weapons during that encounter.
02:03 In your side, were there any injured or killed?
02:08 Or was it just on the side of the NPA, your enemy?
02:11 Yes, NPA. Luckily, nothing bad happened to our troop and our group.
02:19 Ma'am Dolorican, as a female Army, how did you fight the stereotyping
02:25 because most people think that men's profession is different from women's?
02:31 So, that's actually the greatest misconception that being a soldier is only for men.
02:38 There's no doubt that the Philippine Army has come a long way
02:43 in terms of appreciation of gender equality and gender inclusivity.
02:50 So, on a personal note, to avoid stereotyping, I ensure that I carry or I act how I want to be treated.
02:59 I show what I can do that I'm not different from them.
03:07 We are given the same training, so we have the same capabilities as our male counterparts.
03:15 What inspired you to join the Philippine Army?
03:20 How old are you now, ma'am?
03:23 No, because we're like aunties and uncles.
03:26 But it's so nice. It's such an honor to be with someone like you today,
03:30 especially on a day like today, Happy International Women's Day.
03:33 What made you enter the Philippine Army?
03:38 Growing up, I saw a lot of uniformed personnel, specifically the Army, in our area.
03:47 It is actually a childhood dream.
03:49 I was inspired by how they serve their country and fellow Filipinos.
03:55 That's also my project. I want to be like that.
03:59 I want to serve our fellow Filipinos and our country.
04:03 Didn't your parents get angry?
04:05 I heard that Carnell is a young guest in the family.
04:10 Is she your only daughter?
04:13 At first, I took an exam in PMA without their knowledge.
04:18 You're really determined.
04:19 Yes. Later, they accepted that that's what I really wanted to do.
04:25 They supported me and until now, they're proud of what I've accomplished as an Army officer.
04:34 Lieutenant Schellos, after serving in the military for several missions,
04:38 can you give us an example of how you tried your leadership in an unexpected situation?
04:45 How did you overcome it?
04:47 For me, each mission, each combat mission is unique.
04:52 It requires different leadership skills and decision-making skills.
04:59 I consider each combat mission a challenge to my leadership and to my ability as an officer.
05:07 I overcame that through the conduct of thorough planning.
05:11 A good plan helps me prepare for a combat operation.
05:19 As the International Women's Day is being held today,
05:24 can you give us three things that motivate you to succeed in your career, especially as a woman?
05:35 First, God. We can do nothing without God.
05:40 He must be the center of all the things that we do.
05:43 Second, my family. They give me inspiration and strength as an individual.
05:51 Lastly, my fellow Filipinos. I can serve and help them.
05:58 I saw the situation of the masbatenyo when I was in the field.
06:05 Somehow, I wasn't directly able to address their problem.
06:11 At least, I was able to bridge them with other agencies and departments of the government
06:18 so that I can help them with their needs.
06:22 Can you give a message to the women who are watching us now?
06:26 First of all, Happy International Women's Day.
06:32 Wherever we are, whatever we do, let us make excellence as our way of life.
06:37 Let us be each other's support system.
06:41 Thank you very much for your time, First Lieutenant Cielo Rose Dolorican of the Philippine Army.