Trust in the Almighty and loyalty to the service.
Major Jerome Jacuba of the Philippine Army, a native of Buenavista, Guimaras, lives by these fundamental principles.
Jacuba has served in one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs in the armed forces, but his core values have helped him pull through.
He said that despite his predicament, he has not grown tried of serving the nation because his commitment is for the protection of the country and for his family.
A turning point in his life took place in March 2016. While in a combat operation against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao, he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). He lost his vision to the explosion.
“Pumutok sa harap namin, mga one (1) meter lang sa harap namin. Ako, mata ang napuruhan sa akin kasi nakayuko ako, kasi tinitingnan ko ang dinadaanan ko kung may mga indication ng bomba,” Jacuba said.
He was placed under complete disability discharge, or CDD. But the situation has never been a hindrance in serving the community further.
Jacuba’s story reached President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
The President suspended his CDD. From the rank of captain, he was promoted to major.
“Ito ay isang opisyal na itinaya na nga niya ang buhay niya para sa duty niya para ipagtanggol ang Pilipinas, at dahil sa ganyan ay basta't bibitawan na lang natin. Dapat bigyan siya ng promotion dahil sa katapangan niya at gawin na siyang major,” the President said.
In spite of his disability, Jacuba continues rendering service, which inspires fellow soldiers.
“I can do office work, Powerpoint Presentations, Excel work, nakaka-browse ako sa Internet, mga vlogs ko nga ako lang nag e-edit, that is why I am still productive despite of my disability,” Jacuba said.
In a message to his fellow men in uniform, he urged them to focus on what remains, not on what was lost.
“Lahat nang mga natamo ninyong sugat, pinsala o kapansanan sa inyong katawan, kapalit niyan ay kapayapaan ng ating bayan. Kaya ‘wag ninyong isipin ang mga nawala sa inyo, isipin ninyo ang mga natira sa inyo," Jacuba underscored.
