JACUBA
ILOILO CITY – The 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army welcomed back blind soldier Major Jerome J. Jacuba this week in Camp Peralta, the Army headquarters in Capiz province, where he began his military career as a trainee.
"He reminds us that the strength of a soldier is not measured by what he has lost, but by what he continues to give. His return to Camp Peralta is a powerful testament to resilience, duty, and love of country,” said 3rd ID commander Major Gen. Michael Samson.
A native of Guimaras Island, Jacuba gave an inspirational talk to fellow soldiers in Camp Peralta in Jamindan town where he focused on his service after losing his eyesight in 2016 when he stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Maguindanao.
“My ability is stronger than my disability. We must focus on what we have, not on what we’ve lost,
I may no longer have my sight, but I still have my purpose and my heart for service and that is more than enough to keep moving forward,” Jacuba said.Jacuba appeared a week after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) honored his service, with AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. visiting him.
Jacuba was promoted from captain to major.
“His story reinforces the Army’s commitment to honoring and supporting wounded warriors who continue to serve despite physical limitations," added Samson.