FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto met with the cast of ‘Descendants of the Sun’ Filipino remake and reiterated their important role in encouraging the youth to serve the country through their show, here today August 20.
During the courtesy call rendered by actors Dingdong Dantes, Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Rocco Nacino, Alberto expressed support as their show will highlight the Army's version of patriotism. “Ang training ng military, hindi lang yan puro giyera, meron ding pagrespond sa mga disaster [na] magagamit din sa buhay sibilyan lalo na ng mga kabataan,” said Alberto as he also recalled the recent training which most of the actors underwent in the Special Forces Regiment. “Kaya yung mga kabataan natin, i-encourage natin na mag ROTC or whatever positive training na pwede sila magtake-part,” he added.
Curtis, who will be playing the role of a doctor said, “I want to make sure na maiparamdam ko sa tao yung urgency na malaman itong mga basic life support skills na kahit di ka sundalo, you can be of aid”. She also wanted the youth to see every opportunity in helping the country. “I hope that they can see the importance of the role of the army at sana ma-enganyo din sila mag-join because it is such an important part of our nation to have a strong army,” she added.
On the other hand, Dantes highly appreciated the military trainings they have gone through as well as their exchange of communication with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ senior leaders that helped them prepare for the portrayal of their respective characters.
“Kapag sinabing dedication to flag, it goes beyond kahit anong political regime, kahit anong boundaries. It cuts across religion, it cuts across gender. Pangkalahatan talaga ang pagsisilbi para sa ating mamamayan and you need a certain level of sacrifice to do that at ‘yon yung binibigay ng ating kasundaluhan,” said Dantes. “It’s not all about war, it’s protecting the peace and reaching our communities. We are a very young country, it’s just a matter of giving them [the youth] opportunities na magflourish yung kanilang mga sarili and be inspired by the Armed Forces, by the military, ng kanilang disiplina at ng kanilang dedication.” he added.
Nacino, who extended his gratitude to the Filipino soldiers, also shared that doing their role has “a different sense of responsibility” to be portrayed and to be pulled-off.
“We are thankful to these artists who use their talent and influence to highlight the sacrifices of our soldiers in serving the country. We hope that their show will carry the message that will create the spark for all Filipino youth to contribute in nation-building,” said Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala.#
