MANILA, Philippines - Military chief nurse Nelia Buenaflor stood at attention while troops from various military outfits saluted her for the more than 30 years of service rendered to the uniformed services.
Last Friday’s military parade held at the Camp Aguinaldo parade grounds was accorded to Buenaflor who retired as chief nurse with the rank of brigadier general in the technical services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Instead of joining fellow schoolmates in seeking greener pastures abroad, Buenaflor, after finishing her nursing course at the University of Sto. Tomas and later passing the nursing board examination, opted to serve in and devote her time to the military.
“She applied for commission in the Nurse Corps, AFP and was called to active duty on Jan. 16, 1980 and since then she’s been always at the side of our sick or wounded soldiers. She deserves this military honor,” AFP Public Information Office chief Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos said.
Buenaflor has been assigned to various military hospitals and advance military medical treatment facilities, including those in Mindanao.
These assignments earned the respect not only of her fellow medical colleagues but the military combatants themselves.
Buenaflor’s retirement last Friday earned her the distinction as one of the five women generals in the AFP technical services who have successfully completed their tour of duty.
“We are proud to have a committed and passionate soldier like Brig. Gen. Buenaflor. I hope that more soldiers will be inspired to do their utmost best to contribute to the fulfillment of our mandate,” AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Oban said.