Elvies Dammay, a proud Igorot from Tanudan, Kalinga, has fulfilled his lifelong dream of joining the uniformed service. On May 23, 2024, at the age of 31, Dammay officially became a corrections officer after completing a challenging six-month Corrections Officer Custodial Basic Course. His hard work and determination paid off, as he graduated at the top of his class with an impressive average score of 94.61% among 504 graduates of Class 01 - 2023 "Payonirus."
From Educator to Officer
Before stepping into his role as a corrections officer, Dammay spent three years shaping the future of criminology as an instructor at Kalinga Colleges of Science and Technology in Bulanao, where he himself had graduated. He took pride in watching many of his students achieve their goals of joining various uniformed services.
Reflecting on his journey, Dammay shared:
"Marami na po ang naging studyante ko na nasa iba't ibang serbisyo as uniformed personnel at katunayan nga po naging senior ko pa ang marami dito sa BuCor."
Although Dammay found fulfillment in teaching, the call to serve in a uniformed role remained strong. With this in mind, he decided to take a bold step and applied to the Bureau of Corrections last year.
Navigating the Challenges of Training
Dammay's path through the Corrections Officer Custodial Basic Course was not without its challenges. Serving as the Class Vice President and Brigade Adjutant, he had to balance leadership responsibilities with the demands of the training program. Time management was critical, yet his main focus remained on completing the course successfully, rather than topping his class.
One of the toughest challenges he faced was the emotional strain of being away from his family for six months, with no communication allowed. The physical and mental demands of training were intense, but Dammay's determination never faltered. He drew strength from his family, whose support fueled his perseverance.
Family as a Driving Force
Throughout his training, Dammay's family remained his greatest source of inspiration. Their unwavering support kept him motivated, even during the most difficult moments. Reflecting on his journey, Dammay acknowledged that his hard work and dedication have finally paid off, enabling him to fulfill his dream of serving in the Bureau of Corrections.
Other Topnotchers from the Cordilleras
Several Cordilleran graduates also achieved top ranks in the Corrections Officer Custodial Basic Course, showcasing the region's strong representation and excellence:
- CO1 Elizabeth Sawi of Mountain Province (2nd place)
- CO1 Roxanne Tumapang of Tinglayan (5th place)
- CO1 Ilona Sayud of Tinglayan (7th place)
- CO1 Keith Baculi of Tanudan (9th place)
- CO1 Reden Rojado of Pinukpuk (10th place)
These exceptional graduates were awarded a plaque and a medal for their outstanding performance.
The Road Ahead
Dammay's transition from a criminology instructor to a top-ranking corrections officer exemplifies his dedication and resilience. His success, marked by an impressive 94.61% average, is a testament to his hard work and perseverance.
The achievements of other Cordilleran graduates, including CO1 Elizabeth Sawi, CO1 Roxanne Tumapang, CO1 Ilona Sayud, CO1 Keith Baculi, and CO1 Reden Rojado, also highlight the region's strong presence and excellence in the corrections field. Their accomplishments further underscore the talent and determination emerging from the Cordilleras.
As CO1 Elvies Dammay begins his career in the Bureau of Corrections, his journey, alongside the achievements of his peers, serves as an inspiration to others aspiring to join the uniformed service. Their collective success demonstrates that with determination, support, and hard work, remarkable achievements are within reach.
