Within the New People’s Army (NPA), Red fighters learn various professions. In advancing the struggle, they also act as teachers, lawyers, artists, singers, nurses, or doctors, and other occupations, all for the interest of the oppressed masses.

This is what Comrade Sey learned, a young fighter currently operating in the Bicol region. Since childhood, she had dreamed of becoming a doctor despite knowing her parents couldn’t afford to send her to medical school.

“What value does two hectares of land hold for five siblings when life is hard and there’s barely anything to survive on?” she said. Comrade Sey knew that studying and graduating from a bourgeois school required millions. She barely managed to take her first step into college because her meager earnings as a working student couldn’t cover school expenses.

The revolutionary movement was not new to Comrade Sey. Her parents were active Party members in their locality. She grew up often interacting with comrades.

She was captivated by the NPA, which led her to join the people’s army. “The NPA really had a strong impact on me. Every time I got back home after visiting them, I felt like something was missing,” she said. “It was like love at first sight.”

Being in the army gradually deepened her understanding of things. Along with her fellow fighters, she studied society and revolution, daring to practice what she learned.

“But most exciting is that I can continue my dream here—to become a doctor!” Comrade Sey said.

Recently, along with 11 others from various NPA-Bicol units, she graduated from a medical training program launched in a Norben Gruta Command guerrilla base. This was a major success in advancing revolutionary work. It prepared the Red fighters to provide free medical services to the peasant masses.

Upon her graduation, Comrade Sey became a full-fledged combat medic.