A mother’s story: Who is PAF Maj. Jude Salang-oy?

Losing a son, especially at a young age, is one of the most difficult things to accept for a mom. For the mother of fallen iKalinga hero PAF Major Jude Salang-oy, even with such heaviness of heart, she said her grief is somehow tempered by a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the man her son became. 

During the necrological service held by the Kalinga PLGU at the Provincial Capitol on March 12, Sylvia Salang-oy shared the journey of raising Jude, whom she described to be always destined for greatness. 

According to Sylvia, when she and her husband Benjie were still trying to conceive a child, they were already spending time together praying for a name for their future children.

The name had to carry special meaning. But it wasn’t just about the name. The couple also prayed for a son who would grow up to become a great leader, someone who would bring pride not just to their hometown of Tabuk, not just the province of Kalinga, but beyond. 

“Adda pay lang diay tiyan isuna ket, we were already calling him Jude. So, kayat ko met lang nga i-share kanyayo that the night we conceived Jude, we prayed that we would have a son who would become a great leader. Haan lang nga dituy Tabuk. Haan lang nga dituy Kalinga,” Sylvia shared.

Jude already knew what he wanted since he was a child

From a very early age, Jude knew what he wanted to be. Sylvia shared that since his kindergarten days, Jude had his heart set on becoming a pilot in the Air Force. 

However, Jude's life swiftly shifted to an unexpected moment. When he was in Grade 3, his father passed away. That time was a profound loss for the young boy, but he pushed forward, transformed his grief into determination, and entrusted his journey to the almighty.

Then, Jude worked hard through high school and college, focused on fulfilling the dream he had held onto since childhood. 

“Idi kindergarten na, talaga nga adda idiay puso na ti agbalin nga air force. Adda iti heart na ti agbalin nga piloto. Pero idi grade 3 isuna, natay ni father na. So, when he was in high school and in college, the only way nga ma-fulfill diay dream na ket, sumrek isuna ti PMA,” Sylvia recalled.

Jude’s journey to the Philippine Military Academy was a pivotal moment in his life. Though his dream had always been the Air Force, fate had other plans for him.

After his PMA selection, he was assigned to the Army instead. However, when he graduated and ready to report for duty, an unexpected twist happened.  His classmate, Raff, offered to switch places with him, and Jude’s long-held dream of joining the Air Force was realized. He then finally became the pilot he had always wanted to be. 

“Before nagi-submit da, naki sinnukat ni Raff kanyana, insukat na didiay army idiay air force, isu nga natungpal met lang diay wish na nga agbalin nga piloto,” Sylvia added.

Looking back on her son’s life, Sylvia expressed immense pride in the man Jude had become. She fondly recalled how she never encountered problems or complaints about her son, saying, “Dinmmakel isuna nga awan ti naging problema mi kanyana”. 

In spite of the great sorrow of losing her son, Sylvia conveyed profound appreciation for the tremendous help her family received from the PAF, friends, relatives, and fellow iKalingas during this challenging time.

“Thank you very much. Daydiay aldaw nga panagbirbiruk da kanyana ket agyaman nak unay ti panaki kararag yu kanyami,” she expressed.