PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday told the new graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to cling to the values of courage, integrity and patriotism and to live up to the teachings of honor, excellence and resilience so they may not “lose their way,” especially when faced with extreme challenges.
The President, in addressing the commencement exercises of the PMA Masaigon Class of 2023 at Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar in Baguio City, also told the 310 graduates who officially joined the Armed Forces (AFP) to remain humble and to honor those who taught them and supported them by serving the people and the country well by upholding democracy and the rule of law.
“As you join the military’s ranks, continue to fuel your undying and genuine love for country and commitment to public service. In all your tasks, diligently work for unity, respect for democratic ideals, institutions and mechanisms, and the rule of law,” Marcos said.
“As you encounter challenges along the way, apply the hard lessons that you have learned while in the halls of the academy, clinging to the values of courage, integrity, and patriotism. That way, you will never lose your way,” he added.
The valedictorian of this year’s Madasigon (Mandirigmang May Dangal Simbolo ng Galing at Pagbangon) said the 310-strong class is ready to serve the Filipino people.
In his valedictory address, Cadet First Class Warren Leonor, 22, the son of a retired Air Force soldier from Lipa City, Batangas, said the members of the class are “equipped to render our services to our nation.
“We will continue to be guided by the core values of courage, integrity and loyalty in all our endeavors particularly as we serve at the forefront of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.
“To the Filipino people we are ready to serve you,” added Leonor of his class which is composed of 239 males and 72 females now holding the rank of second lieutenant.
Marcos bestowed on Leonor the Presidential Saber Award. Leonor also received the Award of Excellence (Cum Laude), Philippine Air Force Saber, and the Joint United States Military Assistance Group Saber, among others.
Majority or 158 members of the class will join the Army; 77 will go to the Navy while 75, including Leonor, will serve with the Air Force.
The President said the graduates have been trained and prepared well to face the daunting challenges that await them outside of the PMA grounds even as he affirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to support the modernization of the AFP as well as to promote the well-being of the soldiers through reforms and programs in the military service.
Marcos said apart from the acquisitions and upgrades of more military assets, the government is determined to provide social protection for the military and the uniformed personnel, citing the recently-signed law on the rationalization of the AFP ranks.
“Existing realities and the rapidly evolving security environment impel us to be always prepared for any and all threats that our country may face. Purveyors of criminality, insurgency and terrorism are the great interlopers in our peaceful aspirations that undermine our peace and our stability and our march to prosperity in our sovereign domain and its environs. To this end, we are relentlessly pursuing the AFP modernization program through important military asset acquisitions and updates,” he said, as he assured the future AFP leaders of his full cooperation in the collective public service towards building a stronger and more resilient Philippines.
During the event, Marcos also signed the pardon of punishment that was acquired by cadets during their training.
‘CHALLENGES’
Leonor recalled the “unprecedented challenges” they went through as cadets due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he said these were “not enough to break us bodily and in spirit.”
“We were unable to celebrate our recognition day with our loved ones and make the most of semestral breaks due to surging COVID 19 cases,” said Leonor.
Leonor expressed gratitude to those who helped them graduate from the academy, including their parents who he said are the “source of their inspiration.
“You are the reason we strive for greatness, the reason we are eager to finish our journey here,” said Leonor.
He also thanked their mentors, professors and upper classmen “for the valuable lessons that enabled us to survive the rigors of our cadetship.
“To all our underclassmen, we are grateful to you for providing us with the opportunity to grow as leaders. Your remaining years in the academy will pass by quickly so take it one day at a time,” said Leonor.
He also recognized two members of the class who died at the academy — Darwin Dormitorio who died of hazing in September 2019 and Mario Telan Jr., who drowned at the academy’s swimming pool in November 2019.
“To our dear mistahs (classmates) who have departed, Cadet Darwin Dormitorio and Cadet Mario Telan Jr., you will forever be a cherished part of the Madasigon class of 2023,” he said.
Leonor urged his classmates to realize the value of their hardships and victories at the academy and live their lives equipped with the “knowledge and values imparted to us.
“Let us be leaders who relentlessly pursue the welfare of others, recognizing that there is always an opportunity to serve,” Leonor said.
PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Rowen Tolentino said the graduating members of the class came from a “very diverse background.”
“Let me cite a few. All regions of our country are represented. Seventy-two or 23 percent are female and 238 or 77 percent are male. Fifty-nine percent are high school graduates but, of course, with honors,” said Tolentino.
“Thirty-four percent came from low-income families, 22 percent from the middle class, six percent from high income and up. The rest are either lower or upper middle class,” added Tolentino.
He said the parents of the graduating cadets include farmers, tricycle drivers, sidewalk vendors, construction workers, teachers, overseas workers, engineers, medical professionals, militiamen, and military uniformed personnel who are either active or retired.
Tolentino said two of the graduating cadets were sons of members of the PMA class of 1982 who graduated during the time of the President’s father, the late president Ferdinand E. Marcos.
“Now, 41 years apart, you will be graduating their sons,” said Tolentino, referring to the incumbent president.
During the ceremony, Tolentino urged the graduating cadets to applaud their parents and guardians.
“They are the ones to whom you are greatly indebted, the ones who unceasingly showered you with love, care and support regardless of their status in life. That paved to way for this milestone in your career. They were the ones who molded you for 17 to 22 years prior to your entry into the academy,” he said.
He said the cadets are the “best of the best, a precious jewel and all the academy did was to grind and polish that jewel.”
Tolentino extended his utmost respect to the cadets “for choosing to follow a life committed to serve our country and people.”
Tolentino said he hopes the graduates, faced with “heavier responsibilities and overwhelming tasks” as military officers, will not “run out of reasons to continue with your sworn oath and passion to be of service to our nation and people.
“Continue to lead by the ideals of courage, integrity and loyalty inculcated to you by the Philippine Military Academy,” said Tolentino.
“Lastly, while you continue to widen your knowledge and sharpen your skills, may you never forget to continuously develop your character. As you progress in rank, always remember that you will be judged not merely by the number of suns or stars on your shoulders but by how you lead and inspire people,” said Tolentino. — With Victor Reyes
