By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Rodrigo Duterte graced on Sunday, May 15, the commencement exercises of Philippine Military Academy’s (PMA) 214-strong Bagsik-Diwa class at Fort General Gregorio H. del Pilar, Baguio City.
The PMA held its first face-to-face graduation rites since the pandemic struck the country in 2020.
A total of 215 graduating cadets, composed of 165 males and 49 females are set to be reserved in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force.
Cadet First Class Krystlenn Ivany Quemado from Koronadal City, South Cotabato received the Presidential Saber Award as the class valedictorian and will be joining the Philippine Navy with the rank of Ensign.
Meanwhile, Duterte reminded the graduating class to defend, protect, and secure the safety of the nation as uniformed members of the army.
“Today, the man in uniform must be many things at the same time. If he is to be relevant to the changing times. He must be both a warrior and a peacemaker, an arms bearer and a pencil pusher, skilled in the art of war, and adept as a sick life saver, and offensive machine, and a fairs defender, a tribune and a diplomat, a soldier and a civil servant,” Duterte said.
He added that the military academy already prepared them for real life outside the academy, and advised them to reflect on their oath and actions.
“The Philippine Military Academy has sufficiently prepared you for all possibilities and all eventualities. The eyes of the Filipino people are upon you. Always remain true to your oath. By your actuations in public, the Philippine Military Academy shall be judged, you are the face of your alma mater.,” he added.
This is Duterte’s last visit to PMA as the commander-in-chief as he is set to end his term on June 30. -gb
