President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘MADASIGON’ Class of 2023 to continue upholding democracy and the rule of law as they officially joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) after their historic and unprecedented commencement exercises at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday.
“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.
The chief executive made the remarks during the historic commencement exercises of the “MAndirigmang May Dangal SImbolo at Galing at PagbangON (MADASIGON) Class of 2023 where two parents – belonging to Class ’82 – graduated during the administration of his father, the late president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., exactly 41 years ago.
Police Gen. Miguel Laurel and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Eduardo Gongona from PMA Class 1982 are the parents of new graduates, Cadet Titus Laurel and Cadet Jose Eduardo Vivencio Lumbera Gongona.
“Our graduation and oath-taking were graced by President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos (PFEM). Today, PMA Class 2023 graduation and oath-taking [were] graced by the son, President Ferdinand Romualdez (Bongbong) Marcos (PFRM),” Gongona said.
He added that they sent their sons to the PMA “for free education and because of that vision to continue the legacies embedded therein.”
In his speech, Marcos also urged the MADASIGON Class to always adhere to the paramount ideals they have imbibed during their stay in the PMA.
“As you march forward [with] hearts full of pride and vigor, remain humble in yourselves and honor those who have nurtured you right since the inception of all your budding dreams and aspirations,” he said.
“And that is why this day is also a day to honor your parents, your families, your loved ones, as well as your mentors and your peers,” he added.
The chief executive also signed the pardon of punishment that were acquired by cadets during their training.
The President reminded the newest batch of military officers that their gratitude and appreciation to the country do not end with the kind words they say, but through their conscientious and responsible performance of their duties.
As the Commander-in-Chief, the chief executive assured the future AFP leaders of his full cooperation in the collective public service towards building a stronger and more resilient Philippines.
“As you encounter challenges along the way, apply the hard-won 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 said.
“Live up to the precepts that define your class identity — namely, honor, excellence, and ability to recover — and help lead our nation towards the progressive and prosperous future that we all aspire for,” he added.
At least 310 out of 28,000 PMA students officially joined on Sunday the capabilities of the AFP, braving the rigors of physical and mental training of the PMA.
Marcos also reiterated his relentless pursuit for the AFP Modernization Program through important military asset acquisitions and upgrades as he emphasized that the government is also undertaking a comprehensive study to improve the social protection for the military and the uniformed personnel.
The chief executive said that he recently signed into law the amendment to Republic Act No. 11709, which aims to further strengthen the professionalization and merit system of the AFP, paving a modern and professional organization for the new graduates.
The PMA is both a military and educational organization providing preparatory training to future commissioned officers of the AFP. It was formally created through Commonwealth Act No. 1, or the National Defense Act on December 1, 1936.
Of this year’s graduates, 158 (123 males and 35 females) will join the Philippine Army (PA); 76 (57 males and 19 females) will join the Philippine Air Force (PAF); and 77 (59 males and 18 females) will join the Philippine Navy (PN).
This year’s top graduate, Cadet First-Class Warren de Guzman Leonor, of Lipa City, Batangas, will join the PAF.
Leonor received the Presidential Saber awards along with the Award of Excellence (Cum Laude), Philippine Air Force Saber, and the Joint United States Military Assistance Group Saber, among others.
Class MADASIGON’s top 10 graduates are as follows:
1. Cadet First-Class Warren Leonor
2. Cadet First-Class Edmundo Logronio
3. Cadet First-Class Nicole Sarmiento
4. Cadet First-Class Zhen Zhen Cayton
5. Cadet First-Class Rez Mark Cantor
6. Cadet First-Class Rojan Macario
7. Cadet First-Class Samuel Banac
8. Cadet First-Class Kimberly Kate Lawingan
9. Cadet First-Class Jay Fernandez
10. Cadet First-Class Arla Krish Bahingawan [PND]
