NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Uphold Democracy And Rule Of Law - PBBM To PMA 'Madasigon' Class
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) 'MADASIGON' Class of 2023 to uphold democracy and the rule of law as they joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) after their commencement exercises at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City.
President Marcos emphasized the importance of love for the country and commitment to public service, urging the new graduates to diligently work for unity, respect for democratic ideals, institutions, and the rule of law.
During the historic commencement exercises of the MADASIGON Class of 2023, President Marcos acknowledged the significance of the occasion as two parents from the Class of '82, Police Gen. Miguel Laurel and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Eduardo Gongona, graduated exactly 41 years ago during the administration of his late father, President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
The President signed the pardon of punishments acquired by the cadets during their training and expressed his gratitude to the parents, families, mentors, and peers who supported the new graduates throughout their journey. He reminded the future military officers to remain humble and honor those who nurtured their dreams and aspirations.
President Marcos assured the new AFP leaders of his full cooperation in building a stronger and more resilient Philippines. He encouraged them to apply the values of courage, integrity, and patriotism they learned at the PMA to overcome challenges and lead the nation towards a progressive and prosperous future.
At the commencement exercises, 310 out of 28,000 PMA students officially joined the ranks of the AFP, demonstrating their commitment and dedication to endure the rigorous physical and mental training. President Marcos reiterated his support for the AFP Modernization Program and emphasized the government's efforts to improve social protection for military and uniformed personnel.
He highlighted the recent amendment to Republic Act No. 11709, which aims to strengthen the professionalization and merit system of the AFP, paving the way for a modern and professional organization. President Marcos also mentioned ongoing efforts to acquire important military assets and upgrades to further enhance the capabilities of the armed forces.
The PMA, established in 1936 through Commonwealth Act No. 1, serves as both a military and educational organization that provides preparatory training to future commissioned officers of the AFP. Among this year's graduates, 158 will join the Philippine Army, 76 will join the Philippine Air Force, and 77 will join the Philippine Navy.
Cadet First-Class Warren de Guzman Leonor from Lipa City, Batangas, was recognized as this year's top graduate. He received several awards, including the Presidential Saber, the Award of Excellence (Cum Laude), the Philippine Air Force Saber, and the Joint United States Military Assistance Group Saber.
The top 10 graduates of the MADASIGON Class are Cadet First-Class Warren Leonor, Cadet First-Class Edmundo Logronio, Cadet First-Class Nicole Sarmiento, Cadet First-Class Zhen Zhen Cayton, Cadet First-Class Rez Mark Cantor, Cadet First-Class Rojan Macario, Cadet First-Class Samuel Banac, Cadet First-Class Kimberly Kate Lawingan, Cadet First-Class Jay Fernandez, and Cadet First-Class Arla Krish Bahingawan.
President Marcos emphasized the importance of love for the country and commitment to public service, urging the new graduates to diligently work for unity, respect for democratic ideals, institutions, and the rule of law.
During the historic commencement exercises of the MADASIGON Class of 2023, President Marcos acknowledged the significance of the occasion as two parents from the Class of '82, Police Gen. Miguel Laurel and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Eduardo Gongona, graduated exactly 41 years ago during the administration of his late father, President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
The President signed the pardon of punishments acquired by the cadets during their training and expressed his gratitude to the parents, families, mentors, and peers who supported the new graduates throughout their journey. He reminded the future military officers to remain humble and honor those who nurtured their dreams and aspirations.
President Marcos assured the new AFP leaders of his full cooperation in building a stronger and more resilient Philippines. He encouraged them to apply the values of courage, integrity, and patriotism they learned at the PMA to overcome challenges and lead the nation towards a progressive and prosperous future.
At the commencement exercises, 310 out of 28,000 PMA students officially joined the ranks of the AFP, demonstrating their commitment and dedication to endure the rigorous physical and mental training. President Marcos reiterated his support for the AFP Modernization Program and emphasized the government's efforts to improve social protection for military and uniformed personnel.
He highlighted the recent amendment to Republic Act No. 11709, which aims to strengthen the professionalization and merit system of the AFP, paving the way for a modern and professional organization. President Marcos also mentioned ongoing efforts to acquire important military assets and upgrades to further enhance the capabilities of the armed forces.
The PMA, established in 1936 through Commonwealth Act No. 1, serves as both a military and educational organization that provides preparatory training to future commissioned officers of the AFP. Among this year's graduates, 158 will join the Philippine Army, 76 will join the Philippine Air Force, and 77 will join the Philippine Navy.
Cadet First-Class Warren de Guzman Leonor from Lipa City, Batangas, was recognized as this year's top graduate. He received several awards, including the Presidential Saber, the Award of Excellence (Cum Laude), the Philippine Air Force Saber, and the Joint United States Military Assistance Group Saber.
The top 10 graduates of the MADASIGON Class are Cadet First-Class Warren Leonor, Cadet First-Class Edmundo Logronio, Cadet First-Class Nicole Sarmiento, Cadet First-Class Zhen Zhen Cayton, Cadet First-Class Rez Mark Cantor, Cadet First-Class Rojan Macario, Cadet First-Class Samuel Banac, Cadet First-Class Kimberly Kate Lawingan, Cadet First-Class Jay Fernandez, and Cadet First-Class Arla Krish Bahingawan.
May 21, 2023
