Ilocano runner receives PMA Athletic Saber

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 16): Ilocano runner receives PMA Athletic Saber

A seasoned Ilocano runner is this year’s Athletic Saber awardee of the Philippine Military Academy(PMA).

Cadet First Class Mark Rolly Bacani bested the 123 other graduating cadets of PMA Puso’t Dangal ng mga Kawal ng Lahing Nagkakaisa or Pudang Kalis Class of 2013 to receive the athletic saber award.

On Thursday, prior to the graduation ceremonies, Bacani received the Athletic Saber from Mayor Mauricio Domogan during the Athletic Parade Honors at the Borromeo Field at Fort del Pilar, here.

The 22-year old runner from San Fernando City in La Union has consistently been running in long distance races since his entry to PMA.

He has joined numerous national running events like the annual Milo Marathon and the Subic International Marathon where he excelled.

During his freshman year, Bacani bagged a bronze medal in the 5,000 run event of the Baguio–Benguet Educational Athletic League and won the Philippine National Police Academy – PMA Dual Meet 10 kilometer cross country run.

Aside from running, Bacani also plays arnis, chess and volleyball.

Bacani will be among the 124- strong Pudang Kalis Class of 2013 who will be receiving their diplomas from President Benigno Aquino III during their graduation rites on Sunday, March 17.

Last year, female cadet Zaporah Gabino Dalang of Tinoc, Ifugao was the Athletic Saber awardee from among the 187-strong BAGWIS or Bagong Kawal na may Iisang Lakas Class of 2012 composed of 168 males and 19 females.

Dalang was the third woman to receive the athletic saber award after the country’s premiere school started accepting women cadets in 1997. The others were also Cordillerans, Jessie Rose Bucalen of Bulanao, Tabuk in 2002 and Janice Matbagan of Baguio City in 2011.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=41363315597