Pres. Duterte rells new PMA graduates to be vaguards of hope; catalyst of change

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 12): Pres. Duterte rells new PMA graduates to be vaguards of hope; catalyst of change

President Rodrigo Duterte urged the Philippine Military Academy Class “SALAKNIB” of 2017 to be vaguards of hope and catalyst of change.

The President who was the guest of honor and speaker in the PMA commencement exercises today at the Borromeo Field in Fort del Pilar here, also urged the graduates to stay true to their class name and defend the country with all their honor and might.

SALAKNIB stands for Sanggalang ay Lakas at Buhay Para sa Kalayaan Ng Inang Bayan. In Ilocano, salaknib means defend.

As the graduates move to their new journey as military officers, the President said there are challenges that will not only require intellectual and physical capabilities but sound moral and judgment as well.

“It is not only your enemies but the entire world that will test, tempt, corrupt and pressure you. But as long as your heart and mind remain in the right place whom you have pledge to serve, remember your roots and remember the people”, he told them.

He expressed hope that the values of learnings from the PMA be engrained in their hearts and guide them wherever life leads them.

“You have been trained and molded like all other cavaliers but your true self make the officer-soldier and leader in you”, the President added.

The President acknowledged the 167-strong Class of 2017 for making record as the first in PMA history to have 8 women in the Top 10 of the graduating class and for having the most number of female members (63). This breakthrough he said is a fitting tribute to mothers, daughters and sisters as the world celebrates Women’s Month.

The class is led by Rovi Mairel Valino Martinez of Cabanatuan City who received the Presidential Saber from the President.

Aside from Martinez, 43 other newly commissioned officers are joining the Philippine Navy, 33 to the Philippine Air Force and 90 to the Philippine Army.

Meanwhile, the President assured the Armed Forces of the Philippines that the government will provide proper equipment, weapons and firearms in to make them more effective in pursuing its mandate of assisting other law enforcement agencies in battling crimes illegal drugs and in undertaking relief efforts during disasters.

He also assured the support of government to all soldiers for their valor and unwavering courage in defending the country.

The President earlier in his speech expressed sympathy to the bereaved families of soldiers killed by the enemies and assured them that the sacrifices of their loved ones will not be in vain. He committed that the government will look after their needs.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/21489308833/pres-duterte-rells-new-pma-graduates-to-be-vaguards-of-hope-catalyst-of-change-